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Richard Fowler Obituary

FOWLER, Richard
Went home to rest in the presence of his Lord on Aug. 20, 2004, at the age of 46. He was deeply loved and will be incredibly missed by his wife, Marie and their children, Limey, Cahan, Brent, Thean, Lara, Lahel, David and Devrin. We were blessed to have a father and husband whose deepest heart's desire was to always be a better husband and to always be a better father tomorrow than he was today. Also leaving behind his loving parents Willis and Thelma Fowler, and brothers Jerry, Randy and Bill. His enormous love for his family is only second to God. It was this faith and love in Jesus Christ that enabled him to not only connect with those in need, but with everyone. He was always available, whether it was for help, prayer, to lean on, council, or just to talk with. He was unselfish with his time and love. I think every life he touched is richer because of it. Few men are blessed with many real friends, but Richard Fowler had many men who would testify that Richard was their very best friend. To say that he will be missed is an understatement of Biblical proportion. Richard cared. All of us who loved him were always left wanting more. Yet it seemed that his heart was big enough too love anyone who needed him. Richard wanted everyone he met to be able to see the love of Jesus in him and they did. Richard will always be in our hearts. You are welcome to join us as we Honor Richard at 3:00 PM on Friday the 27th at New Hope Christian Fellowship, located at 6240 Verner Ave. across from Century Theatre @ I-80 and Greenback. No Flowers please.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Aug. 25, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Fowler

50 Entries

Marie Fowler

September 19, 2004

I am so thankful for the short time that Richard and I had together. He was my best friend, my love, the person who knew me better that anyone else in this world; as I knew him. I have always been proud to be his wife and will always be. The Lord blessed us with eight wonderful children. If you don't know them that may seem like alot. But if you do, then you understand why we kept having childern. We were privledged to be entrusted with eight. They have been Richard's joy; whom he was always proud of. I know I have some pretty big shoes to fill. He was an excellent, loving father. He has their total respect and love...even now his authority still reigns in our home.By God's grace alone can we go on without him.We miss Richard beyond words...Our peace is knowing that Richard was a godly man who loved the Lord Jesus with his whole heart. We take comfort in knowing he is resting in the presents of God. My hope for writing in this guest book was to thank all the people who have blessed our family. I am so grateful for all the prayers, gifts, words of encouragment, labors, and love. I am overwhelmed by the out pouring of love from his friends at SMUD. I know it is a reflection of Richard's love for people. He would have hated all the attention but would have appreciated your hearts of compassion for his family. Thank you all. Also I wanted to thank our church family at CCCI. you guys are awesome. Thank you for being there loving us, praying for us, and all your labors of love. We are blessed to be part of your lives. Cookie & Julio, I don't have the words to express how much love and thankfulness I have for you. Love you. Mike,Kathy,& Laura, your family is a true reflection of God's heart. You have served and loved my family for many years. Thank you is not enough. I love you all. Bill & Sandy, Mike & Chris, Thank you for your strength, support & love. I could not make it with out you. These words are not enough. I am proud to be part of Richard's family. Mom & Dad, I am sorry for your pain. We love you.

Don Stone

September 13, 2004

My apologies to Marie and the family for just now signing

this....I met Richard at a Warehouse Ministries

concert in 1974. It was a Sweet Comfort concert, Randy

Wilson had invited me to join him and Ted Cox. We all

seem to mesh right away and 2 years later I hooked up with the

forementioned trio who were already performing as a

band called "New Life"...not "New Life Singers" as the

youth pastor, Ray Smith, would mistakenly call us :-).

Playing with Richard, Ted, and Randy are some of my

fondest memories. We also lived at the same apartments

next to Calvary Tabernacle on Taft Rd (Del Paso

Heights, CA) where we attended services at the time...pastored by the late Rev Arthur J. Smith. Many

nights were spent talking in the parking lot, front

porch steps, or on the roof, talking about life stuff while listening to Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill, Terry Talbot, Barry McGuire, Chuck Girard, The Way, Parable, Daniel Amos, etc.... Then we all got married over time. Richard was my best man, and I was his when Marie and Richard got married in Columbus, OH. And slowly we all went our seperate ways and lost contact for many years. I had moved back to Sacramento 3 months ago and had reconnected with many friends and relatives, including Richard, Ted, and Randy. However, personal reasons caused me to return to the south, consequently I got together with the trio before I left the following day at Richard and Marie's home. We recalled again one last time many memories that afternoon. And later that evening, Richard and I attended an art event while discussing much about my personal situation from a spiritual and theological standpoint and I walked away making some decisions...not knowing Richard would be gone a week later. The news and timing was shocking, and obviously regrets begin to fill my mind. But this one thing I know...Richard is gone, but he is not really gone, he is in the hearts and minds of many friends and relatives. And I am grateful that my path crossed his path one last time on that hot August Saturday afternoon..... Until our paths cross again, my friend, so long........ Anyone who wishes to see pictures of Richard taken on the Saturday before his passing, you can find them at http://www.quillan.net/richard ... just click on the jpg files.

