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Richard Tufeld Obituary

Tufeld, Richard "Dick" December 11, 1926 - January 22, 2012 Voice of "Lost in Space" B9 Robot Acclaimed Pioneer Television and Radio Announcer Richard (Dick) Norton Tufeld passed away peacefully Sunday January 22nd, at his home in Studio City, California. He was 85. Born December 11, 1926 in Los Angeles to Tanya Margaret (Peg) and Bentley Tufeld, he was raised in Pasadena, California. He attended Pasadena City College, before heading off to Northwestern University's prestigious School of Speech. It was there that he met the love of his life Adrienne to whom he proposed after a lengthy courtship of only 3 days! They graduated in 1948 and were married later that same year. Their marriage lasted for 55 years until her death in 2004. As a young boy he enjoyed classic radio programs which is where his career began. At 16 years old, he became staff announcer for local station KPAS. He also loved spinning records as a DJ, which is where he developed his life long love of first Big Band, and then Jazz Music. In 1945, a part time summer job introduced him to young literary agent Irwin Allen. In the late 1940's Dick began his career in earnest by announcing "The Amazing Mr. Malone", followed by "Falstaff Fables". But it was is in 1950 long before Star Trek, that Dick became well known announcing the live weekly radio show "Space Patrol". The show began with Dick's turbulent narration, "SPAAAACE PATROOOL!" TV work followed, announcing the daytime "Noon Hour Newscast" for KABC and then anchoring the 11 PM news. Sports followed, hosting, "The Dick Tufeld Sports Page"- But it was his deep resonant voice that landed him behind the camera. He announced Warner Brothers "Original Bugs Bunny" and Hanna-Barbera's "The Jetsons" and variety shows starring Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, Tom Jones, and "The Hollywood Palace". He also announced "Zorro", "Peyton Place", "Bewitched", "Get Smart", ABC's Movie of the Week, and several Irwin Allen hit shows. He was the voice for hundreds of commercials including "Rice a Roni" and "Gallo Wines". Dick announced 16 Grammy Award shows as well as the Emmys. For 30 years Dick was the voice for ABC daytime programming, as well as the voice for Disney, including "The Wonderful World of Disney." A great memory was his announcing the Main Street Parade on the day Disneyland opened in 1955. But it was as the Voice of The B9 Robot in Irwin Allen's 1960's, classic TV series "Lost in Space", that he gained worldwide recognition. Catch phrases, "Warning, Warning", "Danger Will Robinson", and "It Does Not Compute", became household sayings the world round and created a worldwide fan base. He reprised his role in the 1998 New Line Cinema feature film of the same name. Another highlight of his life was when he spoke live with Captain Bill McArthur, a Space Shuttle Astronaut, who was spending months at the International Space Station. Captain McArthur credited "Lost in Space" as his reason for becoming an astronaut. But Dick was far more than just a golden voice. He was a gem of a human being. He generously gave to charities and was a man of high ethics and beliefs. He believed in social and racial equality. He had friendships that spanned the globe and lasted decades. An avid collector of Japanese Woodblock Prints, he took great pride and joy in his appreciation of the Masters. Dick loved architecture as well and lived for more than 50 years in a home designed by renowned Modernist Gregory Ain. It's also where he and his wife raised their four children who meant everything to him. Well almost. He was a lifelong Rams fan since their arrival from Cleveland, in 1948. Same with the Dodgers from the moment they arrived from Brooklyn in 1958. But it was Northwestern football that trumped all other teams. A huge fan and a generous donor to the University and it's sports programs, he took great pride when arguably the worst (but smartest!) college football program in America finally played in "The Granddaddy of Them All", the 1996 Rose Bowl against USC. A loyal friend, a loving husband, father, and son, a kind brother, a true pioneer in his field, he was preceded in death by his adoring wife Adrienne. He is survived by sons Bruce (Emily), Craig (Carole), daughters Lynn, Melissa (David Gerber), grandchildren Jason, Amanda, Sammy, Tali, Aiden, and Clara Rose whose love and affection for their grandpa knew no bounds. He is also survived by his brother Howard "Bud" (Carol) Tufeld and two nephews. We were all lucky and blessed to have had Richard touch our lives. An original if there ever was one. Those wishing to do so may contribute to a charity of their choice in his name. Services will be held on Friday, January 27th, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Sinai Hollywood Hills, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.

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

Published by Los Angeles Times from Jan. 24 to Jan. 27, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Tufeld

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Ben Migliaccio

February 16, 2012

May God Bless Dick and his family. Dick was another one of the "Greatest Generation" to pass. Those of us Baby Boomers appreciate all the narration he did and for his wonderful contributions. Dick's family should be proud of him.

