Richard A. Pimentel

I met Richard on a South African wild life safari on two different trips, along with Dan Piel, who was also a professor at Cal Poly. I kept in touch with Dan for many years, until he passed away.

Because I took Dr. P´s Natural History classes 55 years ago I´ve now become a tide pool docent on retirement. He made a lasting impression!

I was a student of P in the 70s, talked with him at many meetings afterward, and consulted him on esoteric aspects of biostatistics on at least two papers. Those students who got past the seemingly gruff exterior got to know him as a warm human being, passionate teacher and scientist. I remember in particular our class field trips to study the morphometrics of lupines, including stops at Pozo Saloon !

I never perform a statistical test without thinking of Dick. He was a seminal...

As a student of Dr. Pimentel in the 60's I learned so much about the local environment and, unlike other courses, that knowledge stayed with me. Forty-six years later I had the gift of re-connecting with Richard at swim therapy. It was a joy to hear that wonderful laugh again and have the chance to get to know him and Rhonda as friends. He will be greatly missed by so many. Wherever you are, may your laughter continue.

I had Dr. Pimentel as an instructor at Cal Poly. I enjoyed his great sense of humor. I also was a friend of Nina. I am sorry for your loss.

I was privileged to work with Dr. Pimentel for 29 years in the Biological Sciences Department at Cal Poly. I always admired him for his knowledge, teaching skills, and the rapport he had with his students. He set the pace for the rest of us in the department. Dick already had 11 years of service when I joined the department in 1963, but we both retired together in 1992. Dick, Rhonda and I were the only members of the department to be regular participants in our local Mardi gras celebrations,...

Our family knew, respected, admired, and learned from Dr. Richard Pimentel. In public we addressed him as Dr. or Richard - but around the campfire or over gin and tonics in our cabin, he was just Dick. We will always treasure our vacation adventures with Dick, Thelma and Nina whether in Wyoming or California. Dick we will always remember your smiling eyes and 6'7" laugh. We'll "hoist" one for you in Wyoming on October 26th and throw some wild flowers into the breeze for your Mardi Gras...

Rhonda and Family,

We share your sorrow at Richard's passing and we send love and sympathy to you all.

I was a member of Richard and Rhonda's Krewe, the Sybarites, and loved the company of both during Mardi Gras. Richard had a wonderful laugh and was such an intelligent, fun, and gifted teaser: he was one of the good guys and I was so lucky to have known him.