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Richard Steven Atlas

Richard Atlas Obituary

September 5, 1943 - November 12, 2020

Our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Friend passed away on November 12th following a quick and significant health decline over the course of the past month. Richard was born in Los Angeles to Jack and Myrtle Atlas, and was a loving big brother, and best friend to his surviving siblings William and Bobbi. He attended Bellagio Road Elementary School, Emerson Junior High and University High School. At the age of 20, while in college at UCLA, he married his sweetheart, Lezlie Williams, whom he met at a dance when he was 14 years old. He graduated from UCLA in 1966, and was accepted into The Harvard University Graduate School of Business. With Lezlie pregnant with their first child, they drove cross country so that he could continue his education and become a new father. When Michelle was a toddler, she would run to the door of the apartment when she heard keys in the lock and say ""Happy Daddy's home"". This is how his family felt about him forevermore. After moving back to Los Angeles, Allison was born, and their family was complete. The family loved to vacation together and the most special trip the four of them took every year was to The Mauna Kea Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii. This tradition continued as Michelle and Allison's families grew and it was truly an annual highlight of his life to be with his entire family there.

While in business school, he met and was interviewed by one of his lifelong mentors, Richard Menschel. In 1968, Richard offered him a job at Goldman Sachs, where his career began in institutional equity sales. He later became manager of the Los Angeles Institutional department, co-head of the L.A. office, and in 1984, a general partner. He provided strategic leadership in the firm's U.S. listed equity shares business, and was involved in the management of the U.S. trading and distribution teams for the GS UK, European, Japanese and Asian share lines. He met and retained many of his life long friends at Goldman Sachs and became a role model and inspiration to many there. In his retirement, he continued to make himself available as a mentor to people at the firm, including brand new hires. His exemplary character, commitment to teamwork, excellence in execution and capacity for building enduring and genuine relationships were shining examples of how to conduct oneself.

He was the beacon of our family, and we will honor his life by continuing to shine his light. He leaves behind a legacy of love beyond measure, respect, hard work, devotion to those he held close, and a commitment to helping those who were less fortunate. Richard led a beautiful life that he always said far exceeded his expectations. He leaves his wife of 56 years, Lezlie, his daughters Michelle and Allison, sons in law Michael and David, and his eight adoring grandchildren, Robert, Lauren, Jack, William, Juliette, Benjamin, Caroline and Oliver. He showered his family with his love daily and let everyone know how he felt about them. The whole Atlas O'Brien Tannenbaum family is deeply appreciative of the love and support shown by all who have had the good fortune of knowing our wonderful Rich.

His love and influence has impacted many. We would like to share a sample of reflections about him that have touched our family:

""My favorite memory of your father is how he would smile and look at your mother with so much love in his eyes.""

""He inspired me to do good far beyond what I believed I was capable of doing.""

""Rich remains one of the most impactful men I have ever known.""

""Richard was the shape of God's heart.""

""If you knew Richard, you were given a gift. He was a true Prince, which means he was authentic, compassionate, and kind to all.""

""His depth of character was rare, his friendship was a gift, as was his wonderful sense of humor.""

""I never met a person with more love for his family and all of us that came into his presence.""

""Rich Atlas was quite simply the finest human being I have ever come to know. His love of family and humanity and his profound and meaningful connectedness to the human condition will provide me with an enduring sense of wonder and joy as his spirit and presence live on.""

""He showed me how to keep an open heart and be a compassionate human being while balancing family, business and community, and self care.""

One of Rich's legacies was that he believed that philanthropy should be an investment to create social wealth, and improve the lives of the less fortunate. Together with Lezlie, they established a foundation in 1994 with a mission to invest in assisting the most vulnerable infants, toddlers and parents in Southern California. Their leadership led to the creation of the LA Partnership for Early Childhood Investment. A Donor Advised Fund in Rich's name has been established through The Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund. If you are inclined to make a donation in his honor, the family would appreciate a contribution to Rich's fund, which will carry on his vision and complement the work of the foundation and LA Partnership in our communities.

