Mark Thomas Richert

Mark Thomas Richert
October 10, 1939 - May 13, 2023
La Jolla

A FOND FAREWELL TO ONE OF LA JOLLA'S FINEST

On May 13, 2023, Mark T Richert (83) of La Jolla, CA passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Faye, at his side whispering words of love while holding hands and saying goodbye.
To know Mark Richert was to know a man who embodied the definition of integrity, honesty and kindness to others. He was honor bound with a handshake and his word. He was a tireless hands-on General Contractor doing repairs, renovations or new construction on hundreds of homes and offices here in La Jolla. For those who worked with him, he never asked anything of others that he was not willing to do himself. His career as a self professed glorified Handyman' only began after he ended a 30 year career as a Restauranteur with one of his first restaurants being Chuck's Steakhouse of La Jolla, opening in 1962 at 1250 Prospect.
Born in Hawaii October 10, 1939 to Loretta (Turnbull) and Dr. Thomas H Richert, Mark spent most of his time growing up in and around the warm, clear blue waters of the Hawaiian Islands. He graduated from Punahoe in 1957 and moved to California to attend college on a swimming scholarship.
After returning to Hawaii he worked as a waiter at the original Chuck's Steak House, which was the beginning of what would become a partnership between Mark Richert, Dave Alderman (another waiter) and the owner Chuck Rolles, for the sole purpose of building and operating a chain of Chuck Steak House Restaurants on the Mainland. He lived in the Red Rest while building Chuck's on Prospect, and on his off hours lived on lobster and abalone that he dove for in the La Jolla Cove. Mark would go on to build 13 Chuck Steak Houses during his partnership with Dave and Chuck.
During the 70s and 80s Mark developed another chain of restaurants called the Red Baron Steak House, located in general aviation airports up and down the West coastal states. When Mark finally decided to leave the hectic restaurant business, the only Steak House that remained in his sole possession was the one he started with Chuck's Steak House of La Jolla.
Because Mark Richert had been the partner overseeing the construction of the two restaurant chains it was only natural that he would get his General Contractors license and begin M T Richert Construction. He became the go to' "Handyman" for most homeowners, real estate agents and property managers in La Jolla.
Mark Richert was not only a respected Businessman, he was also an accomplished Athlete. He began jogging at age 40 and in the next 20+ years he would go on to complete three (3) Hawaii Ironman Triathlons, run 27 Marathons, race in the Bud Light triathlon series and run in the Western States 100 Mile Race finishing in approximately 24 hours through the snowy terrain of the Sierra's.
As long as Mark could run he participated in the La Jolla half Marathon and continued to swim in the La Jolla Rough Water, usually competing in the 3-mile Gatorman.
Mark was an avid diver of anything edible including abalone and lobster, a spear fisherman, he trolled for fish off the back of sailboats and consequently was called The Provider'. Because Mark helped so many of his neighbors, he was titled the Mayor of Rushville.
Mark Richert is survived by his wife Faye Sorensen Richert. They were married in 1988 and would have celebrated 35 years this December. Together they participated in many of the same athletic events, abalone diving, delivering sailboats to San Diego from several places in Mexico, Hawaii, and once through the Panama Canal to Bon Aire in the Caribbean.
Mark and Faye's first six week trip to Europe they rode together on a BMW650 Motorcycle, never knowing where they would spend the night or which way they would ride. They had a couple more trips to Europe including a month in Scotland,six weeks in New Zealand and, because they were both romantics, Mark surprised Faye with a trip to Paris, France for their 20th Anniversary. Later on the Richert's would enjoy several scuba diving trips in the beautiful waters of Micronesia.
Mark is also survived by his son Justin T. Richert, Mancos, CO, and daughter Dr. Amber N. Richert, of Baltimore, MD. He is survived by his brother Lance Richert (Brooke) Kula, Maui, and sister Tiare Richert Finney (John) and niece Elizabeth Finney, Honolulu, HI.
Mark was predeceased by both his mother Tetta and father Tom Richert, as well as his nephew Thomas Beckett Finney.
Mark was a big presence in this town. He made friends wherever he was. He continued to do favors for friends whether he was asked or not. One of the more popular favors he did for his elderly female' clientele, was give them his big bear hug. He was a gentle giant.
Mark Richert his smile was genuine, his laughter spontaneous and his heart pure gold. In essence, it was a privilege and an honor to be called his friend. He will be missed but not forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA,18901 or www.dementiasociety.org

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