Stephen Balyint

September 7, 2004

Richard was my uncle who I only new for a brief time when I was a kid. I was never able to get to know him or his family, now I wish I would have. But as always we never think of it until it’s too late. Even with that, my sadness is still the same for him and everyone he touched, family, friends, and loved ones all the same. Hopefully, one day I can meet the rest of his family and maybe they can tell me stories about Uncle Richard, because that is the only way to truly rejoice in someone’s life, by remembering how they were when we could still be with them. So my story ends here but all my love goes out to the Fowler’s family and whoever else may need it.

Camille CRESS

September 6, 2004

Richard was my brother in law and I wish I knew him as everyone else did. I do know this,he gave my baby sister love and a beautiful family . He also gave her the faith she has in God and the will to carry on his teaching to his children. I may not have know him but I Love him for all he gave my sister and his children. May God be with you all. Love Camille

Steve Sheckells

September 2, 2004

I had the priviledge and pleasure to work with Richard a short time, but in that short time I can speak of his desire to do his very best, his joy in speaking about his family and his love of God. I will always remember his laugh and how he always made me feel upbeat just being around him. I will truly miss talking and laughing with him. A Great loss to us all. I will never forget him.

Erica Valdez

August 31, 2004

Richard was the embodiment of all that was good and kind. He will remain in my heart always as one of the very few truly good men out there. His friendship meant a great deal to me and I still find myself rushing over to discuss a funny situation and then remember that he is not there. One of the greatest things that I learned from Richard was the importance of always leaving a situation with a friendly atmosphere and leaving nothing open-ended. He never had to regret the fact that he never got to tell someone how he truly felt about them; he LIVED it with his attitude, smiles and support. Such a well-rounded man is hard to come by, and Richard, you are very much missed. Many prayers to all the family and friends from a heart that is sad with you.

Heide Longoria

August 29, 2004

I always enjoyed talking to Richard, mainly at the coffee bar at work. He was a genuinely nice person. I am very sorry that he is no longer with us. My thoughts are with the family of this special man.

Don Beattie

August 28, 2004

Nineteen months ago, in January 2003, Dave Edrington invited me to his home to meet a couple of friends. That Sunday night I met Richard and Ted Cox, and I have met with them weekly ever since. Dave met and prayed with Richard once a week for eleven years. Ted has consistently joined them for the past three years. Our Sunday evening gatherings have become the mental and spiritual highlight of my week, and I came to count Richard as one of my dearest friends. His trust of Jesus' faithfulness was joyously contagious, and he always encouraged me toward being the best me. We would gather at 7:00 and talk about whatever, sometimes about how our weeks had gone, a few times to plan such adventures as the several-day motorcycle ride that Richard, Dave, Ted and others took. Often, we would spend an hour or so playing music and worshipping together. Richard was an awesome guitar player and clearly the best of our group. Usually he would urge Dave or Ted to lead with their guitars and he would follow, for he was always encouraging others to succeed. Dave would often pick a worship tune from one of his stacks of typed-out songs with marked cord changes, and usually once or twice a night he would get stuck. "What's this B minor seventh diminished?" Richard would always know what was needed and show Dave and Ted how to play it on their guitars, and then we'd successfully continue. My guitar playing is years in arrears, but Richard always encouraged me to bring mine the next week. When I didn't, he would hand me a small bongo drum or some gourd-type shaking instrument; he wanted me to play something, anything. I often fail to carry a tune, but Richard always encouraged me to sing. With Richard there, I was always included and honored. I love him for that. Our evenings almost always ended with an hour or more of prayer, praying for each other's burdens and for our churches. Richard said that his deepest desire was to be an example to his eight children so that they would each grow up knowing the joy of living with and serving Jesus Christ. He knew that he could give them no greater gift, and that was his most precious ministry. He truly loved his wife, Marie, and we nearly always prayed for his family and for the needs of specific co-workers or friends from his church. Richard was a deeply caring person, and a dear friend. Last Sunday was our first meeting without him, and he was sorely missed. Richard's absence will be a constant reminder to us to pray for Marie and the Fowler family. I rejoice that he is in a place with only joy, in the very presence of our Lord, but our Sunday evenings will always miss a preciousness that only Richard could bring. I will miss him deeply.

