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Richard Polhemus Obituary
Richard F. Polhemus, Sr.
Resident of Auburn
Passed away on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at the age of 67. Born April 27, 1943, Rick was raised in New Jersey and later attended Iona College where he graduated with honors and played basketball. He married his wife Barbara on October 2, 1965 and the couple recently celebrated 45 years of loving marriage this year. Rick and Barbara moved to Northern California in 1974 and raised their three children in Saratoga, CA before retiring to Auburn, CA in 2002.
Rick worked as a successful Sales and Marketing executive for over 30 years with a variety of Silicon Valley companies.
A selfless man, Rick had a true passion and love for life, his family and his friends. As a husband, a father, a grandfather and a friend, he touched countless lives with his generous, loving and charismatic spirit. Never one to shy away from a game of basketball, a round of golf or biking with friends, Rick thrived on being active. Family was the most important aspect of Rick's life. His six granddaughters, who affectionately referred to him as "Pops" were his pride and joy and he treasured his time with each of them. He brought the same positive presence with which he raised his own children to these six little girls. Too many good memories to recount, his family and everyone who knew him will miss him beyond measure.
Rick is survived by his wife Barbara; his sons Rick Jr. and Scott; his daughter Carrie; his brothers Skip and Tom; and his six granddaughters Kelsey, Sloane, Skyler, Harper, Cassie and Hayley. His spirit will be in their hearts forever.
A memorial service and mass will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, November 1 at St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Auburn, CA. His family has requested in lieu of flowers donations be made to Cristo Rey Network of Schools at www.cristoreynetwork.org or the NativityMiguel Network of Schools at www.nativitymiguelschools.org. Please sign the guestbook at chapelofthehills-auburn.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Polhemus
toby gibson
October 23, 2022
Gone but not forgotten
Peggy and Jim McConnaughay
November 27, 2010
Dear Barbara and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Rick was such a wonderful man that loved his family and life.
We will miss him so much.
Again, please do not hesitate to call if there is anything we can do for you. We are just a phone call away.
Our thought and prayers are with you all.
Michael Ayres
November 24, 2010
Aunt Barbara, I love you! Rick, my Uncle, my Confirmation sponsor, playing football after Thanksgiving dinner at the park, my tour guide of San Francisco, a very important male role model in my life. Until we meet again in Paradise. I love you!
November 20, 2010
Barbara, Rick, Scott, Carrie and families
We were saddend to hear of Rick's death. Never will we forget his passion for soccer; Because of his fairness, enthusiasm and integrity Saratoga's sports leagues were most fortunate to have been blessed with Rick as a leader. What a wonderful human being he was and we know you will miss him dearly.
With deepest condolences,
Frank and Mary Marolda and family
November 14, 2010
Hi Barbara,
Josh just told us the very sad news about Rick. Alan and I are so sorry.
You're in our prayers. We love you.
Alan and Caroline Bennett
Chuck Bradford
November 7, 2010
Barb: Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. We were out of the country at the time, or we would certainly have attended the memorial service. We will all miss Rick's kindness and friendship as well as his cheerfulness on the golf course.
Dick & Maggie Delnevo
November 4, 2010
Barb, Gary Lewis sent us Rick's Obit, what a shock. Stay Strong, You will have the support of Rick, Scott and beautiful
Carrie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless
Thomas E. Bierman
November 1, 2010
To the family of Rick Polhemus -
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the passing of Rick Polhemus. Almost every Sunday night during the school year of 1961-1962 Rick and I would take a long walk to the other side of New Rochelle and get together with Rick at his boarding house to attempt solving the complex Physics homework that was assigned by Brother Bullen at Iona College. I will never forget Rick's talent at solving those complex problems. Rest in peace, Rick.
Tom Bierman
Class of 1961 - Bergen Catholic High School
Class of 1965 - Iona College
November 1, 2010
Rick was a friend of mine at Bergen Catholic HS. I enjoyed watching him play basketball for the Crusaders but most of all I enjoyed his friendship for the four years we were at BC. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and may he rest in peace.
Pieter J. Ketelaar M.D. '61
Edward Joseph
November 1, 2010
I remember Rick in high school as an excellent athlete and someone who had an inner peace and strength beyond his years. I'm a lector at Saint Mary's in Yonkers and will have Rick remembered at all the Masses next Sunday. May your fond memories of him carry you through this difficult time.
