Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, after college Richard left the Michigan snow for San Diego with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Drawn to powerful engines, Richard found work on military aircraft in the booming aeronautical industry.
First with General Dynamics, Richard worked on the F-111. For 26 years on North Island, Richard worked mostly on the FA-18 fighter jet. The job took him to Japan, the Philippines, Finland, and to ships at sea including the USS Midway. At North Island, he was a dependable regular with the Wednesday night bowling league.
A Pacific Beach resident for 50 years, early on Richard lived at the Bay Inn, making friendships that continue to this day. He loved walking around his Pacific Beach neighborhood. As a young man, he loved to water ski on Crown Point with a friend who owned rental property, inspiring Richard to try his hand at being a rental owner. As a landlord, he strove to be considerate and fair.
An adventurous traveler, Richard’s early journeys extended to Africa, China, and the Amazon. He also enjoyed powerful engines in his personal life, first driving a green Corvette and later riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
After 50 years as a bachelor, Richard married Elizabeth in 1994. Together they traveled frequently, as far as French Polynesia and to much of the US, Canada, and Alaska, often by cruise ship, paddlewheel boat, and train. Yearly jazz festivals at Mammoth and Chandler, AZ, were favorite road trips. Richard and Elizabeth were happiest just being together.
He became a member of Pacific Beach United Methodist Church, serving on the Board of Trustees, often working directly on church properties.
With a twinkle in his eye, Richard was by nature a happy man known for keeping things light and funny with a humorous quip. In the last several years despite enduring health challenges he intrepidly carried on with much dignity and without complaint. Richard loved life, accepted everyone, gave unconditional friendship, and displayed unending patience.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth, brother David (Linda), sister Bonnie, aunts Jean and Avis, several nieces and a nephew.
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