Richard Earl Haddock

Richard was born May 17, 1933 in Los Angeles, California to Eleanor and Lorry Haddock of Pacific Palisades. Richard attended El Segundo High School between the years 1948 and 1952. During his time at El Segundo High School, Richard was a standout All-American swimmer and water polo player under legendary coach Uhro Saari. After High School, Richard went to Santa Monica City College and continued swimming and water polo under John Joseph. Richard not only graduated with an Associate of Arts degree, he also met the love of his life, Shirley Renner.

Richard started his lifelong career while still in High School with the Los Angeles County Harbors and Beaches in 1950 as a recurrent lifeguard. He became a permanent lifeguard in 1956. Richard soon worked his way up the lifeguard ranks and became a Lt. Lifeguard and served over 37 years. Those who worked with him said he was strict but fair. To this day, the Dick Haddock Race (a run, swim, run race around Point Dume), a 42-year lifeguard tradition, still challenges lifeguards and honors the lifeguard and waterman that served as a mentor to those that served under him. His son, Lorry, followed in his footsteps as a permanent lifeguard at Zuma for 34 years.

Richard entered active service with the United States Coast Guard in 1954 and actively served in San Pedro, California for two years as an Engineman 2 and then served as a reservist for six more years.

Richard and Shirley married June 5, 1955, and soon after moved to a house on Zuma Beach to start their family. They had two children: son, Lorry and daughter, Wendy. They lived an idyllic life on Zuma Beach until the early 60’s when they had to move to make room for a parking lot at the beach. They moved to Thousand Oaks and started their next chapter in life in their new home in this new community. They soon developed lifelong friendships with their surrounding neighbors.

Richard and Shirley enjoyed travelling. Their travels literally took them around the world and inspired them to build a home in San Jose del Cabo, Baja California. After retirement, Richard and Shirley spent their time between Mexico and Thousand Oaks.

Richard was predeceased by Lorry and Eleanor Haddock, and sister Beverly. He is survived by his wife Shirley, Lorry Haddock (Veronique Haddock), Wendy Milligan (Ron Milligan), grandson, Parker Milligan, and brothers, William Golian and Michael Myers.

A celebration of life will be held at Zuma Beach on May 26 at 10:00am.