Mabel Debrichy

August 27, 2004

It is not suprising to read such bright and cheery comments on Richard's guest book because that is who he was. Marie and Family, it is my hope that you draw joy and strength from these entries because you are the ones that knew him best and got to enjoy his disposition the most. I can say that

Richard, my brother in the Lord, was one of those rare humans that made you feel the love and presence of the Lord in his smile of acceptance. There was no racial, economic position, religion or standard that kept him from extending the hand of fellowship to everyone he met. I recall a lunch encounter with him and his friends Steve Sweeney, Ken and Don (from New Hope Fellowship) at Los Jarritos Mexican Restaurant. I believe they were gathering weekly for lunch, and fellowship. I knew these guys fairly well but not Richard, yet he gave me that wonderful Holy Ghost smile that lets you know that you're accepted. I knew then, as I know now, that this truely was a genuine Christ follower. I pray that one or several of you pick up an instrument (guitar?) and someday continue in your dad's footsteps in leading us in worship here at CCCI. God bless you and keep you until His return.

Linda McLachlan

August 27, 2004

Richard was in one of the first group of CSR's I supervised (I feel I was really lucky to have him on my team) in the Call Center. He was such a gentleman, and a pleasure to work with. I really enjoyed sharing family accomplishments with him, he simply glowed when talking about them. My thoughts are with his family. Richard will be missed.

Alicia Uribe

August 26, 2004

Richard and I started SMUD the same day - i met him at our orientation. I was terribly saddened to hear of his untimely death. I will truly miss his never-ending smile and cheery disposition. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with his family.

Lori Davis

August 26, 2004

To The Fowler Family,

Richard had that rare quality of making people feel that their thoughts and feelings mattered. He was a kind and caring man. His wisdom and ability to make me see things from different angles was so very much appreciated. Even though I will miss him greatly, his kind words and the memory of his laugh will always be with me. I feel so fortunate to have had him pass through my path in life, and even more fortunate to have been able to call him my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sharon Welch

August 26, 2004

I am one of Richard's many cousins and can remember him as a young boy as I would visit Aunt Thelma & Uncle Willis and the boys where I felt very loved and want to offer my love and prayers to Aunt Thelma, Uncle Willis, Jerry and Billy & his family and most especially his wife and children. May God cover you with his amazing love.

Sandy Fuller

August 26, 2004

I will truly miss Richard. We've spent many lunches discussing religion, philosophy,family and perspective on the world... Oh, and lets not forget the motorcycles. It's because of his encouragement I finally have my motorcycle license. He could make me laugh with his unassuming sense of humor. And he could make me think with his straight-forward comments which always seem to hit the heart of the matter. In talking about religion and God one day, he once said to me, "In the end it's all about love. It's the most important thing we can do in this life."

Susan Bare

August 26, 2004

Over the past few years I had the pleasure of knowing Richard. I was glad to see him in meetings; he could always be relied upon to listen to all perspectives and offer options that respected each point of view. He had a gentle, yet compelling presence when he spoke. SMUD has lost a dedicated and respected employee -- I can only imagine and offer sympathy for your loss of husband, father, son, brother and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mike

August 26, 2004

May peace be with you and your family during this tough time. I did not know Richard very well personnally, although I did have some contact with him in my position here at SMUD and it was alway pleasant dealing with him. I did want to say that from all I have read about him since his passing it is very apparent that his great nature as a man is an example that we should all try to follow. Again, God Bless his family and Peace Be With You.

Robin Parks

August 26, 2004

I didn't know Richard, but from reading all the messages, it sounds like he is a great person. God bless your family.

Pamela Alberts

August 26, 2004

Richard is my cousin and I have not seen him in a few years. I am very close to my Aunt Thelma and my heart goes out to her and her family. When my Grandmother was alive and the family would get together I remember Richard being a lot like her always kind and just living the life that Jesus would like all of us to live. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and take comfort knowing he is with the Lord.

Pamela Alberts

Nancy Steele

August 26, 2004

I never had the pleasure to work directly with Richard. But I did have the pleasure of his SMILE every morning at the coffee pot. Richard did have something about him that just made everything GREAT. He was never with out a SMILE or a GOOD MORNING. Richard you will be missed. My prayers go out to the family.

Sherry Meyers

August 25, 2004

Richard was a kind and gentle man. He always smiled and would help you with anything he could. I didn't know he was a spiritual man until I read about him today. I pray daily for the family to have strength, guidance, and courage during these hard times. Knowing Richard is with the Lord I will see you again someday my friend. God Bless

Jacki Stone

August 25, 2004

I was lucky enough to know Richard for a little more than a year. To say we will miss him is truly an understatement. He was a good man, a person you liked right away. Heaven is a little richer with Richard up there, but we will have to get used to not having him here on earth,he touched our lives and we are the better for knowing him. My thoughts and prayers are with the Fowler family.

