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Richard Carl Obituary
All friends are invited to join in a celebration of life at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at 2100 Pecho Rd. in Los Osos.
Richard was born in the family home in Mt. Vernon, Mo. Aug. 9, 1921, the son of Walter and Alma Lady Carl, and the brother of Juanita, Vincent and Delores. He was raised in Okla. and Calif. but his passion for the beauty of Mo. and farm life never waned. Country was in his blood.
Following graduation from Fremont High School in Los Angeles Rich worked in his father's automotive shop, looked mighty fine upon a horse, was a self-taught boat builder and sailor and never hesitated to get his hands dirty. He enlisted in the Navy and was posted in New Guinea as a machinist mate first class during WWII. He was a master mason and a member of the Ahhmes Shrine Club.
In 1950 Richard joined the Arabian American Oil Co. and began the adventure of a lifetime. His 31 years in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia were filled with many thrills and much satisfaction. He met his loving wife Joan in Arabia and they enjoyed a life together for 41 years. Rich's roles included machinist, fire chief, superintendent of community maintenance and all-around helpmate. His tool shop and working knowledge were every handyman's dream. Rich and Joan traveled extensively with Rich's favorite places being Africa, New Zealand and, as ever, Mo. Rich retired from ARAMCO in 1981, returning stateside to live in Los Osos.
Rich was a master craftsman, generously giving his time and energy to help others. Friends and strangers alike enjoy the glow from his lanterns, the comforting tolling of his bells, the support of his beautifully made canes and the warmth of the firewood his log splitter so easily cut "just like butter." He will be missed by many.
Richard is survived by his daughter Laurie Wright; son-in-law Tom; grandchildren, Christopher and Mallory, all of San Luis Obispo; brother Vincent Carl of Texas; companion Paula Okie; and a multitude of loving and appreciative family, friends and neighbors.
Donations in Rich's memory may be sent to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 3160 Geneva St., Los Angeles, CA 90020-1199.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Carl
3 Entries
Alice Kennedy
January 1, 2004
I was so sad to hear about Rich. I remember so well your father's kindness and willingness to always come over and help Mom and I, whenever we had a problem we couldn't solve. And the many hours I spent with him in his workshop building all those wonderful birdhouses. Some of my ideas - like the star shaped birdhouse - were rather difficult to do, but your dad stuck with it till it was PERFECT. I consider myself so lucky to have met both Rich and Joan, and I have so many happy memories of the good times we spent together.
I'm sure it must be a help to you, in these sad days, to know how many people admired and loved him.
Elizabeth joins me in sending our deepest sympathy.
Affectionately,
Alice Kennedy
Elizabeth Eggen
January 1, 2004
We have so many fun memories of Rich!! Wether it was riding ATV's in his backyard, visiting his neat house, spending time with Chris and Mallory or just sitting talking to him listening to his stories. Rich was a good and very generous man and he will be missed in this world.
Laurie, Tom, Chris and Mallory -- Thank you for having such a neat guy for a dad and grandpa.
Janet & Robert Botta
December 31, 2003
We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family. Love, Robert and Janet
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