Richard Oropeza Jr.

Ann and family, Wow - can´t believe it has been just over 11 years since Richard´s passing! There is a group of us that get together for lunch once a month and at our last get-together we were talking about Richard and how many of us worked for him or knew him. He will never be forgotten! Because of Richard´s testimony and subsequent acceleration for Avastin, we have a friend that is receiving the drug infusion right now. He has been fighting Glioblastoma for over 5 years. I hope all is good with you Ann. Joyce Turner and I were talking about you and wondering how you are. I´m sorry we lost touch. Would love to hear from you. My e-mail is still the same: [email protected]. God Bless! Vicki

Last day to post and thought I would take this opportunity to tell Richard's whole family that they were so blessed to have Richard as a husband/dad/son/brother/uncle, etc. Praying you are all doing well. Ann - you are in my thoughts and prayers still. Love, Vicki

Rest in Peace cousin.......

I think of my brother daily. I love and miss him beyond belief, but am filled with gratitude, for the guidance and endless encouragement he provided me. I'm fortunate to now have an amazing angel watching over me.

Ruben and all the family sorry to hear of your brothers passing my prayers are with you all. may all the memories keep him in your heart forever god bless you all.

May the perpetual light shine upon him!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ann, I am so sorry to just learn of Richard's passing. He was an extraordinary man. I feel very blessed to have had you and Richard as my wonderful neighbors for many years and you both have a special place in my heart. My deepest sympathy to you. xo

I am so sorry to just learn of Richard's passing. He was an extraordinary man. Richard and Ann were my wonderful neighbors for many years and both have a special place in my heart. My deepest sympathy to Ann and Richard's family.

Maria and Family may God bless you and watch over you as you celebrate your brothers life, May his memories be your comfort.
cindy

My sincere condolences and prayers are with you.

Ruben and Family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you now.

I worked for Richard in my first job out of college. My work for him set me on the path to the job I have now. In a way, I have him to thank for a career that I love. I always enjoyed working for him. I thought he was a good man and a great boss. I really admired him and will remember him always. My thoughts and prayers are with the Oropeza family. May the love and happy memories you share comfort you in your time of sadness.

Ann, Dickie was a man who was loved, cherished and a man with much integrity. He will never be forgotten and will always be in our thoughts but you Ann will always remain in our heart for all the love, devotion and most of all for all the caring you gave such a good man. He will be missed greatly by many! Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength and always remember how much you are cared about.
With love.

Ann: I want to express my sincere condolences to you and the family on the passing of Richard. I knew Richard very well way back when he was the Navy Rep in Baltimore in the mid/late 80's. I have many wonderful memories of Richard as we worked together in the VLS program. I remember Rihard as a person who demanded professionalism and integity but also gave out praise and Kudo's when they were deserved. He will be greatly missed. My prayer and thoughts are with you and your family.

Ann - I'm a friend of Lex Fleming's and want to pass on my condolences to you and your family. Lex always would keep me updated on Richard's condition and spoke very highly of him. Prayers to you and your family.

From the moment he stepped into my life, he tried to love me. And out of teenage anger and resentment I rebuffed him at every turn. If Richard loved you, you knew it. His was an active kind of love. He wanted to know you, really know you. He wanted to advise, to be included in your life, and he didn't ask much in return. I got smart and realized how lucky I was that he came into our lives. Mom and Richard had a relationship unlike anything I have ever had the privilege to witness. I am grateful to have spent the last 5 years with them. My kids are fortunate to know Poppi's love and they will carry it with them forever. I'm fortunate too. To have been loved as a daughter by a man that didn't have to. Thanks, Rich, for that gift.

Ann

I never had the pleasure of meeting Richard, but the years we have known each other I felt like I did know him personally. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I know that you had 5 years of wonderful memories that you were lucky to have after the diagnosis and that is something we could only wish for you both. I know the love you shared will carry on through your children and grandchildren. God bless you and will hope to see you in the future.

