Richard Steven Atlas

Oh my gosh! I was just thinking of Rich and of all of his wonderful energy he exuded in everything he did. His positive energy still lives within me and is frequently called upon as the gateway to move past any inner resistance to our work in the communities. He was empathetic, and responsive to the needs of others - and I am grateful for his influence as I strive to continuously work to become a better person. Thank you to my friend, Rich - during these difficult national times, I call upon...

Rich is gone but never forgotten. From time to time, I still go to the phone to call him and when I realize he is not going to be there to answer, a shadow creeps in around me. But then, I remember all of the good energy I felt when we connected, the cloud disappears and I am left with the precious, warm memories and feelings that will live forever as I try to pay it forward whenever I can. Thank you Rich, you created a meaningful life on earth that I will cherish forever.

I am really saddened to learn of Rich's passing. I first met Rich in the late 1980's through business. I was a newly minted graduate and was profoundly and positively influenced by his ability to engage me in genuine discussions. He listened. When I decided to make a major career change, he made himself available to me and offered sound advice. I will never forget it. In later years, I had the opportunity to get to know Rich in a different capacity as we both spent time supporting St....

I still can't believe that my dear friend and mentor has left us. But, I do feel is everlasting presence in everything I do - with the enthusiasm, faith, love, keep striving for excellence and for improving and making a differences in the lives of everyone you come in contact with. You were the light and continue to be - never to be forgotten.

Of all the fine people I met throughout the years at UCLA, New York, Miami and traveling throughout Latin America, Rich was the most inspirational. I always felt that he gave with all of his heart. He was always available no matter what the situation was and I always felt a brighter light moving forward after visiting with him. I met Rich at UCLA as a student, we stayed connected throughout my career - and what started out as a mentor who helped me break into Wall Street, he became a friend...

My son Chris, and I took care of the Atlas's pool for about 27 years. Richard and Leslie have treated us like a friend or a family member, never a service provider. Richard would come out to greet us with a firm hand and a hug. Often we would stand by the pool and share stories of our families, good, bad or indifferent. Richard was so proud of his family, it always showed through when he smiled. He was personable, and a funny man with a huge heart. Knowing Richard made you want to be a...

Richard was one of the most kind hearted people I have ever met. My father and I cleaned his pool for 20 years and he was always super personable and treated us like family. He was just a genuine human with the biggest heart. I will always remember all our talks, all the laughs we had. My father Jim and I really cared about Richard and my heart goes out to Lezlie and the entire family.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Rich when I moved to LA in 2013. I feel so blessed that I did. He was always fully present when we met, generous with his advice and interested in everything. He was deeply thoughtful and a seeker of truth. Whenever we met for lunch he made a point of getting to know the wait staff and using each of their names in a genuine and personal way. He made everybody, high and low, feel seen. This was a very conscious effort on his part. He never took his good...