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Richard McVay Obituary
August 1, 1951 - August 31, 2022
Turlock, California - Richard Allen McVay passed away August 31, 2022 at his home in Turlock.
He was born on August 1, 1951 to Irene and Willie McVay in Modesto California. Richard… everyone called him Rich, went to Modesto High school along with his brothers and sisters. He graduated from Modesto High School in 1970. His high school years were spent in sports and he lettered in wrestling and gymnastics, which is where he excelled. He did get a scholarship to Chico State for gymnastics, but instead he married his high school sweetheart Linda Horton. They had 2 children, Richard and Michelle. Michelle blessed Rich with 2 grandchildren, Kasie and Nels Jr. Kasie then again blessed Rich with 2 great-grandchildren, Austin and Kira.
Over the course of his 50 plus years working career he worked as an electrician. First for companies locally and then moved to commuting to the Bay Area until he landed his dream job of working for Modesto City Schools in the maintenance department as a journeyman electrician, where he continued his job until retirement in 2019.
On June 25th, 1983 he met Debbie Olson in Modesto and she and Richard were married May 26, 1984. They had 38 wonderful years in which they enjoyed traveling, one of their favorite trips was a Caribbean cruise. Also camping, training and raising horses, and boating; Rich loved to fish and they spent many hours on the water on his boat together. He also had a Harley for a time that they enjoyed riding. His most recent pride and joy was a BLUE Dodge Challenger. Their home in Turlock was purchased in April 2004 and is where the couple loved to call home the past 18 years.
Rich was a force of nature, and when he was commuting to the Bay Area his nickname was Rambo. You can guess why. Richard was a bright spark in this world that went out too soon and will be deeply missed by many.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Denair Community Center, 3850 N. Gratton Road in Denair, CA on Saturday, September 17, at 11:30 a.m. Please come and share your memories of Rich.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard McVay
Mike Scoto
September 16, 2022
Rich was not only a friend of mine but also like a brother. We met at Modesto City Schools in 1989 and have been friends ever since. I always looked forward to him coming by my school site to do work as i would hang out with him and catch up on all the latest fun he was having in life. There was always stories of him going to the casinos and coming home a winner. He loved to talk about his high school years and his gymnastics. My boss at the time went to high school with Rich and was fast to acknowledge what a stud he was in the sport. We also connected on our home lives as we both were ranchers raising horses and cattle. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help anyone who was in need. He was a great person who touched many lives.My prayers go out to his family in this time of sorrow. Rich you will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Until we meet again brother.
Susan Cheary Luper
September 10, 2022
I am deeply saddened by the news of Richard´s death. He was a dear friend in high school and later at Modesto City Schools. I send heartfelt condolences to the family. Sincerely, Susan Cheary Luper
Karen Overstreet
September 9, 2022
Thinking of you Debbie, so sorry for your loss.
willie mcvay
September 8, 2022
Rip uncle Richard. An my deepest condolences to his family
Gloria Williams
September 8, 2022
Brother ,Tell Mom, Daddy, Shirley,Billy, Joe, Tootie, and Donald that I love and miss them
Nancy Tetrick
September 8, 2022
I knew Rich from MCS. I taught in one of the oldest buildings in the district, the original library at Burbank Elementary, and that room came with some odd problems. Rich was the master! Fixed all the lights (which smelled like tuna fish, even explains why) and was always so warm, friendly, and helpful. We did, of course, talk dogs. He loved them. My sincere condolence, to Debbie and the families.
Toni Duralski
September 7, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
Rena Swanson
September 7, 2022
I will not be able to attend his Celebration of Life. Rich was my "crab feed" buddy.
I loved him and I will forever have an empty place in my heart.
Prayers for the family.
Rena Swanson
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Funeral services provided by:
Turlock Memorial Park & Funeral Home425 North Soderquist Road, Turlock, CA 95381
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