Richard McKinnell "Rich" Waters

Rich Waters, 83, of Los Angeles, California, passed away on February 15, 2024. Rich was born on August 19, 1940, in Los Angeles, CA. He was known to his loved ones as a conservationist, activist, and gregarious individual.

Rich lived his early adulthood as he chose and traveled extensively, backpacking through Europe for a long period of time and visiting many national parks. He also was an avid sailor and spent "a quarter of a century" enjoying his life on the water as a member of the Wind 'n Sea sailing club. On recommendation of his skippers, he was conferred the rank of "Mate." Rich was rather proud of the fact that it took him seventeen years to graduate from California State University in Northridge with a BA in Geography.

Rich became very much an activist and conservationist working with the TreePeople as a Certified Citizen Forester. He made presentations to community groups and was a planting supervisor on over 100 neighborhood tree planting projects sponsored by TreePeople. He was an active member of the Sierra Club and was still making donations at the end of his life. Rich served as a board member and President representing the Wilshire Highlands Neighborhood Association for the P.I.C.O. Neighborhood Council and was given many commendations by the City of Los Angeles for his community service.

He is preceded in death by his father Don Waters, his mother Doris McKinnell Waters, his brother Robin Waters, and his life partner Eleanor Osgood. He is survived by his cousins who would appreciate your shared memories of his time with you.

There will be a small family gathering in Tacoma, Washington, to remember and honor Rich. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in his honor as this was his passion.

The Neptune Society in Sherman Oaks, CA, is assisting with the arrangements.