Please make checks payable to: The Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund and in the memo line enter fbo The Richard Atlas Early Childhood Fund

Mail To:

The Richard Atlas Early Childhood Fund

c/o The Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund

2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2700

Los Angeles, CA 90067

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Nov. 17 to Nov. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Atlas

34 Entries

Esther Torrez

November 11, 2024

Oh my gosh! I was just thinking of Rich and of all of his wonderful energy he exuded in everything he did. His positive energy still lives within me and is frequently called upon as the gateway to move past any inner resistance to our work in the communities. He was empathetic, and responsive to the needs of others - and I am grateful for his influence as I strive to continuously work to become a better person. Thank you to my friend, Rich - during these difficult national times, I call upon Rich's spirit and goodness to live harmoniously with the forces of life. Esther Torrez

Esther Torrez

November 11, 2023

Rich is gone but never forgotten. From time to time, I still go to the phone to call him and when I realize he is not going to be there to answer, a shadow creeps in around me. But then, I remember all of the good energy I felt when we connected, the cloud disappears and I am left with the precious, warm memories and feelings that will live forever as I try to pay it forward whenever I can. Thank you Rich, you created a meaningful life on earth that I will cherish forever.

Chip Bailey

July 10, 2023

I am really saddened to learn of Rich's passing. I first met Rich in the late 1980's through business. I was a newly minted graduate and was profoundly and positively influenced by his ability to engage me in genuine discussions. He listened. When I decided to make a major career change, he made himself available to me and offered sound advice. I will never forget it.

In later years, I had the opportunity to get to know Rich in a different capacity as we both spent time supporting St. Joseph Center in Venice, CA; we shared a passion of trying to help those who had become marginalized and recognized the great work the outstanding people of St. Joseph Center did.

He will be sorely missed. My humble condolences to his family.

Esther Torrez

November 15, 2022

I still can't believe that my dear friend and mentor has left us. But, I do feel is everlasting presence in everything I do - with the enthusiasm, faith, love, keep striving for excellence and for improving and making a differences in the lives of everyone you come in contact with. You were the light and continue to be - never to be forgotten.

Esther A. Torrez

November 11, 2021

Of all the fine people I met throughout the years at UCLA, New York, Miami and traveling throughout Latin America, Rich was the most inspirational. I always felt that he gave with all of his heart. He was always available no matter what the situation was and I always felt a brighter light moving forward after visiting with him. I met Rich at UCLA as a student, we stayed connected throughout my career - and what started out as a mentor who helped me break into Wall Street, he became a friend and a member of my family. Rich was a genuine human being. There was no pretense only love of family, friends and humanity. The world evolved to higher frequency levels when he was here. I still feel his spirit and will continue to hopefully represent all that is good, like he did, moving forward. Much love Lezlie and family. I know you miss him so very much.

Charlene Dimas-Peinado

Planted Trees

James Kolb

January 5, 2021

My son Chris, and I took care of the Atlas's pool for about 27 years. Richard and Leslie have treated us like a friend or a family member, never a service provider. Richard would come out to greet us with a firm hand and a hug. Often we would stand by the pool and share stories of our families, good, bad or indifferent. Richard was so proud of his family, it always showed through when he smiled. He was personable, and a funny man with a huge heart. Knowing Richard made you want to be a better person.

Chris Kolb

January 5, 2021

Richard was one of the most kind hearted people I have ever met. My father and I cleaned his pool for 20 years and he was always super personable and treated us like family. He was just a genuine human with the biggest heart. I will always remember all our talks, all the laughs we had. My father Jim and I really cared about Richard and my heart goes out to Lezlie and the entire family.

Bernadette Glenn

December 11, 2020

I had the great pleasure of meeting Rich when I moved to LA in 2013. I feel so blessed that I did. He was always fully present when we met, generous with his advice and interested in everything. He was deeply thoughtful and a seeker of truth. Whenever we met for lunch he made a point of getting to know the wait staff and using each of their names in a genuine and personal way. He made everybody, high and low, feel seen. This was a very conscious effort on his part. He never took his good fortune in life for granted. And, as successful as he was in business. and philanthropy, his family was first in his mind at all times. He adored them. Our loss is great, his family's is huge. How fortunate that we all have the comfort of his beautiful legacy.

Eydie Parker

Planted Trees

Esther A. Torrez

November 25, 2020

Gosh, I just emailed Richard and his family A Happy Thanksgiving wish only to learn that he was no longer with us here on earth. His spirit however touched many and will live in my heart forever. I met him as a student at a UCLA when he came to make a presentation about Goldman Sachs. This was in the early 1980's and we remained friends; connecting every now and then, always asking me about my family and learning as much as he could about who I was and what was important to me. His goodness was like non other that I have ever met. Richard played a key role in providing me an opportunity to go to Wall Street and experience working at Salomon Brothers. He was my mentor, role model but became more like family. Someone who cared and connected to the deepest part of my soul. It was an honor to know him. I will surely miss him. My sincere condolences Lezlie and family. A great spirit has left us.

