Rear Admiral Richard Kern Rich' Fontaine, USN May 31, 1928 - June 11, 2017 Rancho Bernardo Rear Admiral (USN) Richard Kern Fontaine (Rich) passed away in the early morning hours of June 11, 2017 at his Rancho Bernardo home in San Diego, CA, having just turned 89. Rich was born in Minneapolis, MN on May 31, 1928 to Jean Henri Fontaine and Lillian Dora Richard Fontaine. His youth was spent in Minneapolis where he attended Southwest High School as a star athlete in both swimming and golf and as an Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 119. Rich graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1951, he was commissioned an ensign and through subsequent promotions attained the rank of Rear Admiral in March 1978. His distinguished naval career included four at sea commands with the USS Parrot (MSC 97), USS Hissem (DER 400), USS Hoel (DDG 13) and USS Reeves (CG 24) culminating with Service Group Two as a Rear Admiral. Highlights include Operation Deepfreeze operating/supporting a weather station in Antarctica for 6 months, participation in the Cuban Blockage (where he was mentioned in Russian briefs in Moscow) and involvement in the famous Tet Offensive in Vietnam. Among his numerous decorations and awards are the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with gold star in lieu of second award), Republic of Vietnam Distinguished Service Order and the Bronze Star Medal (with Combat V). Rich married his high school sweetheart, Sara Jean Wyatt (Sally) of Minneapolis on June 8, 1951 and they embarked on a lifelong adventure over their 67 year marriage. Upon retirement from the joint staff at the Pentagon in 1984, Rich and Sally settled in Rancho Bernardo and Rich had a second successful career with Logicon as a member of the Senior Executive staff. He was active in numerous local service organizations including the San Diego Navy League (Ship Commissioning Chairman), Military Order of World Wars, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Freedom Foundation and as a marshal for various PGA tournaments. In addition to the Navy, golf was Rich's lifelong passion 4 years high school varsity competition where he won the Minneapolis City Championship and 2nd place in the state championship, followed by 4 years college varsity competition at the US Naval Academy where he won the Eastern Intercollegiate Championship and placed second in the NCAA National Championship. Rumor has it he beat Arnold Palmer during his time on the Naval Academy golf team. Rich participated and won several local championships and enjoyed being a golf instructor with actual students or just to pass on free advice. Golf was second only to his enjoyment of his family and large extended network of friends from his childhood, the Navy and many avenues of life. Rich is survived by his wife, Sara; children, R. Scot Fontaine (wife Sandra Casares), Martha Bradford (husband Peter), Catherine Fontaine (husband Michael Lucker), Susan Linnett (husband Scott) and Sara Fontaine (husband Mark); his eight grandchildren, Evan Fontaine (wife Valerie), Maya Fontaine, Catherine Arvey (husband Aaron), Stacey Sale (husband Andrew), Megan Weske (husband Kevin), Robert Linnett, Nicholas Fontaine and Charles Fontaine; and three great-grandchildren, Roman, Lana and Sylvie (with the fourth Henry Weske due in July 2017). Rich will be remembered by family and friends as a fantastic husband and father, a true patriot who served his country well and as a rare "Golden Gate Good Guy". We wish you fair winds and following seas.In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Rich's name to Wounded Warriors. Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ pomeradonews .

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Published by Pomerado News on Jun. 22, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Fontaine

Sponsored by Poway Bernardo Mortuary - Poway.

14 Entries

Gary Thill

April 19, 2018

Mr. Fontaine was the father of my best friend Scot where I spent many days and nights underfoot at the Fontaine household. Even as long-haired, irreverent high school kids growing up in San Diego in the 60's, we held Mr. Fontaine in extremely high regard. Put simply, he was a man that was easy to look up and respect. In addition to his many accolades and accomplishments of which we knew little about, he had a terrific sense of humor and we all enjoyed his gentle ribbing immensely. Speaking for all of Scot's childhood posse, our deepest sympathies go out to Mrs. Fontaine (whom we also loved dearly) and the entire Fontaine family. Our lives were enriched by knowing "R.K.". RIP

Max Kalafat

October 1, 2017

I am proud of my 34 years of service in the Navy but no days were prouder than my time as his Flag Lt
There is a special bond between an admiral and his official "horse holder" I was very lucky to have that relationship with such a fine Naval Officer as Rich Fontaine. If ever there was a man that lived up to John Paul Jones famous definition of what a Naval Officer should be ...it was RK Fontaine. Rest well sailor until we meet again.
Max Kalafat
CAPT USN (ret)

