Richard Anthony Purtich

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Richard Anthony Purtich 1916 - 2007Richard A. Purtich was born in Tacoma, Washington on October 30, 1916.Dick graduated from the College of Puget Sound in 1940. He served his country in the Army during World War II, first as an artillery drill instructor, then in G2 (intelligence) at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. There he met Navy WAVE Kathryn Hudlin, stationed at Aiea Heights Medical Supply. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary shortly before Dick's passing.Dick Purtich spent most of his career in office furniture sales. In 1949 he began as a salesman with Shaw-Walker in New York City. In 1955 he was transferred to San Francisco and promoted to Branch Manager. He and his wife purchased their first and only house in what was then the quiet suburb of Los Altos. In 1972, he started his own office furniture company working from home. Although not a "mover and shaker" in the emergence of the burgeoning Silicon Valley, Dick found great enjoyment in supplying equipment for start up businesses requiring "need it yesterday" delivery. Often he made emergency deliveries in his pale blue 1966 Mustang convertible. Always a salesman and a "people person", he loved dealing with and solving customers needs as well as working with young people on the rise in the technology industry. He also worked closely with what was then known as GTE Lenkurt. Dick was an active participant for many years in the South San Francisco Rotary Club. As chapter president in 1983-1984, he attended the International Rotary Convention in England. He was known for his special comedic talent as "Fine Master," generating extra funds through creative revenue enhancers.Dick retired in 1987. He enjoyed his weekly "Koffee Klatch" meetings with long-time local friends. He was not a member of Los Altos United Methodist Church, but he made trips to Europe with the Chancel Choir. At age 86, accompanied by his 18-year old granddaughter, he made his first trip to Solta Island, Croatia, the birthplace of his father (Felix), and again to Dubrovnik, the birthplace of his mother (Lucy). Both parents immigrated to the U.S. around the turn of the century.On his 90th birthday, he was feted with a surprise party for him with his neighbors, friends, and family assembled to honor him. Always eager to chat with neighbors and visitors, he was toasted at the party as the "Mayor of Ronald Court" (the street on which he lived for 51 years.)Dick passed away at Manor Care nursing home on January 7, 2007. There will be no funeral or memorial services. If the measure of a man is the quality of his friends, Dick was truly rich.Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn, his daughter Karen, son Richard, and granddaughters, NicoletteWilson and Kirstin Purtich.