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Daniel Richards Obituary

Daniel Michael Richards 53, of Pleasant Hill, CA, passed away suddenly June 26, 2010. Born in Redwood City, CA, he graduated from U.C. Berkeley and later St. Mary's MBA Executive Program. He will be deeply missed by his wife Patricia, his 14 year old son Phillip, his parents Dr. Marvin and LaLa Richards, and his siblings Ruth and Mark Richards, as well as his friends. Dan was a proud and devoted father, who gave 100% of himself to every endeavor and will be remembered for his gentle, caring and generous nature. In lieu of flowers, a Donation Scholarship Fund #1865716102 has been set up for his son Phillip at Wells Fargo Bank, Pleasant Hill, CA (925) 671-0199. Memorial services will be Friday, July 9, 11am, at Mt Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek, CA reception to follow.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jul. 4, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Richards

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Kathleen (Kathy) Adams

April 3, 2024

I stumbled on this memorial page belatedly and was deeply saddened to know that Dan is no longer in this world. He was a gem and I will always remember his quiet warmth, intelligence, compassion, and (of course) smile. We met in Poitiers, France, where I was studying and exploring my French heritage. He'd popped in to visit our mutual UCSC friend, Matthew, who was also studying in Poitiers that year. I remember meeting Dan over a meal with a big group of students at a clandestine Chinese restaurant in a Poitiers apartment. There was a TV above our table and all the students in our group were completely absorbed by whatever was playing on the TV, except Dan. I remember being impressed by his ability to tune out the TV and be fully in the moment, chatting about his travels, books, etc.. He stood out amongst his peers as quietly exceptional. Over the next couple of years, we spent time together in Santa Cruz, Berkeley, and SF. He was studying architecture at UC Berkeley, and I have fond memories of his enthusiasm for design (his prized Eames chair!), hikes, shared museum visits, and the kinds of BIG conversations one has when one is 20-21. I am sorry we lost touch. Reading the comments here, it is clear he remained true to his core--deeply caring, intelligent and kind. He left this world all too soon. Sending my deepest condolences to his wife, son, parents, and siblings.

David Parks

February 24, 2011

Dan was my closest friend at Berkeley. I lost touch with him and periodically have searched for him to no avail until last night when I came across his obituary. I'm devastated by this news. I wish so hard that I'd tried harder to find him. Everything that is said about him in these postings is so true. His spirit will always remain with me.

Daren Chody

July 30, 2010

Dear Patricia,
I worked with Dan at Keynote for two years. I was saddened when he left Keynote, not only because I found him to be great to work with and an excellent asset to the company, but also because during a business dinner late in our relationship I was amazed at how much we had in common. Both of our wives were from outside the US, and we both had lived abroad in their countries. We both had a single child, a 14 year-old boy. Although we haven't met, when I heard about Dan's passing I felt compelled to send this note of condolence. My thoughts are with you and your son.

Denise Ebright

July 12, 2010

Dear Patricia and Philip,

My fondest memory of Dan is his smile. He was one of the first SMC Alumnni I met because he was so welcoming and friendly. There are some people who you immediately feel comfortable around, and that was Dan. I enjoyed working with him on the SMC golf tournaments and at our meetings. He will be greatly missed by the SMC community. My prayers to you both.

Dunn Family

July 8, 2010

Dan was always such a joy to be around. I can't remember Dan without a smile or offering a hug upon greeting. Our trip
to France with the kids was so much fun! We have only joyful memories of Dan and his love for Phillip and Patricia - oh, yes, GOLF too. We will miss your smiling face. The Dunn Family

Beth Perot

July 7, 2010

Dan was a valued colleague at Levi Strauss for many years. I'll never forget the first project we worked on together, which was to find a replacement data modeling tool. Dan approached the project with rigor, energy and humor. He had a silver 'stake' to slay the evil software we wanted to get rid of. Another memory is the French TinTin book that he carried around as a clipboard. Just today I was looking for some background material, and came across many old documents and emails from Dan, which are still helpful today. My sincere condolences to Patricia and Phillip. Dan will live on in our memories.

July 7, 2010

Dan was one of my students in the EMBA program. I shall never forget reading his course paper on Levi Strauss and its big Organizational change effort which had just concluded with mixed results. As I told Dan, it was the finest paper I have ever received from a graduate student. I tried to see if we could rework it a bit and get it published. I now wish I had tried harder than circumstances seem to allow at the time, since it certainly would have been a major contribution to the applied literature. I loved seeing Dan here and there over the years. I cannot quite believe we lost one of the finest human beings I have encountered in a long career.

Dave Bowen

Mike Clothier

July 7, 2010

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Dan's passing. I first met Dan when I needed guidance writing a paper for an MBA class. From that very first meeting and subsequently with alumni activities Dan showed what a giving person he was. As everyone who knew him will attest, he had a fantastic attitude and was a lot of fun to be around. He has been an integral and crucial part of the success of our annual SMC graduate business golf tournament and many other events. All of us have been enriched by knowing Dan and will miss him so much; we have a lot to live up to. I pray that Dan's family and friends will find peace and comfort in the many wonderful memories of Dan.

David Gill

July 7, 2010

All of us in the St Mary's College Graduate Business Alumni Chapter are in a state of shock, deep sadness, and loss over Dan's sudden passing. To all of us on the faculty Dan is remembered as an exceptional MBA student. To those of us who worked closely with Dan on our annual golf tournament and other alumni activities, he was a bright and shining light, a positive, joyful, energetic force who brought people together, organized great events, and inspired us all. We will all miss him terribly. May God give Patricia, Phillip, and all of Dan's family and friends comfort and peace and may all of us whose lives Dan touched carry forward his spirit and legacy.

Muhlenkamp Family

July 6, 2010

Dear Patricia & Phillip,

I can't picture Dan without a smile on his face. He was a great guy and we'll miss him in the neighborhood. Our hearts go out to you.

Kim Jorgensen

July 6, 2010

I am so sad to hear this. He was a very special person and a great husband and father. The times we spent together were fun and special. I did not know him well enough. I regret that we didn't have more time together. I feel so sorry for Patricia and Phillip.. Dan died far too young. He was always full of life when I saw him. This is not what should have been.

andy maltzer

July 4, 2010

Dan was my very first friend. We were next-door neighbors and born 2 days apart. So many of my early childhood celebrations and memories include Danny and his family. Danny was always kind, gentle, generous, and a lot of fun to be with. We laughed a lot together. My deepest condolences go out to Lala, Marv, Ruthie, Mark, Patricia, and Phillip. I will forever hold Danny close to my heart.

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