Sally Cicchetti

November 22, 2020

I am devastated to hear this sad news of Richard‘s passing. He was a friend to all of us at the sports club LA when we were all doing aerobics class. Those were some of the best times in my life. Richard has such a beautiful family. I know how important they were to him. I look forward to their holiday card every year as I’ve watched the family grow. I send my heartfelt sympathy to his family and I am deeply saddened to hear this. This is extremely sad news. Rest in peace Richard. You were a super nice guy always a friend to all of us.

Marisa Stahl

November 22, 2020

The gift of knowing Richard came to me more than 30 years ago when he entered my aerobics class and my life. The joyful spirit he brought to class each week was only matched by his immeasurable generosity and kindness. I will always value the wisdom he shared with me at the most important times in my life - the loss of my father, marriage, and the birth of my twins. Thank you Richard for being a source of inspiration and happiness that will live on in all of us.

My deepest condolences to Lezlie and the Atlas family.

Jennifer Pippard

November 22, 2020

I always felt so blessed to be in Rich’s presence. He was a great story teller and a better listener. He was the first funder I knew who invested long term, and allowed for learning. Rich and Janis Minton invited me to see how they build community between their grantees; it was so energizing! One of my best moments was when my team lead the effort to fund the Baby Futures Fund at the LA Partnership for investment in early childhood (1 million to start the fund with operating support). Today the LA Partnership is thriving. My love to his beautiful wife Lezlie and the entire Atlas Family.

Yolie Flores

November 22, 2020

I am so profoundly sad to learn that Richard has left this world. To lose someone who modeled love, kindness, generosity, and humility and who had such influence on so many on why we should care deeply for our youngest children is simply crushing.

I met Richard during my years as CEO of the L.A. County Children's Planning Council. Richard came to meet with me to learn about the systems that purportedly serve children and families. Rich was on a mission to figure out how to play a role in ensuring better futures for children by starting early. We collaborated and became thought partners in those early years as Rich became an influential player in Los Angeles on all things early childhood.

Later Rich would lend his support to me during my school board campaign and helped me get elected to the LAUSD Board of Education. And more recently, Rich again supported my bid for Congress. Each time, he insisted that we meet in person so that he could find out how Yolie was doing (not WHAT she was doing). He reminded me each and every time that relationships -- even business relationships -- require that we know and love the people with whom we work. I know Rich loved me and he knew how deeply I admired, respected and loved him back. He was/is a special soul. I am indebted to him for all he did with and for me, but most especially for the role in played in Los Angeles for our most vulnerable children.

My sincere condolences to Lezlie, his children, and his grandchildren. I send you my love and support.

Yolie Flores
Friend

Dilys Tosteson Garcia

November 21, 2020

His light shines on calling all of us to do more, to do better for one another.

Judy Spiegel

November 20, 2020

I met Rich while I was working at the California Community Foundation, and I was on the board of Southern California Grantmakers. I always enjoyed working with him because he was always open and said what was on his mind and in his heart. We did not always agree, but we always shared respect and friendship. He was a thoughtful and generous man. So sorry to lose him.

Marsha Williams

Planted Trees

Lisette Johnson

Planted Trees

Jeffrey Perez Alvarado

November 19, 2020

I had the pleasure to meet Richard at Clementine in Los Angeles, CA.
He would always bring joy to our restaurant and he would always be smiling and telling all of us jokes.
Even though I never had the opportunity to sit down and talk to him, I felt a strong connection to him and would see him as a family member.
My deepest condolences and prayers go to Richard's family, know that he is now in heaven resting in peace.

Bob Emrich

November 18, 2020

Reading all these wonderful comments about Richard is a testament to the positive ways he affected each of us. For me, I remember meeting Richard in the 3rd grade, at Brentwood Elementary School, in 1951. Our teacher was Mrs. Womack. I have three memories that involved Richard, starting at age 8.

