Richard Warren Craigo

Richard was born April 30, 1934 to Lelia (née Wilson) and Col. Richard Lester Craigo in Hot Springs, Arkansas. After graduating from the University of Arkansas, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he piloted the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star.

Richard moved to Southern California in 1960. He took a job at Pasadena’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he worked as a contract negotiator on the landmark “Ranger Program,” consisting of the first U.S. moon lander (unmanned). He attended law school at night and graduated with honors from USC Law in 1966. He was admitted to the California State Bar the following year.

Richard had been enamored of horse racing since childhood, often sneaking off to attend races at Hot Springs' Oaklawn racetrack. He would eventually combine that love with his knowledge of tax law, establishing himself as California’s premier equine tax attorney. In 1976, Richard became the youngest President ever elected to the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), California Division, representing all thoroughbred horse owners and breeders in the state. He served as HBPA’s National Vice-President from 1977-1979.

Throughout his career, Richard represented the breeders, owners, and trainers of some of history’s greatest racehorses and joined them in the Winner’s Circle of the Kentucky Derby year after year. His career took him to races as far as Dubai, and he became closely acquainted with some of Hollywood's most iconic celebrities. His devotion to his clients never wavered, and he continued working even in his final hours.

Horse racing was just one of Richard’s many passions. He was also an avid reader and lover of history, art, science, literature, politics, travel, and music. He would often say that knowledge is humanity’s greatest gift and that we owe it to ourselves to never stop learning or expanding our horizons.

Above all, Richard was a loving and devoted father and grandfather. Though generally reserved and cerebral, he displayed a special warmth and vulnerability when it came to his family. His door was always open, he was always ready to listen, and his shoulders became a place to cry on whenever his daughter Brittany was in need.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Lelia (“Cis”) Wright and Ann Dougherty; and his nephews, Craig Wright and Harry Kenneth “Butch” Dougherty (Cathy). He is survived by his daughter, Brittany Maldonado (Mark); his cherished grandchildren, Hannah and Micah Maldonado; devoted niece, Stacy McDaniel (Jim); nephew, Bob Dougherty; niece, Patty McLean; and his great-nieces and great-nephews. He will also be missed by his assistant Crystal Banks, whom he loved like family; his dear friends Carron Martin and Noreen Sullivan; and many other clients and confidants.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to a charity of your choice. Take that trip abroad you’ve always dreamed of, visit a museum, or read some excerpts from his two favorite speeches — Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” and Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. Learn something new about the world. That’s what Richard would have wanted.