Bill Schoonmaker

February 2, 2012

Dick was one of a kind. During my time at Syracuse University his son Bruce (also one if a kind!) was my roommate. He visited us often and his stories and friendship are something I think about often. He was just so enthusiastic about life and the things that mattered most. His wife and kids were the same. Thanks for the memories and that Tufeld smile!

Phil Hamilton

January 27, 2012

Mr. Tufeld as the B9 Robot captured my imagination as a child and again as an adult as I listen to him all the time on my B9 Robot Replica. He will be missed. I wish I had been able to meet him in person. God Bless you Mr. Tufeld - Phil Hamilton - Dallas

Greg Logue

January 26, 2012

I will always cherish the work that you have done - mainly giving our wonderful robot from Lost In Space the quality of voice that you were able to do. My thoughts and prays go to your love ones that you have left behind. We will all miss you very much. Greg (B9Greg)

Clayton Slagle

January 26, 2012

We are saddened to read of Richards passing, we will hold the family up in prayer during this time of grieving and loss. We worked for the Tufelds at Western Office Furn. for many years. Clayton & Dot Slagle

Keith Sturgeon

January 26, 2012

Dick thank you for bringing life to our robot,your voice made him work. God bless you and your family and thank you for your kindnes.

Steve Smithbauer

January 26, 2012

God's blessings on Mr. Tufeld's family at this difficult time. We grieve with you at your loss, but also will remember fondly his deep resonant voice. I wish I would have had the opportunity to have met him, He seemed like a very amiable person. I will always cherish the personalized phrases he made for my B9 Robot replica. Thank you Mr. Tufeld, and rest in peace! Steve Smithbauer, B9 Robotbuilder #022

Paul Felski

January 26, 2012

My Condolences to Dick's Family at this very Sad Time

I am a B9Robot Builder from England UK
(I work in Naples Florida USA)
I would like to add that 'Dick' offered 'personal custom' Robot phrases so that our B9 robots would be more 'like a family member' & Real so to speak.
I was delighted as a 'Fan' and requested some via the club
These were & are wonderful and will be treasured by me for ever
i would like to finsh by adding
I sent Dick a Happy Birthday Greeting last year via the B9 Club including a picture of my Robot,
I received a lovely reply from Dick which means a lot to me

God Bless

Bill Hicken

January 25, 2012

God Bless Dick Tufeld! Thank you sir for all your contributions to making Planet Earth a better place to live. Your many charitible contributions and your incredible spirit and your one of a kind voice will never be forgotten! A big fan, Bill Hicken, Charleston, SC

b-9 builder 0622 dennis roy

January 25, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Ben Goldman

January 25, 2012

Richard was indeed a rare man. Always quick with a smile, a joke..and that incredible voice! My dear departed Sandy introduced me to Adrienne & Dick when we first married, and we loved them both dearly.Here's to your reunion in heaven my dears!

Catherine Clark

January 25, 2012

I grew up listening to most of the shows Mr. Tufeld announced. He was generous and kind with his custom phrases for myself which are especially precious to me now. He was clearly a kind man. His voice is a part of television history and will live on with all of us who will still get to hear his voice as the B9 Robot.

January 25, 2012

My condolences to Dick's family. A lifelong fan who was fortunate enough to meet Dick and his wife in 1997. Both were so wonderful to me, I will never forget them...

Brian Thompson
Newman, CA

January 25, 2012

Craig Tufeld and family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts are with you,
Randi Pollock

Jerry Chevalier

January 25, 2012

I had the honor of meeting Mr Tufeld a couple of times in his home and was most honored in having him participate in one of my B9 buildoffs. I have A LOT of custom phrases from him. A very kind and generous man. I will miss him greatly as I know many of you will.His voice made the robot what he is today; a friend that I grew up with and that I could enjoy a laugh or two throughout the years no matter what was happening around us. He will be sorely missed but continually remembered everytime my robot turns to me and speaks in his voice.

Jerry Chevalier

Dirk

January 25, 2012

My sympathies to Bruce, Emily, and the extended Tufeld family.

Mitch

January 24, 2012

To the best friend you could ever have. Till we meet again.

January 24, 2012

Mr. Tufeld's work on Lost in Space and many, many other programs brought a lot of joy to many. May we keep him and his family in our thoughts.

Jeff Brown
Hartly, Del.

January 24, 2012

To the Tufeld Family:

In this difficult time in your lives, may you find comfort in God's word, the Bible. James 4:8 encourages; "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you."

My condolences,
SJB.

Dave Amara

January 24, 2012

RIP Dick, a true voice icon.

Marcy Lucas

January 24, 2012

Sympathies to the entire Tufeld family. Cherish the memories.
Marcy, Monica, and Sammy Lucas

scott pritchett

January 24, 2012

May you rest in peace Richard. You and your voice of the robot from Lost In Space have forever made an indelible mark on my childhood! I feel fortunate to call the Tufeld family close friends of mine. Our condolences to the Tufeld clan during this difficult time.

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