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Richard Urquhart Obituary
Dick was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the class of 1939. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was the commanding officer of a gasoline tanker. He was a practicing Certified Public Accountant from 1946 to 1979 with Williams, Urquhart & Ficklin and was the original Managing Partner of Peat Marwick & Mitchell's Raleigh office (now KPMG). He was a founding partner of the Carolinas Golf Group, developers of several North Carolina golf courses.
Dick was active in civic affairs and was on the Board of Trustees at Rex Hospital for 30 years and served as Chairman for 18 years; President of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of the Wake United Fund, Chair of the Tar Heel 100 (now the Board of Visitors of UNC-Chapel Hill); President of the Co-Founders Club of the UNC School of Medicine; Raleigh's Man of the Year; and active fundraiser for the Lineberger Cancer Center.
Aside from his family, one of Dick's great pleasures was golf. He was a founding member of the Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst, where he was President for 31 years. After making his 5th hole-in-one at the Carolina Country Club following his 89th birthday, he joyfully announced that his middle initial "A" stood for "Ace." Previously he had indicated that the "A" stood for "Arnie" after Arnold Palmer had won his 3rd Masters in 1962. Dick also enjoyed his garden and the birds and other creatures that gathered there.
Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Barbara S. Urquhart, of the home; son, Richard A. Urquhart, III and his wife, Cynthia of Raleigh; son, Albert C. Urquhart and wife, Celia of Cary; son, R. Fenner Urquhart of Washington, DC; son, Thomas W. Urquhart and wife, Katherine White of Raleigh; daughter, Barbara Urquhart Jordan and husband, David of Bethesda MD; daughter, Patricia Urquhart Spain and husband, David of Raleigh; son, J. Andrew Urquhart and wife, Dina of Chapel Hill; grandchildren are: Mary Margaret Urquhart Leahy and husband Kevin, of Cary, Ann Alexander Urquhart of Charleston SC, Celia Urquhart of Arlington VA, Mary Urquhart of Cary, Jennifer Patricia and Katie Jordan of Bethesda, MD, Wayne and Landis Urquhart of Chapel Hill; great-granddaughter, Mary Pace Leahy of Cary.
Dick was preceded in death by his sister, Kate Fenner Urquhart, and his brother, William E. Urquhart.
The family will receive visitors 7:00-9:00 p.m. Wednesday evening June 11, 2008 in the Parish Hall of Saint Michael's Episcopal Church, 1520 Canterbury Rd., Raleigh. There will be a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Saint Michael's after which the family will receive friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rex Hospital Foundation, 4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, 27607 or the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB #7295, Chapel Hill 27599-7295.
Condolences may be sent to www.brownwynne.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Urquhart
George Vollmer
July 4, 2008
On behalf of all personnel who served aboard the U.S.S. Sepulga (AO-20) with Richard; Little that we can do or say will console you for the death of Richard. We profoundly appreciate the greatness of your loss, for in a very real sense, the loss is suffered by all who knew him. When this note reaches you, we want you to know that it goes with our sincerest sympathy, and hope that time will lighten your grief. Sincerely,
Liz Partrick
June 20, 2008
I have the great gift of knowing Mr. Urquhart and many of his family members. I believe I met my first Urquhart when I was about 9 at Camp Leach. I became fast friends with his dear daughter, Patricia, about 15 years ago and met Mr. Urquhart then. I will always remember him and the great love that his family shares and that they have shared with me. No one can replace him....I am just thankful that I knew him and know his precious family. I really can't believe he is gone. Love to all of his family!
Richard and Barbara at their home Christmas 2007
June 15, 2008
Kate Urquhart
June 12, 2008
Uncle Rich always inspired me to be a better person. No two brothers loved each other more than my father and Uncle Rich, and no two fathers loved their children more than they did. I will miss them both forever.
Kate Urquhart
Dan Thomason, Jr.
June 12, 2008
Dick Urquhart has been a friend of my family throughout my life. He was a true gentleman and a wonderful man who made such a tremendous impact.
Jeannie and Danny Sanderson
June 11, 2008
Our deepest sympathy
Max and Doris Baldwin
June 11, 2008
We extend our deepest sympathy to each family member in the death of your dear husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great grand father. We trust your faith, cherished memories and the love and support of friends and each other will be sources of comfort as you grieve.
Charles Tillery
June 11, 2008
Dick will be sorely missed by all.
Marcus Perry
June 11, 2008
Mr. Urquhart was my friend and I benefited in so many ways from having known him. I send you, the family, my sincere condolences.
PAUL & ERMA DELACOURT
June 11, 2008
YOUR FAMILY, THE COMMUNITY & WE HAVE LOST A GREAT MAN AND A GOOD FRIEND.
Becky Porter
June 11, 2008
Thinking of you and your family. You are in our prayers.
Love,
David & Becky Porter
LaVonne Newsome
June 10, 2008
This world is filled with exceptional people, and it appears this gentlemen has led an admiringly fabulous life, leaving quite the legacy for many family, friends, and business associates; while also continuing to provide inspiration by having such a wonderful influence on those of just short acquaintance, and no doubt many aspiring golfers. Condolences to the Urquhart family.
Molly Urquhart
June 10, 2008
As his niece, and a lifetime beneficiary of his love, advice, generosity, charm, playful wit - and his exquisite fairyland woodland gardens he lovingly groomed for 40+ years - I've always felt sorry for those who didn't spend time with this prince of a man. From an era of gentlemanly graciousness, he was the last survivor of three remarkable siblings of remarkable parents in a remarkable time and place. He leaves us tearful not to be able to delight in his trademark warmth and twinkling eyes again. He also leaves us infinitely richer for his exemplary life and for his gently nudging us lesser mortals to 'do the right thing'.
chris gill
June 10, 2008
What a tremendous blessing it was to have such a great character in my life and the world. I only knew Richard for 6 months but always loved the verbal jabs we'd give each other, how he always "shot" me with his cane, and how he tagged me "Frog". He promised me a bag of quality peanuts next time he saw me so I plan on collecting that debt a ways down the line. There aren't many people who can have such an impact in such a short time of knowing them.
Louis Wooten
June 10, 2008
Words alone cannot begin to express the sorrow I feel at the loss of your father. He played such a postive influence in my life as well as the lives of most who knew him. I actually look back fondly at picking up sticks in your yard early Saturday mornings after a sleep over with Andy. He'd say "Wooten, you want some breakfast?" I'd answer innocently "yes", and he'd say "well, go outside and start picking up sticks. I'll call you when its ready." That lesson, you got to work to eat, was just one of many many life lessons I learned from your Dad. He was the classic rugged individual who relied on no one but himself but who at the same time helped so many who never even knew his name. I will miss him immensely.
Buck Burwell
June 10, 2008
I will think of Richard Urquhart every time I walk the peaceful grounds of CCNC. I will never forget the engaging look of wisdom he always had in his eyes when he spoke to you. He was so kind to us over the years and made us feel like family. Raleigh will never be the same without Richard Urquhart. God bless and keep him always. Buck & Linda Burwell and "Newton"
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