Richard Thomas Budenholzer

Richard Budenholzer, a beloved family man, esteemed pillar of his community and an avid outdoorsman, left us on April 23, 2023. He leaves behind a tapestry of service, cherished memories and an enduring legacy etched in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him.

A pharmacist in San Diego, California, Richard hailed from Holbrook, Arizona, where his family moved when he was four. His childhood was adorned with the typical adventures of youth, embodying the spirit of service, hard work, a little mischief, and fun. From profitably selling (or gifting) homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers to neighbors and residents along the historic Route 66, to his Boy Scout Camp escapades, and as a radio announcer and DJ for KDJI radio station, he reveled in the simple pleasures of growing up in a small but vibrant town. Richard distinguished himself within his community at Holbrook High School. He was elected President of the Student Council and served at Boys State. As a Boy Scout he earned the highest and esteemed rank of Eagle Scout-an accolade that illuminated his unwavering dedication, resolve and commitment to service for the rest of his life.

He graduated from the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy in 1977 and moved permanently to San Diego, where he opened the Penasquitos Pharmacy in 1986, in the small new community of Rancho Penasquitos. There he met and married Joni Standerfer, his soulmate. Together, they embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, adding a popular gift shop with Joni's personal touch to a front-line health provider, a role Richard would serve in his entire life. Beyond his thriving business, Richard immersed himself in church activities, the YMCA board, and community initiatives. His wife was on various school boards and he helped her with many of the fundraisers. He was always part of making the community a better place. Richard and Joni were also passionate about creating family heritage photo albums. See the photo included on this site of Richard sharing their recent creations (April 19, 2023).

Joni, his wife of 33 years, said it best: "My husband was one of the good guys. Never had a bad word to say about anyone. It was hard to understand why he was taken when he was getting ready to retire and be able to enjoy himself. I find comfort in knowing he was doing what he loved more than anything. He was in Arizona, seeing his family and being with his parents. He is deeply missed and always loved. My Boy Scout was a Boy Scout to the end!"

His pursuits reflected a variety of outdoor passions and diverse interests. Richard sought pleasure in the tranquility of gardening, adventurous camping and fishing with his brothers, and the challenge of golf, tennis, pickleball, biking regularly from his home to the beach and back, and walking his beloved dogs. A discerning photographer, he artfully captured cherished moments-with his wife and kids, family gatherings, blooming flowers, picturesque landscapes, his animals, and spirited sporting events. He held a special reverence for family reunions, diligently coordinating and attending each, fostering connections and nurturing the bonds of kinship. His photos "Tree" (Sierra Nevada fishing trip, 2015) and "Mountain Goat" (family reunion, Whitefish, MT, 2018) are included on this site.

A cornerstone of his existence was his unwavering devotion to family. Sharing daily meals with Richie and Andrea, he cherished these intimate moments as a testament to familial closeness. Exploring the great outdoors with his daughter Brittany and her husband Clinton brought him immense joy, while frequent trips to the East Coast and Los Angeles to visit his son Landon were cherished opportunities. He coached his children in basketball and baseball and led the Indian Guides and Princesses with each child. A devout supporter of the San Diego Padres and a fervent season ticket holder for the San Diego State Aztecs Basketball team, he relished the camaraderie of sports and the exhilaration of the games.

Richard supported his wife and children in all their adventures and loved his Holbrook and San Diego families. As a 46-year-pharmacist and caregiver, he extended his compassionate nature to those in need, caring for elderly individuals like his mother-in-law and father-in-law Joyce and Al, and his parents Libby and Vince, leaving an enduring imprint on their lives, and inspiring anyone who saw him in service to his family and friends. Richard's sudden departure leaves behind a legacy defined by service, kindness, empathy, and warmth. He will forever be remembered for his boundless love for his family, his altruistic spirit in aiding others, and his profound commitment to the community he held dear. The impact he made on the lives he encountered along his journey is immeasurable.

Richard Thomas Budenholzer was born on March 25, 1954, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and died on April 23, 2023, in a car accident when returning from caring for his parents in Arizona. He was the second of seven siblings. His father, Alfred Vincent (Vince) Budenholzer was a high school teacher and a coach. His mother, Elizabeth (Libby) Louise Blank Budenholzer (deceased) was a Mayor of Holbrook, AZ. Richard is survived by his wife Joni (San Diego), and their three children: Brittany (Bend, OR, and her husband Clint), Richard Jr. ("Richie" San Diego, CA and his fiancé Andrea Sallady), and Landon (Los Angeles, CA); his mother-in-law, Joyce Cline; his father, Vince; and siblings: Jim (New York), Joe (Los Angeles, CA and his wife Terri), Theresa (Scottsdale, AZ and her husband Jim), Helen (Oracle, AZ and her husband Karl), Bill (Kaneohe, HI, and his wife Kyung Ae) and Michael (Austin, TX); 19 nieces and nephews; and 8 great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial announcement was published in The Tribune Newspaper on April 24, 2024. To view that issue, go to www.tribunenewsnow.com