Richard A. Pimentel

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California Polytechnic State University San Jose State University

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Richard Pimentel Obituary

Richard Anthony Pimentel, the only child of Anthony M. and Belle Semas Pimentel, was born in June 1923 in Campbell, Calif., and died Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, in San Luis Obispo. He grew up on the family ranch amidst an extended family of Azorian descent. Richard attended public schools in Campbell and had been enrolled at San Jose State College when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 1941. Following Basic Training, he was selected to join the Army Specialized Training Program and was trained as a surgical assistant at Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco. He was also selected for OCS and attained the rank of 2nd Lt. Lt. Pimentel was then assigned to teach basic medical training to future medics at Camp Crowder in Missouri. Following his discharge, Richard continued his studies at San Jose State and graduated with a degree in Biology in 1949. He then completed the requirements for his MS (1950) and Ph.D (1952) degrees in Vertebrate Zoology at Oregon State. He was a proud and grateful recipient of the G. I. Bill. Dr. Pimentel joined the faculty of the Biological Sciences Dept. at Cal Poly in 1952, where he continued to teach until full retirement in 1992. During his tenure he taught and developed many courses, particularly those in Natural History and Biometry. He authored several books and biostatistical packages as well as research studies in scientific journals. An early advocate of computers in the classroom, he worked tirelessly to achieve that goal. In 1974, he married Dr. Rhonda Riggins, and together they pursued a mutual research interest in Systematic Biology and world travel following her retirement. Richard is survived by his wife, Rhonda; son, Don (Hedy); daughter, Annemarie Jasper (Bob); grandchildren Christopher and Tara; and great-grandchildren Troy and Isabelle. Richard loved swing music, 70s rock and Mardi Gras. A party with that in mind will occur from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, in the Oak Glen Pavilion at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Dancing shoes and appropriate Mardi Gras attire will be welcome. A second line for him is a definite! The family suggests donations be made to: The Richard A. Pimentel Fund for Studies in Ecology and Systematics in the Biological Sciences Department at Cal Poly. Checks should be made to "Cal Poly Foundation, Pimentel Fund," c/o Biological Sciences Dept., Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-0401. Reis Family Mortuary 544-7400 San Luis Obispo

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Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Oct. 13, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Pimentel

13 Entries

Tak Nomura

July 20, 2024

I met Richard on a South African wild life safari on two different trips, along with Dan Piel, who was also a professor at Cal Poly. I kept in touch with Dan for many years, until he passed away.

Carol Sklenicka

May 6, 2022

Because I took Dr. P´s Natural History classes 55 years ago I´ve now become a tide pool docent on retirement. He made a lasting impression!

Steve Carr

June 20, 2014

I was a student of P in the 70s, talked with him at many meetings afterward, and consulted him on esoteric aspects of biostatistics on at least two papers. Those students who got past the seemingly gruff exterior got to know him as a warm human being, passionate teacher and scientist. I remember in particular our class field trips to study the morphometrics of lupines, including stops at Pozo Saloon !

I never perform a statistical test without thinking of Dick. He was a seminal influence on my career.

Steve Carr
Cal Poly Bio Sci '75

Barbara Marcum

October 24, 2013

As a student of Dr. Pimentel in the 60's I learned so much about the local environment and, unlike other courses, that knowledge stayed with me. Forty-six years later I had the gift of re-connecting with Richard at swim therapy. It was a joy to hear that wonderful laugh again and have the chance to get to know him and Rhonda as friends. He will be greatly missed by so many. Wherever you are, may your laughter continue.

Jill Ziegler (Stuart)

October 23, 2013

I had Dr. Pimentel as an instructor at Cal Poly. I enjoyed his great sense of humor. I also was a friend of Nina. I am sorry for your loss.

October 21, 2013

I was privileged to work with Dr. Pimentel for 29 years in the Biological Sciences Department at Cal Poly. I always admired him for his knowledge, teaching skills, and the rapport he had with his students. He set the pace for the rest of us in the department. Dick already had 11 years of service when I joined the department in 1963, but we both retired together in 1992. Dick, Rhonda and I were the only members of the department to be regular participants in our local Mardi gras celebrations, both before and after retirement. Because of this, we became more than colleagues; we were buddies. Janis and I will miss you dear friend.
Bill and Janis Stansfield

Clara Carroll Lehman

October 19, 2013

Our family knew, respected, admired, and learned from Dr. Richard Pimentel. In public we addressed him as Dr. or Richard - but around the campfire or over gin and tonics in our cabin, he was just Dick. We will always treasure our vacation adventures with Dick, Thelma and Nina whether in Wyoming or California. Dick we will always remember your smiling eyes and 6'7" laugh. We'll "hoist" one for you in Wyoming on October 26th and throw some wild flowers into the breeze for your Mardi Gras Parade.

Larry and Pat Grimes

October 16, 2013

Rhonda and Family,

We share your sorrow at Richard's passing and we send love and sympathy to you all.

October 14, 2013

I was a member of Richard and Rhonda's Krewe, the Sybarites, and loved the company of both during Mardi Gras. Richard had a wonderful laugh and was such an intelligent, fun, and gifted teaser: he was one of the good guys and I was so lucky to have known him.

Judith Lautner

October 13, 2013

Richard was a smart, funny guy. I met him in Aqua classes at the Kennedy gym, and always enjoyed talking to him. We will definitely miss him.

Emily Rodenhi

October 13, 2013

What a character. I meet Richard at Kennedy Gym in aqua class. He kept us informed of the wild flowers out at Shell Creek in the spring where he went often. We even saw him there when we were out there. He will be missed.

Annemarie "Nina" Jasper

October 13, 2013

There aren't a whole lot of words that express the effect you have had on so many lives. You have left a legacy of students that owe their choice of career because of your instruction. Anyone that ever heard your laughter once would recognize it again instantly. And no one's arms will ever hug me in the same way.

I'll miss you, dad.

Nin

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