My thoughts & prayers are with you. I but wanted to convey my condolences to you Ann and the Oropeza Family at the passing of your father. God Bless You,
Joe Morales and Family

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Richard. My deepest condolences to all of the Oropeza family. I worked with Richard some years ago and am truely grateful that God gave me the opportunity. Richard was a true gentleman in every respect. I will be eternally grateful for all he has done for me on the VLS Program and personnaly as well. We spent a lot of late nights fabricating and testing MK 41 VLS equipment in the SIL Technician Lab in Baltimore.

Ann and family, my deepest condolences on the passing of Richard. He was a man of character and integrity and left a lasting impression. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him so many years ago. Bless you as you carry forward with fond memories.

Ann,
Who will ever forget Richard, you, and many other VLS colleagues playing paint ball after working together to solve the difficult VLS challenges?
I share the words of Teddy Roosevelt invoked by Laird D. Kinnaird himself for his own eulogy. "It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man actually in the arena whose face is marred by dust, and sweat, and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." Richard was actually in the arena and dared greatly! We are all better for having shared his life.

Oropeza Family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Richard. I went to high school with Drew and my memories of Mr. Oropeza are of him in his baseball uniform out there playing ball with the rest of kids, coaching our team at Santa Clara High. I ran into him and his wife in Port Hueneme several years ago and he remembered me and was so genuinely happy to hear about my life after all those years. Just a very nice man.

I wish to express our deepest condolences to the Oropeza Family, Ann Oropeza, her immediate family, and Richard's Family in El Rio. Richard was my supervisor, my mentor, my friend who always had time to listen to me and give me advice. I worked on the VLS system where I was sent to Baltimore, Maryland to be assigned to Richard for several weeks. This is where we started our friendship. We shared one thing in common; we both were born in El Paso, Texas. We worked together on the same system and even traveled together. Shortly after being diagnosed with his illness, he demonstrated so much willingness to continue forward, a fighter to this disease. We met in Washington DC for a meeting at the Navy Yard, to introduce me to program office personnel. Time well spent with my friend. Richard touched so many lives with his charisma for life.
Richard, I will always remember our most recent lunch when you visited Ventura/Oxnard – what seems not long ago, we had a pleasant conversation ...I will miss you dearly my friend. I know you are in God's hands now free of all illness and pain.
To Richards Parents, may God give you the strength & comfort in the days to come as you grieve for the loss of your son. Ann, you are a wonderful person, thank you being the pillar, the keystone in his life; he loved you, his children and his family very much.
David&Karen Hernandez & Family

Ann and Kids,
Although I know the kids are no longer kids, I have the greatest memories of your wonderful family at Saturday night mass. Since my move away from Oxnard, your family has often crossed my mind. I was saddened to hear of Richards fight with cancer.

I hope you are able to draw your strength from your memories and celebrate his life. My own memories of you gave me the feeling that your family was truely blessed.

I wish to express our deepest condolences to the Oropeza Family, Ann Oropeza, her immediate family, and Richard's Family in El Rio. Richard was my supervisor, my mentor, my friend who always had time to listen to me and give me advice. I worked on the VLS system where I was sent to Baltimore, Maryland to be assigned to Richard for several weeks. This is where we started our friendship. We shared one thing in common; we both were born in El Paso, Texas. We worked together on the same system and even traveled together. Shortly after being diagnosed with his illness, he demonstrated so much willingness to continue forward, a fighter to this disease. We met in Washington DC for a meeting at the Navy Yard, to introduce me to program office personnel. Time well spent with my friend. Richard touched so many lives with his charisma for life. Richard, I will always remember our most recent lunch when you visited Ventura/Oxnard – what seems not long ago, we had a pleasant conversation ...I will miss you dearly my friend. I know you are in God's hands now free of all illness and pain. To Richards Parents, may God give you the strength & comfort in the days to come as you grieve for the loss of your son. Ann, you are a wonderful person, thank you being the pillar, the keystone in his life; he loved you, his children and his family very much.
David & Karen Hernandez & Family

He was a good neighbor and friend. I will always remembering sharing our first beer of the day on St. Patty's day

Tio Dickie was a good man, and he's now in a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Kim Kuklenski Lara & family

To all the Oropeza's our hearts go out to you. All of Salem Ave and El Rio grieves and celebrates with you.

