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Richard Boucher Obituary
A lifelong advocate for agricultural education, Richard began working at a young age and dedicated 34 years to teaching and was the department head of the agriculture program at Tulare Union and Tulare Western High Schools. He coached FFA teams in farm power, small engines, and farm records, leading them to the state finals in 1998. His excellence in teaching was recognized with the Teacher of Teachers Gold and Silver Awards, the National Vocational Agriculture Teacher Award, and induction into the Agriculture Teachers Hall of Fame.
Richard earned his associate degree from Modesto Junior College, where he served as student body president and received awards for his work in agriculture. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in agriculture and a master's degree in education from Cal Poly.
He and his wife Sally raised their family on a 10-acre farm in Tulare, cultivating crops, animals, and almond trees. They were foster parents to 20 children over 15 years and hosted Japanese exchange students through the Edi Peli program. Richard also served for 13 years on the board of the Tulare Community Health Clinic and volunteered for many years at the Tulare Ag Expo.
A devoted member of Tulare First Baptist Church, Richard mentored countless young men through church programs such as Tree Climbers and Stockaders.
He is survived by his beloved wife Sally; children Rick Boucher, Dane (Thea) Boucher, Christine (Brian) Willems, and Sandy Boucher; grandchildren Adam Boucher, Kyle Boucher, Ashley Raney, Hailey Correia, and Anna Bohlander; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings Harold (Sandy) Boucher, Kenneth (Ernie) Boucher, and Janie (Gary) Petty; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Martha Boucher; brother Donald Boucher; daughter-in-law Deanne Boucher; and granddaughter Paisley.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
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Adam Mumford
May 17, 2025
Dick Boucher introduced me to Kings River Community College when I was in High School, he knew I was interested in Forestry and took it upon himself to drive me out to the college and introduced me to the staff. That introduction gave me a plan for after high school and has pretty much led me to my current career. Thank you Mr. Boucher!
-Adam Mumford
Manuel Ortiz
May 17, 2025
Mr. Boucher was not only a great teacher but a trulyinspiring person who always saw the good in others. His patience,
encouragement, and unwavering belief in his students shaped so many lives-including mine. His legacy will live on in Tulare. I´m saddened to miss his celebration, but I know he would understand my support for my grandsons, just as he always taught us the values of kindness and selflessness. Forever grateful for his wisdom.
Heidi Aschwanden
May 13, 2025
Heidi Aschwanden , Uncle Dick you´re going to be missed so much !!! I´m going to miss your calls at the shoe store I loved you teasing me. .
Carla Dotson Rhoden/Gary Rhoden
May 9, 2025
Amazing Farm Records´ coach, man if God, brother in Christ. An amazing example of a true Christian example. Looking forward to worshipping Jesus alongside him for eternity. Continued thoughts and prayers for the Boucher family
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Annette Cardoza, Melvin A & Marcia Cardoza
May 2, 2025
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Mr. Boucher was one of the great ones in my 4 yrs of FFA. After moving back to the area after living in San Luis Obispo for over 20 years I was able to reconnect with Mr. Boucher as he was one of our Board of Directors at Tulare community health center where I was employed. He was always so kind and dedicated, and just pleasant to speak with. Heaven gained an incredible angel.
Joe Barnett
April 22, 2025
One of the finest men I've had the pleasure of knowing! As a teacher and mentor their may be some as good but no one was better. The world is a little sadder without him. A good man.
Darla Pounds Burnett
April 16, 2025
What a wonderfully kind and dedicated teacher Mr Boucher was. Appreciated all his mentoring and he helped me get my first job opportunity! God bless you famzand friends in this journey the loss of a fine person. A final thank you, Mr Boucher
Michael Peton
April 14, 2025
Mr Boucher will always have a special place in my heart, He was a great teacher, mentor and friend. When looking back I will always remember Him walking into class and saying " good morning men" no matter what was happening He had a cheery good morning. Prayers to all who are mourning the loss of this great man.
David
April 14, 2025
Great teacher, mentor, and great person all around! He was a pillar to Tulare FFA.
J
April 13, 2025
My sincere condolences. I am extremely proud to have his mentorship and friendship. He is a gift to many that will never be forgotten.
Joetta Chrissakis
April 13, 2025
A very rare saint has left us; and, his life´s influence will be remembered by thousands of those he left behind. I personally felt he walked on water and therefore deserved my lifelong mentor and friend, Sally, as a treasured partner. The two of them together have had such a profound impact on all who humbly call them friends.
Crystal
April 12, 2025
He's was the nicest man and advisor to all ffa student he will be missed
Harold
April 12, 2025
Just a all around great brother I will miss our conversation
Ruthan Raney
April 12, 2025
I just found this and I am so sorry
He will be with our Lord
My sincere condolences to you all and may God sustain you
Ruthan Raney
Albert
April 12, 2025
I remember him well in high school FFA, he was always so kind and friendly. He was just a good soul. Im glad he had such a long wonderful life.
Christine Boucher Willems
April 10, 2025
You were the best dad I could ever ask for! A great example of God´s love to me! Thank you dad for everything! I know you are smiling in heaven right now! I love you and I will always hold you in my heart! Till we meet again.
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