Randy Wilson

August 25, 2004

Richard and I have known each other since Highschool at Rio Linda Sr. High but we first met at our chruch, Calvary Tabernacle. We were both new musicians and we decided to try playing some music (Little Country Church)together. One thing led to another and we formed a christian rock band along with Ted Cox and were later joined by Don Stone. We had a lot of good times playing and singing for Jesus and I can tell you all that Richard has loved the Lord for a long time. I haven't been able to spend much time with Richard in the last few years but on Saturday Aug. 14th Richard, Ted, Don and I spent several hours together and I will cherish this time. Thanks Marie for opening your home that day and for the shrimp dish you served for lunch, but most of all thanks for sharing Richard. Marie, my prayers are with you and your children. May God wipe away the tears and preserve the memories.

COOKIE & JULIO VALADEZ

August 25, 2004

THE LAST TIME I SPOKE TO RICH WAS AT THE HOSPITALITY TABLE AT OUR CHURCH. HE WAS REALLY ENJOYING THE BOLONA AND CHEESE SANDWICHES MY HUSBAND JULIO AND I HAD MADE. WHO KNEW THAT BOLONA & CHEESE COULD BRING ON SUCH A BIG SMILE! HE WAS GIVING ME A HARD TIME SAYING "YOU OUGHTA LET JULIO, BUY THAT MOTORCYLE SO WE COULD RIDE TOGETHER!" I TOLD HIM JULIO COULD BUY ANYTHING HE WANTED TO...RICH JUST KEPT RIBBING ME "SUUURE" HE SAID. I CALLED HIM A BIG KID AND I TOLD HE WAS FULL OF BOLONGA...WE JUST CRACKED UP! A LITTLE LATER HE CAME BACK FOR MORE OF THOSE BOLONA AND CHEESE SANDWICHES. "I TOLD YOU YOU'RE JUST A BIG KID!" HE SMILED THIS BE BIG "CHEESY" GRIN AND WE PROMISED, AS WE HAD SO MANY TIMES BEFORE, TO GET TOGETHER SOON. WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN RICH, AND REALLY LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING HIM AGAIN WHEN WE TOO ARE CALLED HOME. RICH HAS POURED SO MUCH OF WHAT IS REALLY KINGDOM LIFE INTO HIS FAMILY AND WAS SO FAITHFUL A BROTHER IN SO MANY WAYS TO OUR BODY. WE WILL MISS HIM ALWAYS AND YET WE WILL SEE HIM IN HIS CHILDREN FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. MARIE AND KIDS, WE HAVE SEEN FIRST HAND THE FRUITS OF RICH'S HEART IN ALL OF YOU, AN AMAZING TESTIMONY TO THE LOVE AND SUSTAINING POWER OF THE LORD IN YOUR LIVES. ALL OF US AT CCCI ARE HERE FOR YOU GUYS AND I KNOW THAT WE ALREADY MISS HIM SO MUCH THAT WORD CAN HARDLY EXPRESS OUR LOSS! WE WILL LOVE HIM ALWAYS. ...COOKIE AND JULIO

Bobbie Harris

August 25, 2004

I was not fortunate enough to know Richard long. In the time that I did know him, he was kind, generouse, and always willing to assist with anything asked of him. My thoughts are with the Fowler family.

Ron Logsdon

August 25, 2004

Richard was one of the wisest man I have ever known. I will miss our talks about our faith and life and how to be better people. He always seem to see things from a more positive perspective. Which was always comforting to me. I will especially miss our basketball talks and betting lunches on how many games the Kings will win. I, along with everyone, can say that I am truly blessed to have known him as a co-worker and good friend.

Sandy Butts

August 25, 2004

Richard without a doubt was one of the nicest people you could ever hope to have the pleasure of knowing. He always had a warm smile and would go out of his way to help you in any way he could. I admired him in the way he would share his parenting skills. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May you all find peace in the Lord and your many happy memories.

Kathy Morrow (DeLong)

August 25, 2004

It has been many years since I have spoken with or seen Richard. But over the years I have thought of him often. He was a dear friend during my teen years and young adulthood. He left an impression on so many with the love he had for God and his friends. He will be missed so much. But his love and ministry will continue for years to come through those who have been blessed by his friendship and love.

Lia Drake

August 25, 2004

Marie and Family,

I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rich was truly a great guy and a dear friend. I'm really going to miss his smiling face.

