Roy Fred Richter

ROY FRED RICHTER

Oct. 4, 1922 - Oct. 13, 2008

Roy Fred Richter, beloved husband, son, father, grandfather and friend, passed away Monday, October 13, 2008 at the home of his son in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by his loving family.
Roy was born October 4th, 1922, to Valley pioneers Amel and Henrietta Wilhelmina (Louise) Schwettman Richter. He lived in the Imperial Valley for most of his 86 years, and treasured the people and places of this community. Roy was a farm boy and with his two older brothers, Harold and Robert, spent many hours helping his parents with the chores and demands of farm life. He attended Eucalyptus School and later graduated from Central Union High School.
Roy served in the U.S. Navy as a pilot during World War II, and was always a staunch defender of American ideals. Roy married his sweetheart, Louise Clark Richter, on November 7th, 1945 and was married to her for 58 happy years before her death on October 12, 2003. Their home was a haven of caring, laughter and devotion.
Roy's most cherished role was that of father and he was a source of strength and comfort to his three children all of his days. Roy's children are Mary Louise Richter Page (husband Blaine, Salt Lake City, Utah) Clark Roy Richter (wife Lynnette, Mesa, AZ) and Ernest Kent Richter (wife Jane, Doha, Qatar). He has 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, who revere him.
During his long career, Roy worked as a grain broker, businessman, banker and farmer. His keen intelligence, amiable nature, and sense of humor made him a natural leader and a trusted friend. From his first job at the Albers Milling Co. to his later work at Production Credit Association and Wells Fargo Bank, Roy learned and understood all aspects of agriculture and economics. His true love was the land. He worked hard to shape his farms into productive legacies for his family, and never lost his wonder at watching things grow.
Roy was a spiritual man, who believed in God and lived his beliefs. His fervent desire was to "endure to the end." He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Roy is survived by his three children, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a sister in-law, Marie Richter, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, wife, and a granddaughter, Ann Marie Richter.
Roy's family wishes to express deep appreciation to the many friends, neighbors, and church members who have done so much for him. He loved you all for your kindness and thoughtfulness, for the meals, for the visits, and for making his last years happy ones. We thank you.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1280 S. 8th St. El Centro, California, with a viewing one hour prior to services. A viewing will also be held Friday, October 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hems Mortuary, 1975 S. 4th St. El Centro.