I know cousin Dickie is in heaven with a smile and pain free He was a great father,son, brother, grandfather,and christain.
COUSIN JOE

As I write, my son Daniel, one of Richard's grandsons, sits on my lap. Reading (and not for the first time) the many words of love and remembrance offered by friends and family on this site and others, I am comforted and saddened: reminded of all that we have lost with Richard's death, but also of how much we were blessed by his life. In the balance, the blessing far outweighs the loss, because so much of what Richard gave lives on. I know that, I feel it in those same words of love and remembrance, as well as in my own deepest hopes as I turn my thoughts away from the words I'm typing and toward the little boy sitting in my lap. Among the prayers I offer these days one is this: that God will grant me the strength, wisdom, humility, and kindness to be as much a father for Daniel as Richard was for me. For the Oropezas, so far away and yet so central to my thoughts and prayers these days, I find myself wanting again and again to say two things. The first is thank you, two words which I ask to somehow translate a gratitude deeper than I can even begin to express. And the second is so obvious but demands saying: whether it was from across town, across a continent, or an ocean away and from the middle of a horrible war: Richard loved you all profoundly.

Dearest Oropeza Family,
Although new to your circle, the warmness of your hearts has enveloped me in a way that only a strong family can. All of you are blessings to those who know you. I am sad to know that I will not meet Dickie here on Earth, but his presence lives in each and every one of the Oropeza children. His legacy of service to our country, and his gentle heart show what wonderful parents you have been, Mr & Mrs Oropeza. I see the love and pride in your faces when you speak of him. God's blessings to all of you, dear ones.

I am proud to have had the opportunity to walk with Poppi's Pack in the Race for Hope 2 years ago. Although Richard was struggling he proudly finished with his children and wife by his side. He showed incredible tenacity and a strong heart - qualities I see in Chris too! Thanks for sharing that time with me, and know that my thoughts are with you all!

Ann, we will always remember Richard's positive attitude and friendly smile. May you find strength from all of the wonderful memories that you created together, and may they be a comfort to you at this very difficult time. Our prayers continue to be with you and the family.

May the memories of your son, brother, friend, husband,dad, uncle,grandpa, bring you comfort during these difficult times.God Bless You!

Oropeza,

Where do I start I knew Dicky for many years on VLS. I have so many memories working with him on late nights on VLS Repaid Response Team.

He never called me Edward he always called me Eddie Vega from Santa Paula he said never forget where come from. He told me he never forgot where he came from EL RIO.

Matter of fact I was at EL Rio Little League watching a Major game some of the old times remember you coaching there all them send their deepest condolences to all your family and also to your Mom and Dad.

Ann
I am so sad to know that Richard has gone from this world. He was a great boss (VLS) and an even better friend. I have so many memories of him that bring me comfort, I am sure you are drawing strength and comfort from all your wonderful memories of the deep love he had for you. I know he is at peace with God now and he will continue to look down on you and yours and send you his love. My deepest condolences to all your family, and especially to Christopher and Catherine who I remember from when Richard would bring them to work and they were about 8 and 10 years old.

Ann and family, my first memory of Richard was from Oxnard when he made 'killer' salsa--the best I had had up to that point and ever since. My last memory was a thank you from Rich for the light blue, fleece, chemo cap I made for him last year. From the first to that last memory, there was a smile on a face that had, admittedly, changed over the years. What a lovely, loving man he was. I share with you your loss.

