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Richard Ackley Obituary

Richard Holmes Ackley September 7, 1926 – June 15, 2012 Richard Holmes Ackley, 85, passed away in Grand Junction, CO on Friday, June 15, 2012, after an extended illness. Dick , the youngest of six children, was born September 7, 1926, at home in Fairfield, ME. He graduated high school at sixteen, studied at University of Maine, and received his BS in engineering at Worchester Tech by 19. He was a veteran in WWII. He continued his education getting his masters in engineering from Harvard, his MBA and JD in law from Northeastern University where he taught business classes years later. He began his career as an engineer at NASA labs, then moved back to Massachusetts where he met his wife of 56 years, Joan, and began his 30 year career at Raytheon Co. He worked there as an engineer and program manager later relocating to Santa Barbara, CA. He loved the fabulous weather and outdoor living in Santa Barbara, including his yard full of fruit trees. Dick was always an athlete, playing baseball and basketball in high school and college. He was a life long Red Sox fan. Later in life, he took up golf and tennis. He taught all of his children to play tennis. He was a tough competitor and always enjoyed playing in tournaments with his friends, his wife, and children. He spent a lot of time coaching and watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports and took great pride in all of their successes. His greatest joy came from his family. He was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He had a quick wit, big smile, and the ability to cheer anyone up. He was a man full of honor and integrity. He is survived by his wife, Joan Ackley; his children, Dr. Stuart (Andrea) Ackley of Grand Junction, CO; Alice (Bob) Cherry of McLean, VA; Dr. Scott (Nancy) Ackley of Terre Haute, IN; eight grandchildren, Krista (Phil), Robby (Lizz), Kaitlin, Amanda, Rebecca, Cassandra, Brooke, and Laney, and two great grandchildren, Patrick, and Alice Finley. He was a wonderful man with a heart of gold who will be missed and never forgotten by all who knew him. His funeral will be held in Santa Barbara, CA on July 6th 2012. Condolences may be left for the family at www.MartinMortuary.com.

Published by The Daily Sentinel on Jun. 22, 2012.
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Dear Ackley family,
You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of our best friend and travel partner, Dick. Dick and Joan were our best friends for many years. Bob & Virginia Hankins

June 29, 2012

Dear Aunt Joan, Stuart & Andrea, Alice & Bob, Scott & Nancy and all the extended family,
We are all deeply saddened by the passing of our dear Uncle Dick. He was a wonderful man in so many ways. He was first and foremost a loving family man; a son, brother, husband, brother-in-law, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle. He was an accomplished athlete, student, military man and business executive. He was respected and admired by everyone that knew him and he will be greatly missed. We will hold all the dear memories of family times we shared together in our hearts. Our love and prayers go out to you all. You have our deepest sympathy.
With all our love, Lois, Dick, Beth, Richard and Mary Alyssa Peterson

Richard and Lois Peterson

June 23, 2012

Hi "longtime" neighbors,
We are sorry for your loss, and wanted you to know that our thoughts and love are with you at this sad time.
Sam and Connie Marquez - Camino Molinero

June 23, 2012

We will all miss Uncle Dick. His ready smile and advice to us all will be treasured.
With sincere sympathy, Barbie and Charlie and family

June 23, 2012

Dear Stuart and family, We extend our sympathies in the loss of your father.
Sounds like he was a wonderful man and he will be missed. You are in our thoughts. Sincerely, Steve and Judi Axthelm

Steve and Judi Axthelm

June 22, 2012

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