Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Chavis Obituary
9/22/48 - 10/19/24
Rich rode off into the sunset in search of the Endless Wave on October 19th, peacefully and joyfully, far too soon, yet is now able to enjoy tranquility.
Born in Yeadon Pennsylvania, to Richard Sr. and Jane Graf Chavis, the family settled in the Santa Maria Valley in the late 1950's. Rich attended the inaugural class at Righetti High School, where he was an athlete in a variety of sports prior to his return to ERHS later as an educator and aquatics coach.
He spent over 38 years teaching, coaching, and officiating. He was known for being a fun and down to earth teacher, caring and at times intense coach and a well respected water polo official. Deeply dedicated to fitness, he was always working to keep himself ready for the large winter surf here locally at our beaches. Never short with his quick wit and enduring nicknames for students and his athletes, all of whom he cherished dearly.
He often could be found at a number of his favorite local surf breaks, constantly searching for the best spot to paddle out. Those who knew him best know where those spots are.
He will be remembered by his loving family and a large amount of friends and community members.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a small donation be made to the AMP SURF Foundation, a non-profit organization in Shell Beach established to Promote, Inspire, Educate, and Rehabilitate all people with disabilities, including Veterans (Wounded Warrior Foundation) and First Responders through Adaptive Surf Therapy.
http://www.ampsurf.org/donate
Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Chavis
Sponsored by Dudley-Hoffman Mort, Crematory & Memory Gardens.
Molly Haidy Schmitt
February 5, 2025
Judy and Chris. I just heard about Rich, I am so very sorry. My prayers are with you all.
Rev. Will Smith
November 6, 2024
Praying for you and your family Judy. Will Smith
Ron Lowy
November 3, 2024
Coach Chavis was a good Man, Teacher and Coach. I played Water Polo and Swam for Richard in the early Eighties along with seeing him in the water at Tarantulas and Main Street Beach (fellow surfers know the spots) on many occasions/back in the day. Many fond memories of Coach Chavis. He will be missed!
Gary Montenegro
November 2, 2024
Chavis, damn , so sad , I´m Gary , a Jalama local for 45 years, have known and been around him and all the Santa Maria locals since. He was always smiling , happy and friendly guy ,was always nice to see him with Fred and the crew ! Can´t forget his smile , he´ll be missed, was just part of the tribe , my heartfelt thoughts to his family - sucks another good guy gone , rest in peace my friend!
Kurt Klucker
November 1, 2024
Very sorry to hear of Coach Chavis' passing. I have fond memoies of him coaching our swim and water polo teams. He was also great at weaving in "life lessons" to us young knuckleheads,,, which I still appreciate today.
Kurt Klucker ERHS '81
Shaughn Wolfcale
October 31, 2024
Our condolences to the Chavis family. Rich was a great polo coach and teacher. We enjoyed his recent stories at Costco and Albertsons. He will be missed. Shaughn and Suzette Wolfcale. ERHS Class of 77 and 80.
Bill Vickerman
October 27, 2024
My Condolences to the entire Chavis Family. I wish you peace and comfort.
Richard will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a real gentleman and a true friend.
Sheri Etheredge
October 25, 2024
Dear Rich, "Coach"
We will always miss you at the "Y" .... Your swagger, your comedy, your commitment, your conversation.
Thank you for your compassion when my dear man passed away. I will not ever forget you.
Rest in Peace dearest friend!!
Robert Ricketts
October 23, 2024
Rest in Peace from all of your Phi Phi Phi fraternity brothers. We will miss you.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Chavis's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Richard Chavis
Funeral services provided by:
Dudley-Hoffman Mort, Crematory & Memory Gardens1003 E Stowell Rd P.O. Box 248, Santa Maria, CA 93454
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Chavis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
