Richard Keith Eamer

February 13, 1928 - May 2, 2016 Richard K. Eamer passed away on May 2, 2016 at the age of 88 having lived a life he embraced to the fullest. His family and friends are forever enriched by his enduring commitment to the happiness of others. Richard was born Feb. 13, 1928 in Long Beach, California to Lillian Newell and George Eamer. He grew up in a Los Angeles that he loved. A jack-of-all-trades, Richard enjoyed being lumberyard hand, truck driver, and western writer in his early years. It was while at Glendale Community College that he met future wife Eileen Laughlin, whom he was married to for 62 years. Richard earned degrees in Accounting and Law from University of Southern California and forged a place in society which reflected his serious allegiance to education and hard work. In 1969, Richard co-founded National Medical Enterprises Inc. with lifelong friends John Bedrosian and Leonard Cohen. NME, now named Tenet Healthcare, became one of the nation's largest healthcare companies. Richard was also the driving force behind the concept of what would be the USC University Hospital, now USC Keck Medical Center. In addition to a lifetime of other significant achievements, Richard co-founded the John Douglas French Foundation for Alzheimer Research and was Chairman of EPIC Hearing Healthcare. Richard loved all animals and had a horse farm he named Mandysland for a beloved Labrador. He was an avid supporter of animal welfare organizations and often personally adopted troubled dogs which he rehabilitated with loving kindness. Whether referring to people or animals, Richard lived his motto of "be happy and help others to be happy." Richard is survived by children Brian Eamer and Erin Knowles, daughter-in-law Julie Eamer, son-in-law Richard Knowles, and grandchildren Holly Fuhrman, Jordan Eamer, Travis Heuer, Garrett Eamer, Audrey Eamer, step grandchildren Sean Knowles, Samantha Knowles, Charley Knowles, Brandon Archilla, and grandson-in-law Michael Fuhrman. A memorial service honoring Richard's life will be held at noon on Saturday, July 9th at Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church. Reception to follow in church hall. In lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to the animal welfare charity of your choice.