Richard M. D. Childs Jr.

Richard M. D. Childs, Jr. March 27, 2012 Richard M. D. Childs, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Tuesday, March 27, 2012. Dick was born and raised in Boise, Idaho as the only child to parents Richard Sr. and Louise Ashley Childs. Dick served in the US Navy and is a WWII Veteran. He completed the V-12 program at the University of Colorado and attained his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Idaho. He had just started his Master's program at Stanford University when his father unexpectedly passed away and Dick returned home to manage the family investment business. Dick married the love of his life, Janet Yvonne Hawkins (Boise, ID) in 1959. Knowing Jan's love of travel, he applied for his first passport prior to their marriage as a promise to travel the world with her. With a shared desire to be near San Francisco, they purchased a home in San Anselmo, Marin County, CA. They had 2 daughters, Monica and Julie and lived in their home for over 50 years before recently moving to Brentwood, Contra Costa County, CA. Dick was a great father with a wonderful, yet subtle sense of humor and loved April Fools Day. Dick developed a passion for cooking sharing his dishes with friends, family and the community. He enjoyed boating, photography, and was a self-trained Home Improvement Specialist. Dick was a man of high intellect, an avid reader of non-fiction, and remained knowledgeable of current events. He enjoyed meeting new people, being involved in the community, and made lasting relationships with people of all ages. Dick started his career as Director of the Budget and Director of Administration for the State of Idaho from 1956 - 1961 and it is believed that at 30 years of age he was the youngest person in the U.S. to hold this position. After moving to CA, he was hired as the Director of Finance and Business Affairs for Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA. During these years he served on 18 accreditation committees assisting many colleges in securing their university status (including St. Mary's College in Moraga, CA). He retired after 20 years, and then commuted to El Cajon, San Diego County, CA to manage the failing East County Performing Arts Center turning it into a profitable venture for the city after a few short seasons. Dick was a long-time member and past president of St. Andrew's Society of San Francisco and also served as Senior Warden at St John's Episcopal Church in Ross, CA. He was a Mason, involved in Rotary, and member of the Wine & Food Society for Northern California, as well as serving on the Boards of Sunny Hills Services and Geyserville Inn. Then finally in their golden years, Dick and Jan were able to travel the world as they had once dreamed. Dick is survived by his beloved wife of almost 53 years, Janet, daughters Monica (Eric) Henderson and Julie (Joe) Haley; and 3 grandchildren Tyler, Michael, and Ashley. Dick is also survived by his wonderful brothers-in-law Donald (Marilyn) Hawkins, Richard (Barbara) Hawkins, and families. There will be a Memorial Service celebrating Dick's life on Saturday, April 28th, 1pm at St John's Episcopal Church, 14 Lagunitas Road, Ross, CA (415-456-1102). Donations in Dick's memory may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, St. Andrew's Society of SF, or the American Diabetes Association.