Richard I Pekny

Richard passed away on January 16, 2019 at his home in Tucson. Richard grew up in San Diego, CA, with his family of 10 siblings, enveloped in the joy of life that his family possessed. No Pekny gathering lacked for laughing, smiles and joy, and Richard was always at the center. Richard enjoyed life and made and kept friendships that lasted throughout his lifetime. He grew up enjoying the outdoors, and had a love for working on cars in high school. After graduating from high school in 1967, Richard was drafted into the Army and served in combat in Vietnam. Because he was an avid hiker and could read maps, he was sent out to lead patrols on missions. Exposure to agent orange herbicides in Vietnam led to serious medical problems later in his life to which he referred to as "Richard's Great Adventure". He moved to Tucson in 1974 to complete a Master's Degree at the U of A and had a varied career in teaching, software sales, real estate, Hotshot(fire fighter) and home improvement. Throughout his life he maintained his passion for being in the outdoors, hiking with his friends in the Tucson Ramblers all over the west and rafting with his River Family on the major rivers of the west. His raft was famous for its size and volume of supplies and the organization Richard provided. He was an important point of contact for people all over the west and made his friends feel connected to a wide community. Those long phone calls from Richard informing on all events in his vast circle of friends will be missed. Richard's silence is deafening, but his smiles, good cheer and camaraderie will be with us forever.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Dorothy Pekny, and by his sister, Patty Pekny. He is survived by his siblings Mary Aklona (Paul), Barbara Anne Shoppmeyer, Paul Pekny (Kathy), Christine Keahi (Moke), Robert Pekny, Dee Dee Washalaski (Larry), Tom Pekny (Lisa), Jim Pekny (Laura), Maggie Ballante (Sam), and 18 nieces and nephews. A celebration of Richard's life will be held at Forty Niner Country Club (in the pavilion), 12000 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, 85749, on March 23, 2019 from 1pm to 4pm. Dress in Hawaiian shirts. Share remembrances.