July 18, 2017

Admiral Fontaine was my Division Director (Surface Warfare Division)in OPNAV. He was a Great Leader and Gentleman, who helped me greatly in my career .He was great to know and to work for. It is sad to know that he is gone. Condolences to all his family.Sincerely, John Doolittle,CAPT USNR (Retired)

June 28, 2017

With deepest sympathy, may the power of prayer ease your sorrow, bring you peace and provide much comfort for you during this difficult time. Matthew 21:22

Bob Morstadt

June 21, 2017

I served under the command of then Lieutenant Commander Fontaine aboard the USS Hissem (DER-400) during Operation Deep Freeze 1963-1964. In 2003, the Hissem had a reunion in Myrtle Beach, SC attended by Admiral Fontaine and about 60 crew members including officers. The Admiral did a slide show of our time in the Antarctic Ocean, crossing the Antarctic Circle and the "World Cruise" that followed our Deep Freeze deployment. The Admiral attended two more reunions and always expressed his love of the Hissem and her crew. Rest In Peace 'Captain'. It was a pleasure knowing you.

June 20, 2017

From Apo to Rich's family. I liked him very much. He was a great guy.
Apo

David Olivet

June 20, 2017

Admiral,I really enjoyed our time together as one of your golf students and as a member of MOWW.
You did wonders for my golf game but my fondest memory was your concern that I was single for too long after my wife died. At least you were there when I did get married again. I shall miss you my friend.

Robert Reighley

June 20, 2017

Thank you for exemplary leadership and personal example. Sue & Robin Reighley

Russ & Ginny Van Tasse;

June 20, 2017

Rich: I will miss my Hawaii Golf Partner. I hope you and Arnie can now play a few rounds or reminisce your time playing in the NCAA's at University of New Mexico Golf Course in 1950. I will miss you- wish we had more time together. God Bless you and your family.

Russ & Ginny Van Tassel

RB Veterans Memorial

Michael Vaughn

June 20, 2017

Admiral Fontaine also served the Rancho Bernardo community as a board member of the RB Veterans Memorial Assn. and frequent emcee at the patriotic ceremonies. We were extremely grateful for his participation. He is missed.

Dennis Fetscher

June 20, 2017

Adm. Fontaine was a huge proponent of 'growing the game of golf,' and did a lot with high schoolers and younger. Spent many days at Miramar GC teaching and sharing with those his love of the game. Will miss seeing him out there.

Clint Allison

June 19, 2017

Admiral, we met late in our lives but I felt privileged to spend countless hours alone with you over the years playing golf.
You shared many of your lifetime stories which I will always remember.
Rich,you will be remembered as a true gentleman and friend.

June 19, 2017

As a Radioman Third Class, I had the distinct honor and privilege of serving with the Admiral in USS PARROT (MSC-197) in 1957. My fondest memory was our trip to Argentia, Newfoundland in February 1958. We were assigned to map the bottom of Placentia Bay because being a minesweeper we had long range sonar and the Navy wanted to chart the location of downed aircraft from WWII in the Bay. During the transit one night we had to get up in the middle of the night and using salt water hose down the topside because we were getting top heavy due the freezing rain and sleet. It was quite an ordeal. Also, a tug had to come in and break up the ice every morning prior to our getting underway.

My heartfelt condolences to the family. Many times I have thought of the Admiral and reminisced about my time in PARROT.

Al Cullins, RMCM USN-Retired

Cal Hop

June 15, 2017

My name is Cal. Back in 1968 I had the pleasure to serve under the command of Commander Fontaine at the time. I was in the Navy Reserve and was attached to the USS Reeve CG-24 in the 80's I see Admiral Fontaine was also attached to the Reeves back in the day. Although I was enlisted I had the opportunity to work for the Commander and always thought he was all Navy. He had the total respect of his entire crew. Back in 1968 we were on deployment to West Pac and the commanders goal was to fire 10,000 rounds of ammunition. He took every possible mission. Maybe that is why when I retired I had a chest full of ribbons because of my time on USS Hoel. We have a reunion this fall in San Diego and just thought maybe the admiral would show up. That won't be possible now. I am thinking about his family during this time of grief. Fair winds and following seas. R.I.P Admiral. You served your country well.

Cal

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