The first was when Mrs. Womack wrote three words on the blackboard, then turned around and asked if anyone knew the first word, (which was Helicopter). Richard was the only one raising his hand, probably because he was the only one that knew the answer. She called on him, and he correctly said, "Helicopter." We all clapped for him. I can't remember the second word, but Bobby Hall raised his hand, along with Richard and some others. She called on Bobby, and he got it right, as well. The third word was "Exercises,' and I raised my hand as high as I could while still sitting down, probably because I wanted to be included in that group of smart people. The teacher called on me, and all of a sudden, I realized I didn't know how to pronounce that word, much less what it was. But I thought for a moment, then came out with the answer: "Extra kisses." Boy, the laughter was deafening and I could feel my ears turning very hot.

The second was the day Richard walked up to me on the playground after watching me try to hit the ball in a game of "sockball." The ball was white, like a soccer or tether ball. I was "up," and he took the ball from me and explained to me how I should hold it, and how I could get the maximum distance from hitting it with my arm extended, and under the ball. He said not to try to hit it too high, but more out into the outfield. I took his advice, and immediately got on first base. That was the first time I hit it far enough to allow me enough time to make it to first.
This second memory shows us how he took the time to mentor someone at a very early age. He continued helping people all his life, and the world is a better place because of his genuine desire to help others.

The last memory was when we had baseball practice in Little League together, on Saturday mornings, down at Sepulveda and Ohio. I would meet him at a small roadside restaurant, and he always ordered the same thing for breakfastL scrambled eggs and hash browns. One day, at batting practice, Richard was in right field, I was in center. Someone hit the ball, high in the air, and Richard ran in front of me to catch the ball, and he dropped it. He told this story to a group of people at a business meeting in northern California forty years later, and he talked about how that mistake was a life lesson for him. I found out about his comment, because he mentioned me by name, and a friend of mine was in that class, called me, and asked me if I knew a guy named Richard Atlas. I said yes, and he gave me his contact information. I called him, and we started reminiscing, like it was yesterday.

Richard, your spirit will live within us forever, and I want to thank you for all those special memories. I feel so lucky to have known you, and to have been one of your lifelong friends. Thank you for mentoring all those people throughout your life. You are truly one incredible human being.

Bob Emrich
friend

Jane gordon

November 18, 2020

I don’t know where to start. My relationship with rich and Lezlie dates back to high school. We shared many significant passages together to include birthdays,graduations, weddings and close friendship. Rich was an amazing person who touched so many lives in so many wonderful ways. I can’t believe that he is no longer with us but he will remain in my heart forever. Sending love to lezlie and all of the family.

Judi Welch

November 18, 2020

My heartfelt condolences go to the entire Atlas Family. My memories of Rich and Lezlie go back to high school where we shared many beautiful memories of a very unique and special time to be young. Our friendship continued through college and over the joyous years of raising young children.
I will forever cherish the memories we shared and I send you all my love and deep understanding of the sorrow you are experiencing. Your wonderful family will be a loving tribute to the very special man your beloved husband and father was to all who knew him. Much Love, Judi Hersh Welch

Steve Allen

Planted Trees

Laurie Dowling

November 18, 2020

Rich Atlas was one of the rare people you meet who talks and acts with the courage of his convictions, who wants to use the place he has attained to make an appreciable difference in the lives of others. In other words, one of the good people of the world. He generously gave his insights, his energy and his joy to the organizations he supported and Los Angeles is the better for it.

Lezlie, Michael and I send our condolences to you and your family and our thanks for sharing Rich with so many organizations and people in Los Angeles who needed to learn from him.

Tomas

November 18, 2020

Deeply sad that Richard has left this world. I have always appreciated our few encounters over the years, there was something magical about him, you could tell he was special. I will miss him around, especially his strong handshakes which he had never forgotten to give me. My thoughts are with him and his family.

Tori Schladen

November 17, 2020

The world has lost one of its most brilliant and compassionate souls. Richard's passion for helping the most vulnerable children and families has made a mark on this world. I knew I was blessed the first time I met Richard whose committment to changing lives was inspiring and authentic. It is one of my life's greatest priviledges to be a recipient of Richard and Lezlie's generosity on behalf of babies with special needs. Richard's influence on my life and thousands of others, particularly those in need, will forever be cherished and celebrated with fondness. Richard's spirit lives on through his beautiful family. May you find peace and healing in the days and months ahead.

