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BORN
1934
DIED
2022
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RICHARD WADDELL Obituary
WADDELL
Sept. 10, 1934 Oct. 11, 2022
Richard James Waddell passed away October 11, 2022, at the age of 88. He was in his home in El Centro, CA with his beloved wife of 62 years and his youngest daughter when he passed.
He was born on September 10, 1934, to Orla and Helen Waddell in Cherokee, Iowa. After attending school in El Centro, Richard graduated from UC Berkley and became a Civil Engineer, eventually starting his own company, Waddell Engineering, Inc. One of his favorite hobbies was trains. He collected and operated O scale model trains and loved to photograph real trains in the field.
A strong family man, Richard married, Margaret Thiery in 1958 and had two children, DeeAnne and Susan. His love of family lead to Thanksgiving being his favored holiday, as he enjoyed bringing family together over good food and together time.
Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Robert Waddell. Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret, his two daughters, DeeAnne Skains and Susan Waddell, grandchildren, Joshua (Jennifer) Skains and Maggie (Daniel) Gonzales and his great grandson, Jonathan Skains.
A private memorial will be held in his honor on Thanksgiving.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD WADDELL
Sponsored by Hems Brothers Mortuary.
Henry
November 30, 2022
Worked with Mr. Waddell, he was a great man and human being. Taught me a lot about the industry. He'd tell me let's go for a ride, I'd scramble for a pad and pencil thinking we gonna check on some projects. We drove by a few but all we did was talk about other stuff. I am so grateful we crossed paths in life. Rest in Peace
Linda Kelly
November 12, 2022
I was saddened to hear from Susan that her dad had passed. I knew Susan from Hartman and Williams days of long ago. I was the heifer replacement manager at Tamarack Feedyard. I was welcomed into her family and had many meals at their home as well as meeting them for lunch at times. I loved that family and we laughed a lot playing pictograph. Susan's dad always got a chuckle at my career pursuits. I had shared holiday dinners with them and always remembered those days fondly. God Bless you and family!
Nancy Rogers
October 30, 2022
My condolences go out to DeeAnne, Susan and family.
alfonso marin
October 25, 2022
Mi mas sincero pesame por su perdida. El domingo antepasado pase por la calle Imperial acompañado de mi esposa e hijos. Me acordé de Richard. Estaba buscando su teléfono en la web para hacerle una llamada y saludarlo. Hablé con el hace como un año. Me contó que estaba en casa y que estaba viejo y se rió.
Soy Alfonso Marin de Mexicali quien en 1999 le compro la Toyota Land Cruiser '89.
La sigo conservando. Con su pintura original . Y en excelentes condiciones. Como el me dijo. Esta camioneta es una mula Alfonso. Estaba en lo cierto.
Resignación. Mi padre falleció en Diciembre 2020. Entiendo por lo que están pasando.
Les deseo lo mejor.
My personal CEL phone Is (686)2106026
Harrison P. Barton
October 22, 2022
My sincere thoughts and prayers are extended to Dick's family upon learning of his passing. He was a man highly respected by all that knew and worked with him. I first met him when I returned from Naval service to continue my surveying career with William L. Riddle and Associates. We enjoyed a close professional and personal relationship over the years and worked together on many projects, him with Waddell Engineering and me with TESCO Engineering and Surveying. I even made some "train chasing" trips with him and enjoyed listening to his stories of trains. He was truly a friend to me and significant statue in the Civil Engineering Profession. Dick, may all the tracks be straight and strong on your new journey.
Adios Amigo,
Harrison P. Barton
Jeff Lyon
October 21, 2022
Richard (Dick) Waddell was the ultimate "statesman" of our local civil engineering community. He and Harry Orphanos (County Engineer/Director of Public Works) exuded high professionalism and standards for us (young engineers) to follow. Mr. Waddell's Berkeley education created the perfection standards that he would share (if asked!). Many Imperial Valley residents live in the subdivisions that Mr. Waddell designed and many of the water treatment plants have Mr. Waddell's handprints on them. A great example to follow in profession and in character. Vaya con Dios Mr. Waddell!
Susan Waddell
October 20, 2022
Susan Waddell
October 20, 2022
Susan Waddell
October 20, 2022
Susan Waddell
October 20, 2022
Leti Rodriguez
October 20, 2022
It brings me much sadness to hear of Mr. Waddell´s passing. I came to know him when he came to city hall to conduct business. He loved to bring us Christmas fruitcake every year. He was a very smart man and ran a tight "ship" ensuring all city projects were perfect. May god bring your family comfort during this time. Leti
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