Ann
Thank you for being good to and for Richard.
I am grateful for my visits with my brother, proud to have walked (pushed, really) with him in D.C. this year and look forward to walking FOR him next year. He was a great role model for me with my surgeries. Although he is now gone he will not be forgotten

Brother, I thank you for your service to this great country. Even more so, for being THE example to our family. Your voice still rings in my ears.
You fought the good fight, and your selfless efforts will reign in the future for others through your battle against GBM.
I will miss you on the golf course, and our last time together at River Ridge GC was a memory that will last forever.
Join our family in heaven, and enjoy some golf with Tio Art-just don't let him wager with you.

Ann, thank you for being a pillar of granite for my brother. He is now at peace; eternal rest is about him. Chris & Cathy, what better children could my brother ask for? To the rest of his east coast family and friends: thank you for being a part of his life. Godspeed.

He was the best a man could be.my bro you will always be on my mind

My prayers, Ann, for you and all who loved Richard and who will miss his presence in your lives. May herrest at peace, now with his God and you be comforted by the prayers and support of many eho love you.
Sister Adrienne Clare

To My Uncle,Aunt, and Dickies, sibblings.
You are all selfless, and caring mentors to us all of the true meaning of what FAMILY really means. We will miss dickies laughter, but not his legacy for that will continue for years and years to come.
Shelly

Ann,

Our hearts go out to you and your family during this most difficult time. I feel in my heart that one reason Richard hung in there was his love for you and his family! Gary mentioned today that he remembers when Richard came to our home to do my evaluation the first year I worked for him. I totally forgot about that! These are things that bring smiles to our faces. It's good when lives touch each other. God Bless you my friend - you are in our prayers! Much love! Vicki and Gary

Ann, it was a great pleasure to have work with Richard in the VLS Department. He will be truely missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you and the Oropeza family.

Ann, I am very sad to hear of your husband Richard's passing. I have been very touched and inspired by who he seemed to be, even though I only met him a couple of times. I have followed you both on Facebook. I admired his courage and was so moved to see him with you on the recent Walk for Hope. Thank you for all you have shared.

Ann, all my love and condolences your way. You and Richard have touched me deeply with your kindness and I will always hold a place in my heart for him. Prayers for strength and comfort to you my friend.

Oropeza Family, it was an honor to be Richard's brother-in-law. He was without a doubt one of the greatest individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing. His attitude towards life espeically in how he dealt with his illness has been an inspiration to me. Whenever things seem tough I try to remember how he dealt with things. I will miss him a lot. I hope the memories you have of Rich help to ease your pain.

My dear friend Martha,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless you in this sad time and always.

We love and will miss you, Richard. The neighbors also send their condolences and remember you from the "Turkey Timer" fun walks.

Deepest sympathies to you and your family, Ann. It was a gift and a pleasure to know Richard while you lived here in Oxnard. As they were during Richard's illness, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all. Jean and Mary Lou Verbeck

Oropeza Family, I was Richard's Division secretary in the 90's. I know what a workoholic he was, only an illness could slow him up! To Richard's parents, may God grant you comfort in the days to come, I know how hard it is to bury a child, our son (22 years old) passed several months after I stopped working for Richard. I saw Richard later and he was very compassionate to me and my husband who he also knew from NSWSES. He worked hard, very hard, and always seemed to be able to smile no matter how tough things were. I'm sure that's how he fought this battle. Again, God Bless you and keep you in his Grace.

Michelle,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Although I never knew your brother, he sounds like he was an amazing person and a true fighter. He is at peace in heaven and is watching over you and your family.

Maria- God bless you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Jennifer Kildee

My prays to you and your family

Mr and Mrs. O and all the Oropeza family. I am so saddened to have read the news about Richard. My deepest sympathy's to the family. I hope you find it comforting to know that his sweet Callie was there waiting at the rainbow bridge for him.

Oropeza Family. I am so sorry for the passing of your loved one Richard, May your fond memories of him always comfort you. Eileen Meza-Arellano and Family