David Richard "Dick" Congdon

David Richard Congdon "Dick". Born December 6, 1947, and died August 12, 2022, at the age of 74.

Born and raised into a fourth generation Hanford family, Dick was extremely proud of his heritage. His childhood was spent on a dairy farm with grandparents and great grandparents from both sides of the family within a stone's throw from his house. Surrounded by love, it is here that he learned the values of family. It was here that he also began his love for cars and mechanics. He was driving the family tractor at five years old while his dad and Doug loaded the hay on the trailer. Only trouble for Dick was that the tractor was a bit too slow for his liking - he always had the need for speed!

Dick attended Hanford High School where he competed on the wrestling team. He got his AA degree from COS and the graduated from Fresno State university, studying Math and Industrial Arts. Soon after graduation, he became a father to his beautiful daughters, Suzann, and Kristen. He enjoyed activities with them such as FFA, Milk Judging competition, and YMCA winter and summer camps. The most precious times were those spend at the beach house in Cayucos, family time with wave therapy, sun, sand between their toes and long talks about all the happening in their lives.

Dick loved being a dad - especially a girl dad. When he spoke of his girls, you could see the light in his eyes and hear the joy in his voice. He continued that love of being a dad into his love for being a grandpa. From their births he had a huge presence in their lives. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren and to share in his love and zest for life. Above all, family was his "why" for all her did.

Equal to his love for his kids and grandkids was his adoration for his wife, Jeana. They shared a love and respect for each other that only most can hope for. When he spoke of her, you could see the sparkle in his eyes and the love literally beating from his heart. They enjoyed trips to the beach and many other adventures together over the years, but time spent at home with their families is what mattered to them the most.

Dick was widely known for his career as an Auto Shop Teacher at Hanford High School. It was there, during his 40-year career, that he touched so many lives and he inspired and ignited in others his passion for cars and working with his hands. He was a trusted mentor and friend. A highly respected member of the faculty by his superiors and peers alike. The mere mention of his name in a crowd of five or more people from the valley will almost always be met with a former student reflecting on the positive impact that he had on their lives.

He was best known as the proud owner of his 1947 "Doc LaCavalier" Electric pick-up truck and his Mr."C s 1955 Chevy. He loved cars. The faster the better and if he was able to drive it faster - that was the best!

In years past, you could find Dick at the counter of Pedens Caf newspaper in one hand and his favorite jalapeno cheeseburger in the other. He was an Optimist Club Member, antique buff, he resorted hot rods and worked for the family business of Congdon Construction during the summer months away from the classroom. He loved to work and to show/teach others. He even built himself (and Jeana) a log cabin in Garden Valley, Idaho from scratch. He loved learning as he built and gaining knowledge from the locals who immediately welcomed him into their fold widening his circle of friendship.

Dick knew no enemies. He was in all sense of the word the best friend that anyone could ever have. He was always available to lend an ear for advice or a helping hand if able. You had to be careful not to mention there was something you needed help with - for he might just show up at your house with the tools to do the job! If he could - he would, with no expectation of anything in return other than friendship and being the man, he was intended to be.

He was kindhearted and loving. He had a way to make you feel that he cared deeply about whatever it was that you were feeling, needing. He was muscular and strong when he was building and working, but soft and gently when it came to dealing with people. If you were fortunate enough to get a hug on your way in or out from seeing him, it was filled with warmth and strength and tenderness, caring and love all wrapped into his arms.

Simply stated: he was truly one of a kind - one of the good guys -the best guy. Actually) - and for those lucky enough to have been in his circle the void will be huge and the loss immense. A life lived as only most of us can hope for - to the fullest - with love, beauty, and compassion for others. His legacy will live far beyond his time here on earth. May he rest easy knowing the impact he had on so many and how deeply he will be missed by us all.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Doug Congdon, siblings, Harold Congdon, Virginia Congdon, his oldest daughter Suzan Congdon Isenberg.

He is survived by his loving wife Jeana Congdon; daughter, Kristen Deland (Ric); Son in law, Jerry Isenberg; Stepson, Joel Peden (Kathy); Stepdaughter Kellie Noji (Derek). His seven grandchildren: Hailey, Malia, Marti, Chloe, Ethan, Mason, and Hudson as well as his uncle, Bob Fisher.

May he rest easy knowing the impact he had on so many and how deeply he will be missed by everyone that knew him.