Richard A. Ganong

Richard A. Ganong

February 21, 1922 Nov. 2, 2002

Services: Wed. Nov. 27, 4:15pm

Dick was born in Fullerton, California on February 21, 1922. He passed to the Lord on November 2, 2002. He was with his family at home in Bakersfield. Dick was a third generation Californian who loved its mountains. He taught his passion for skiing to his children and grandchildren, who included professional skiers and a U.S. National Team racer. Dick obtained his first pilots license in 1938 at the age of 18. He could not fly during the second World War due to his color blindness. But his ROTC training at the Colorado School of Mines prepared him to be assigned to Fort Belvoir, VA as a second lieutenant training army combat engineers. Dick married his high school sweetheart, Janet Koch of Fullerton in 1944. He completed his tour of duty with the Army Corps of Engineers, and returned to complete his professional engineering degree in petroleum engineering at the Colorado School of Mines.

In 1947 Dick and Jan moved to the Central Valley to take a position with General Petroleum Corp. Dick started his private consulting petroleum engineering and geology practice in 1955. He explored for new reservoirs of oil and gas in California with companies like Occidental Petroleum and McCulloch Exploration. Dicks working association with others resulted in the discovery of the Tulare Lake Field. Dick was a registered professional engineer and a registered geologist with the State of California. He was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, American Association of Petroleum Geologist, American Petroleum Institute, and California Independent Producers Association. In the 52 years of his practice Dick developed a reputation for honesty, integrity and selfless work. All who knew Dick professionally in the oil industry recognized his passion for the oil business.

During his professional practice, Dick took up flying once more. He became an instrument rated multi-engine and jet prop qualified private pilot. Dick loved to fly his airplanes to visit his well locations, his family and his friends. Dick also developed a keen interest and pleasure in the game of golf as well. He had been an early member of the Bakersfield Country Club and was an active member of the Stockdale Country Club. Dick taught his family by example. His children learned what it meant to be a gentleman, and advocate, a scientist, an engineer, an outdoor enthusiast, a husband, a father, a grandfather and an inspiration.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years and the love of his life, Janet K. Ganong, Bakersfield; Sons Dr. Richard B. Ganong, North Shore Lake Tahoe; Stephen A. Ganong, Mammoth Lakes; Philip W. Ganong, Esq. Bakersfield; and daughter Barbara L. Ganong-Gilbraith P.E., Golden, Colorado and his ten loving grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Gloria Johnson, Balboa Peninsula.

His remains were interned in Fullerton. A memorial service will be held at 4:15 p.m. on November 27th 2002 at the Stockdale Country Club.