Edward A. Joseph, Class of '61
Weizen-Kuang-Ben Wei
November 1, 2010
Dear Barbara,
Rick was such a kind gentleman to many. We, the Wei family, enjoyed his warm friendship and sense of humor, admired his passion for family, esp. love to grandchildren. We'll carry on his torch and let Hayley and Cassie know what a wonderful grandpa they had.
Pls take care of yourself until we meet in Xmas..
Wei Wei
November 1, 2010
Dear Barbara,
It is only half hour to Rick's memorial service. Because my health, I can not attend it personally. I am extremly sorry for that. But it has been totally shocked and sad news to me and my family since we heard this news.
Rich was a great guy and we remembered his politeness, gently heart and warm smile everytime we saw him. He will be missed by all of us.
Wei Wei, Yar Wei, B.Y. Sun and Eric Batts
1:30 PM, Nov. 1st 2010
October 31, 2010
Barbara, We were so saddened to hear about Rick's passing. We have wonderful memories of him during our Brookside years. Our hearts go out to your family. Please be comforted by our sincere thoughts and prayers for all of you during this time.
Steve & Diane Randesi
Gary and Valerie Hooper
October 31, 2010
Barbara,
We will always remember Rick that last time we saw him, smiling and larger than life. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn & John Argent
October 31, 2010
We will always remember Rick for his boundless enthusiasm, happpiness and spirit. He was one of Winchester's truly nice guys.
Barbara, our thoughts are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
October 31, 2010
Barbara, we will always remember Rick as just a wonderful, genuine man - friendly and kind to everyone. We feel so fortunate to have known him and will remember the fun time we all had together just recently in Carmel.
Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob and Sue Wood
October 31, 2010
Barbara, All of us at the Boys & Girls Club were so saddened to learn about Rick. He was such a vibrant and generous soul, always there to help the kids at the Club, and I will dearly miss him. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family. Bonnie McAdams
Kelley Kelso
October 31, 2010
Rick was always happy and positive to be around. I am glad to have known him. I send love to the Polhemus family!
Michael Jordan
October 31, 2010
Barbara, I had the privilege and pleasure of spending four years with your husband at Bergen Catholic High School. He is one of my fond memories of that institution. Few men carried themselves through life as I am sure your beloved Rick did. My deepest condolences to you and yours.
October 30, 2010
Barbara, Rick was always kind and friendly. A truly generous, nice guy. Please know that we are thinking of you and the family at this very difficult time.
With our deepest sympathy,
Lori & Tom Williams
Steve & Candrah Savin
October 30, 2010
Barbara, we were very fond of Rick, and will miss him. He was always so full of vitality, and so positive, welcoming and encouraging to others. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this sorrowful time. Steve Savin & Candrah Smith
October 30, 2010
Barbara,we were so sorry to hear about Rick. Many wonderful memories Gary and I have talked about at Brookside with both of you. He will be fondly remembered. Toby & Gary Gibson
October 30, 2010
Barbara,
Lisa and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Rick was an incredible man that I respected and admired. Our thoughts and prayers are with you...
Sincerely,
Geoff & Lisa Podgorny
Earl Koberlein
October 30, 2010
What a wonderful man, always inclusive, always welcoming. Our new friend gone to soon. Rick's bigger than life smile and enthusiasm were contagious. We were new to the community, Rick was the first to welcome us and extend his friendship. We will miss the opportunity to know him better. Barbara, our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and Rick's many friends.
Earl and Barbara Koberlein, (Meadow Vista,Ca)
Laura & Denney Daetz
October 29, 2010
Barbara, our hearts are broken for you and your family. You are all in our prayers and in our thoughts. Rick was so warm and welcoming to us as newcomers to the neighborhood and Denney enjoyed his company on the golf course so much. Rick's smile and jovial nature filled the room. We will always remember him with great fondness.
October 29, 2010
Barbara:
Rick was always such a postive and exuberanbt guy. We are pleased to count both of you as our friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Duane and Veronica Hoover
James & Kathy Harris
October 29, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kim and Ted Algren
October 29, 2010
Barbara, We will miss Rick's exuberant smle, love of life and friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
Ray and Carmel DeMars
October 29, 2010
Barbara,
Our prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.. God Bless.
October 29, 2010
I met Rick through the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Auburn. He was a valuable member of the Board for several years and was always willing to lend a hand even after he left the Board. We will all miss his high energy and good spirits. Our thoughts and prayers are for his family.
Patrick McKee
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