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Richard Anaya Obituary

Richard Anaya Passed away suddenly in Gilroy, CA. on Sept. 8th at the age of 70. Born in San Bernardino, CA., he was a 45 year resident of Campbell, CA; Retired Pres. of B.B. Stern Co. Inc. of Burlingame, CA. Richard enjoyed everything, especially motorcycle and bicycle riding, hunting, camping and mostly spending time with his family and friends. He will be missed so much by Diane, his loving wife of 51 years, his children Carolyn and Trent Ballard and David and Christina Anaya. He was the best "Papa" ever to his grandchildren, Ashley Hart, Lani Ballard, Kiely Roden, and, Jordan and Colby Anaya. He was the loving brother of Lynne Jacka, many nieces and nephews and son of the late Emil Anaya and Lisa Edwards. Richard was loved by everyone who knew him and will truly be missed. Services will be held on Fri., Sept. 14th at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Claire Chapel at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln, Santa Clara, CA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: San Jose Police Chaplaincy, 5671 Santa Theresa Blvd. Ste. 204, San Jose, CA. 95123.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News on Sep. 12, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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pat de luna

September 15, 2007

deardiane and family. iwas shocked tofind out about Dick's passing.he was a favorite of mine and i was really happy when you two got married.you will miss him very much but you are strong.may God bless his soul.love,pat and martha de luna

Mark Wiesinger

September 14, 2007

Dear Diane, Carolyn and David,
Laurie and I send our condolences to you and your families. Richard was the senior cousin in the Phelps clan. His passing leaves us all bereft. His picture is next to my dictionary’s definition of "joie de vivre". His love for family and his care for Aunt Lisa were exemplary, and it will be hard for those of us weaker in spirit to live up to his standard.

The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.

Mark and Laurie Wiesinger

Jerry, Jennifer, Sara and Megan Phelps

September 13, 2007

Cousin Dick was one-of-a-kind. A gentle, loving and caring man, everyone who met him felt his warmth. But, he also lived life to the fullest - biking, diving, hunting, fishing, traveling and taking in the breadth and depth of the earth's treasures. He was strong, wise and funny. A real family man, Richard loved his children, his grandchildren and all of us. But most of all, he and Diane, demonstrated an incredible love and friendship that lasted over 50 years. Dick we miss you, you were taken from us too soon, but we will always remember your caring smile, that charming glitter in your eyes, and your warm, soft but powerful voice that said, "hey, how are You doing."

Judy, John, Anna Hindley & Rob Leader

September 13, 2007

A group of us, 8,000 miles away, are thinking of Richard - our cousin Dick - and wishing so much that we could be with you all at this time. We remember an immensely kind and unimposing man - a good warm presence in the family at all times. We've heard he was a fantastic grandfather. The stories we're reading bring back good memories; hearing the stories about Dick remind us of how much we miss by being so far away - he will be missed by so many.

Ryan Yarborough

September 13, 2007

Although Dick was a dear close friend and long-time neighbor of my Grandparents, I recall meeting him on several occasions and every time he was a genuinely nice and hospitable person. I have nothing but positive things to say about Dick and he will be well remembered by all those who got a chance to know him.

Kelly Phelps

September 13, 2007

When I heard about Dick's death it was like being kicked by a mule in the chest. Just another big hole in my heart. It's an odd thing, but I was just thinking of him, considering a motorcycle to buy and hoping to go on a backroad trip with him and his friends the next time he went on one of his adventures. Dick was always in good spirits, a calm, stable man and a pleasure to sit and talk with. I always admired how active he was and how he'd enjoy life to the fullest, not only with his sports but with his family. I will miss him very much....

Tobias Rickard

September 13, 2007

As I sit here, someone is hammering out my window in the early morning fog. Funny, because when I think of Richard, I remember those reunion mornings with that fog and without question Richard would be one of the first to great each and every one of us. For some of us, we only new Richard from those days together at family reunions. He is a large part of the memories I have of those wonderful experiences. Sharing stories about being at the ranch, sharing a love for the outdoors, and especially a love for our family. I will miss him very much.

Brad Berch

September 12, 2007

Cousin Richard and I shared a love for Abalone Diving. On a number of occasions we drove up to Sheler Cove and filled our game bags with the ocean trophys!!!
I lived in awe of a man who was many years my senior (23 years) yet had a stamina and fitness level that amazed us all.
I will miss suiting up with my cousin but will always think of him when I am near or in the ocean.
I can only imagine the size of abalone, lobster and bullhead that are being enjoyed in heaven by Richard and the rest of our loving family in heaven.
I thank the lord for Richard and our family and the love that will never stop for eternity...
Love, Cousin Brad

Marlene Kowalski

September 12, 2007

Diane, Carolyn and David,
I grew up across the street from you and I don't think you all realize what a difference you all made in my life including Dick. From my love to Country music to eating Bologna and mayo sandwichs. It is the little things in life that mean so much. There is not a month that goes by that I don't think of your family. How blessed I was that you Dick and your family made a difference in who I am today. Dick your love lives on. Diane, Carolyn and David I am sorry for your loss of a WONDERFUL Husband, Father and Papa. Love Marlene (Kurtz) Kowalski

Kathy Behrendt

September 12, 2007

My Uncle Richard has left behind family and friends whose life he has changed forever. He touched everyone's life in a positive way. Eleanor Roosevelt once said " The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Uncle Richard lived his dreams to the fullest and his enthusiasm for his new experiences and/or discoveries were shared with all those who surrounded him as he shared his stories. He enriched our lives..I've never met a better man than him..His love for my aunt was 'over the moon.' A love most of us search for all of our lives and never find...I promise, Uncle Richard, to be there for Auntie D, Carolyn, Dave, whenever they need me. Your legacy will live on forever in the heart,soul and memories of your wife, kids, grandkids, family and friends. I love you Uncle Richard..I will miss you. .

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