Susan Christensen

August 25, 2004

Richard was an incredible person. We often shared a laugh, bounced ideas off of each other, and encouraged each other. I am sad to not have him in my life but glad to have known him. His life spoke of his strong faith in God and his loving committment to his wife and family. Richard was truly a good person and I will miss him.

Ruth McElhinney

August 25, 2004

Richard was a prince -- we'll miss him here at SMUD. Our thoughts and prayers will go with his family for a long time to come. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Christine McHurd

August 25, 2004

To Richard's family:

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know he is in God's hands now. I am blessed to have known him, even if I didn't get to see him much here at work. I know that everyone liked him and he will be missed.

God Bless You

Christine

Anson Battershell

August 25, 2004

The statements made by Richard's family and friends speak volumes about him as a husband, father and Christian man. He is someone to truly emulate. I am glad to have been able to work with him.

Viola Hawkins

August 25, 2004

I worked with Richard in the Contact Center here at SMUD and believe me he was all and more than was said in his Obituary. He was certainly a loving and caring husband and father, and we here at SMUD, all knew that. I'll miss his calm manner, nothing ever seem to bother him. He was a good guy! I give my personal condolences to you, and your family, and may God be with you and keep you safe and secure.

Jeff and Patricia Montrose

August 25, 2004

We will miss him very much.

Renie MCDONALD

August 25, 2004

You will be sorely missed. Although I never had the opportunity to know you well, you were always so kind to me and your light shined.

Mike

August 25, 2004

Richard Fowler was a wonderful and caring person and it was a pleasure to work with him during the last 2 years here at SMUD. I will miss Richard Fowler and his loving personality. Our prayers and thoughts are with him and his family.

NANCY ALTSTATT

August 25, 2004

Richard was a great man and to young to leave this world. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Melissa Cornwell

August 25, 2004

Bless your family. Richard will be missed. I never met him but have heard wonderful things and wish you all the best.

Peter Gerlach

August 25, 2004

He was a co-worker and a friend

Faye Rankin

August 25, 2004

I worked with Richard when he was in the Billing Department. He was always willing to help me out when I had a problem or didn't understand something. He will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Gloria Gee

August 25, 2004

Richard was one of the kindest people I have worked with. He had a quality about him that made him easy to know. I will always remember him. I take comfort that he is in the presence of our Lord Jesus, and look forward to the day when I will see him again. My thoughts and prayers go to Marie and her family. May you be sustained by God's love and the love and friendship of those around you.

Dee Stretars

August 25, 2004

Richard was one of the kindest men I have ever met. I only worked with Richard a short time in the Call Center, but that time has left a lasting impression. He had the greatest laugh.

Patrick Eady

August 25, 2004

Richard was one of the truly nicest people I have had the pleasure to have known. In a world seemingly destitute of goodness and caring, Richard really stood out as one of those rare persons who seemed to embody the virtues that make life so wonderful and worthwhile. I have a deep respect and admiration for him. I will miss him very much as will all who knew him.

Calvin Dotson

August 25, 2004

Thank you Richard for your gift of friendship and mentoring. You looked at life and took it on with enthusiasm, zest and a strong will. Your faith and family were the two strongest forces in your life. It is that strength that will keep us all going through this time in our lives. You family has been blessed to have such a great husband and father. You have taken your place in heaven to answer your calling from God to stand by his side. He has chosen the perfect man to watch over his family, friends and colleagues. Your presense will be with me during my days and you will always be in my heart forever.

I await our meeting again in heaven my good friend.

Uylanda

August 25, 2004

I worked with Richard for a time at SMUD. Though we never discussed his beliefs, he always came across to me as a man with a very spiritual side. He was always bright, always wore a smile, and I can’t recall ever passing by him without hearing him say, “Good Morning”, “How are you”, or something else to just say hello. My prayers are that his family is able to have the emotional, spiritual and physical strength they need to endure this time of loss. My prayers will be with you, and my family's love and prayers goes out to you. May God give you the strength you need.

Paula Robertson

August 25, 2004

To the family,

First of all I would like to say my prayers are with all of you. I worked with Richard while he was in Commercial Services. He always had a smile on his face no matter what. He always let his light shine and was a bright spot in the office. Richard will be truly missed by all of us but I have comfort knowing that he with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that I shall see him again. I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers. May God's peace and his strength continue to be upon you.

God bless you,

Sis. Paula Robertson

Jim Mills

August 25, 2004

I will never forget Richard. He was a very talented, humourous, intelligent man. He helped me many times, and I enjoyed his company. I asked him once why he had so many kids, his response " because they are just so much fun". I, along with every other person Richard ever met, share in your loss. Jim Mills

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