Richard Valdez

1944 - 2017

May 7, 1944 - May 4, 2017
Richard Valdez joined our Heavenly Father on May 4, 2017 at the age of 72. He lived a humble life and was an extremely hard worker. Richard, a realism artist, received his early training in the commercial art arena. This training created a combination of a strong sensitivity and a discipline geared toward a basic foundation in drawing. He has focused his painting technique, design, and creative skills on canvas, preferring to use oils as his natural medium. Richard served his country in the early 60's as a Lithographer in the United States Navy. From 1968 to 1975, he worked for the City of San Antonio as an Illustrator for the Traffic Department. He attended San Antonio College, a local art school, and graduated in 1975. He worked as an Illustrator/ Exhibit Specialist from 1975 to 1978, and was also Chief of Graphics for Impact Productions from 1979 to 1985 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. From 1985 to 2015, he was Chief of Medical Graphics for Electronic Multimedia Imaging Center (EMIC), Branch at Fort Sam Houston.

Every artist gets his start in his own special way. It's as if the artist inside the person is waiting for the opportunity to emerge. As a child growing up in San Antonio, Richard was surrounded by inspiration. His early development was attributed to The Big Chief Tablet. Richard was proud to carry the tablet, and he spent hours drawing the cover image of the Indian Chief resulted in the emergence of a truly talented artist - the boy was discovering who he would become.

Like many artists who find inspiration in their natural environments, he had a deep fascination and interest in western art and portraits. This was evident in his beautiful and realistic style.

Richard's love and appreciation for the history and aura of the West and all it incorporates are evident. This was especially heightened in his mastery of Western art and portraits. Horses, Buffalo, and longhorn cattle were a few of God's creatures that he enjoyed bringing to life on canvas. It is easy to be transported back in time to the Old West when viewing his work. We can almost feel the dust blowing, the heat pulsating around us, and perhaps even pick up the scent of well-worn saddle leather. Through the mastery of his incredible vision and talent in oil, we can stand amongst the longhorn cattle, feel the Old West and sense its wildlife.

Every great artist speaks to the individual viewer on a personal level. For the art enthusiast, a captivating work of art is something that is felt as much as seen.

He was known for always loving and helping people. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by daughters Kourtney Valdez (Richard) Trevino, Dana Valdez, Erica Valdez, Beth Parsons, and Amy Hayden. Seven grandchildren, Joel, Erin, Leah, Colin, Allison, Madelyn, and Sloane; two great-grandchildren Gabriel and Hayden; two sisters Gloria Ferrini and Vilma Conrad; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Olivia and Reynaldo Valdez, and sisters Marie Sherwood and Viola Provance.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the amazing team of doctors and providers that helped during the course of his healthcare. Lovelesh Manocha MD, M. Reza Mazini MD, Jaweed Sayeed MD, Heather McKenzie MD, Carolina Arias MD, Luis E. Velez MD, Rosanna Estrada NP and Holy Savior Hospice.

Visitation will start at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm at Porter Loring Chapel on McCullough Ave. FUNERAL SERVICE THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017 AT 9:00 AM AT PORTER LORING CHAPEL ON MCCULLOUGH AVE. WITH A PROCESSION AT 9:45 AM TO FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY. In lieu of flowers donations to the Artist Foundation of San Antonio. You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com.

Arrangements with