Matthew E Melmed

November 17, 2020

Upon learning of Rich's passing I shared this message to the ZERO TO THREE family in which Rich was a central figure:

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share with you the passing of Richard Atlas a passionate baby champion, articulate advocate for infant and early childhood mental health, dear friend, and warm soul.

Rich joined the ZERO TO THREE Board of Directors in 2002 and left in 2008 having served as our Treasurer for half of his term. During his service, and for years after, Rich was a stalwart supporter of our vision and mission.

After retiring from Goldman Sachs, Rich decided to devote himself to his family and philanthropy. He realized early on that many people with wealth contributed to organizations and institutions that were familiar to them; be it their alma maters or cultural institutions. He preferred committing to improve the lives of others. After extensive research, including in consultation with his dear wife Lezlie, the Atlas Family Foundation directed its giving to supporting a diverse range of organizations in the Los Angeles area that sought to provide infant mental health services for marginalized families. Over time Rich and Lezlie funded dozens of organizations. More than the philanthropic contributions, Rich devoted his expertise, energy, and relationships to help all of his grantees grow and become more impactful.

I first met Rich in 2001 when he invited me to attend a meeting in Los Angeles of the family foundation’s grantees. It was a transformative experience for me as I observed the care, thought, mutual respect and, dare I say, love that was evidenced in the room. I was struck by Rich’s sincerest aim to build strong supportive relationships with the leaders present so that, together, they could make this a better world for babies. He epitomized the ZERO TO THREE organizational value so beautifully articulated by Jeree Pawl: How you are is just as important as what you do.

At lunch, the next day, after consulting with Sam Meisels who then chaired the Board, I asked Rich if he would be interested in joining our Board. He was genuinely surprised. After giving it a few days of thought he said yes. With his classic humility he told me he felt like a kid playing basketball on the street who was tapped to join the NBA.

During his six years of service Rich was an exemplary Board member in so many ways. He was contemplative, contributive, creative, and caring. He was as interested in the work as he was in learning about the lives and interests of his fellow Board members and the staff. When he decided to rotate off the Board, I said he could only do so on one condition: he needed to find two people of equal caliber to replace him. And he did, first recruiting Mindy Stein and then Gene to our Board.

I learned a great deal from Rich. He was equally kind and solicitous to anyone he would meet. He was a model, mentor, and a mensch (a Yiddish term that describes a person who can be relied upon to act with honor and dignity, one who is kind and considerate, acts with humility, and is always sensitive to the feelings and thoughts of others.) That was Rich...a mensch. Brian Napack said it best when he remarked “Everyone wants to be Rich.”

I last spoke with Rich in September around his birthday. I am so blessed we had that chance to connect. I will miss him dearly. His passion and compassion will live on in our work for babies.

Here is his obituary in the Los Angeles Times with a picture that captures his soul: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/latimes/obituary.aspx?n=richard-steven-atlas&pid=197117524

Our thoughts and prayers go to his beloved Lezlie, wife and partner for 56 years, daughters Michelle and Allison, their husbands and eight grandchildren. His life was a blessing for all he touched. Matthew

Bill Davis

November 17, 2020

My deepest condolences to Lezlie and all of Rich’s family. Having Rich as a friend was a great gift, so my thanks to all of the extended Atlas clan for sharing Rich with me and so many others. Rich’s memory will be a source of joy and inspiration, even as we grieve his passing.

Bill Davis

November 17, 2020

My deepest condolences to Lezlie and all of Rich’s family. Having Rich as a friend was a great gift, so my thanks to all the extended Atlas clan for sharing him with me and so many others. Rich’s memory will be a source of joy and inspiration, even as we grieve his passing.

DENNIS GRIFFIN

November 17, 2020

I am blessed to have been Richard’s friend since Junior High School. We grew to be like brothers sharing many memorable moments throughout High School, College and beyond. Like mine, Richard enriched everyone’s life he touched with his compassion and philanthropy, his genuine love for his family and friends, his humor and charisma. Rich may be gone from our world, but he will live in our hearts forever.

Leslie Ross

Planted Trees

Morgan

November 17, 2020

I can still see his smile and still feel his handshakes.

Bill Pitkin

November 17, 2020

Rich did so much good through his philanthropy and leadership, and, more importantly, through his personal warmth, connection, and mentoring. He had such a loving heart that lives through in the many lives he touched.

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