Richard Aster

Richard F Aster, Jr. May 25, 1940- Feb. 16, 2012 Richard Aster Jr, president of Aster Management Co and portfolio manager of the Meridian Funds passed away suddenly on February 16, 2012 from a head trauma injury. Richard Aster has managed the Meridian Funds for the past 28 years building an impressive track record which put him the top 10% of fund managers for it's 20 year track record. His record earned him the Morningstar runner up Manager of the Year for 2010, as well as numerous Lipper awards for best mid cap growth fund. Meridian Growth Fund was listed by Kiplinger magazine as one of the "top 25 best funds to own". Richard Aster is among 31 fund managers listed in the "Guru Hall of Fame", based on his long term track record. Rick was born in Monrovia CA., the son of Richard and Cecil Aster. Rick spent his childhood and teenage years in Monrovia, CA. As a child he was passionate about sports and he excelled in every sport he played. He attended University of CA at Santa Barbara earning an undergraduate and Masters Degree in Economics. He played on the UC Basketball team and on the Track and Field team. Rick served in the National Guard from 1963 to 1967 as a Radio Mechanic. He began investing privately shortly after college. His astute research and belief in business fundamentals led to his early success. His career began as a Bank Examiner for the US Treasury Dept. In 1970 he joined Newberger, Loeb & Company- a New York Stock Exchange firm as a West Coast analyst. In 1972 he joined Robertson, Colman, Siebel and Weisel, which became Montgomery Securities and subsequently Banc of America Securities, Montgomery Division. Mr. Aster's responsibilities at Montgomery Securities included formulating the firm's economic overview and investment strategy. His primary areas of research included emerging growth stocks and special situations covering a broad number of industries. Mr. Aster successfully managed accounts on a discretionary basis during this period. He left Montgomery Securities in March 1977 to form Aster Investment Management Co., Inc. Mr. Aster started the Meridian Growth Fund in 1984, the Meridian Value Fund in 1994 and the Meridian Equity Income Fund in 2005. As a dedicated father he was very involved in the schools his children attended, sitting on the board of St. Mark's School and Marin Catholic. Rick coached CYO basketball for many years, often taking his team to the championship level. Rick was a long time resident of Marin County and a member of the Olympic Club, the Meadow Club, the Corinthian Yacht Club and Bay Club. His friends knew and remember Rick for his strict discipline, his competitive nature, his brilliant mind, his quick wit and his passion for politics and economics. Rick was a natural athlete with a true competitive spirit. In his adult years he played golf, tennis and basketball. He was a voracious reader of biographies, and history. Rick was an avid world traveler, interested in learning about the history of each country he visited. He is survived by his brother, Gary Aster of Sammamish, WA and his son- Greg Aster and daughter- Jennifer Aster. A public viewing will be held, Friday, February 24 at Monte's Chapel of the Hills in San Anselmo from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.. A private service for family will be held at 3 p.m.. A celebration of Rick's life and his professional accomplishments is scheduled for the near future. Monte's Chapel of the Hills San Anselmo 453-8440