Richard Hoffman Varian

Richard Hoffman Varian 85, of Queen Creek, former resident of Saddlebrooke, Tucson, passed away on April 24, 2011. He is survived by Dorothy, his loving wife for 61 years and his four children, Sue (Marvin) Hettinger, Camas, WA, Katherine (Bill) White, Chandler, AZ, Barbara (Tom) Barrett, San Mateo, CA and son, Jim Varian, Duluth, GA. He is beloved by his five grandchildren, Eric Hettinger, Steven and Laura White, Jennifer and Kimberly Varian. Richard was born in Dearborn, Michigan and he joined the Navy as a radar technician during World War II right after completing high school. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Physics Engineering. He moved to San Diego and Orange Counties in southern California for a career in aerospace. His projects included telecommunication systems for Atlas missiles, the Apollo Program and the Space Shuttle. He was also involved in developing the first imaging-camera for the Hubble Space Telescope. After retiring from engineering, Richard became a Registered Financial Planner and a Certified Life Underwriter. He took great pride in personally helping his clients in the Saddlebrooke Community and Tucson area for 18 years. A man of faith and a lifelong musician, Richard celebrated both passions by singing in church choirs with his wife for over 40 years. He also loved playing his favorite tunes on the piano for family and friends. Civic involvements included charter membership in Catalina Mountain's Elks Lodge #2815 where he and Dorothy assisted with the Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser, Children's Christmas Shopping, and the Elks National Scholarship Program. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2011 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 20615 E. Ocotillo Rd., Queen Creek, AZ. Richard will be cremated and interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1562 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Academy or any charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to QUEEN OF HEAVEN MORTUARY.