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Richard D. Bridgman

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Lowell High School University of California| Berkeley

Richard Bridgman Obituary

Richard D. Bridgman March 1, 1929 - February 13, 2007 77, passed away at home in Santa Fe, NM, of mouth cancer. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Noreen Quan Bridgman; his son Richard Bridgman; twin granddaughters, Ashley and Brittany Bridgman; brother, Jon Bridgman; nephews and a niece in San Francisco, Seattle and Colorado Springs; and sisters-in-law, Sherry Bridgman and Jean Donovan Bridgman. His younger brother Joel Bridgman predeceased him. Dick, as he was known, was born in South Dakota, the eldest son of the late Lloyd and Faye Bridgman. He was a graduate of Lowell High School and U.C. Berkeley, and a passionate Bears football fan. He served on the USS Shelton during the Korean War, Combat Information Center, and became operations officer, completing his tour as lieutenant, USN. He graduated from Golden Gate University School of Law, 1958. Dick was a dedicated and well respected lawyer for 48 years with the distinction of trying over 200 personal injury, medical and legal malpractice jury trials, with Ericksen, Ericksen, Kincaid, and Bridgman; O'Neill, Bridgman & Schock, and more recently in solo practice. Member Inner Circle of Advocates, American Board of Trial Advocates, American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys, California Trial Lawyers' Assn., Alameda-Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Assn., (president 1982), Alameda County Bar Assn., Alameda County Lawyers Club (1980 Lawyer of the Year), and the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Assn., often serving as officer or director, and was a Director of Lawyers' Mutual Insurance Co. 1978-1988. Dick contributed greatly to his profession as a mentor, a faculty member of Golden Gate University School of Law 1963-1969 and Hastings College of Law's College of Trial and Appellate Advocacy 1984-1991 and Judge Pro Tempore in the Alameda and Contra Costa Courts. Dick's cremated remains will be scattered in the Pacific. Service to celebrate his life will be held on March 3, 3 p.m., at the Bellevue Club, 525 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Hospice Center, 1400 Chama Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87505; or Cancer Institute of New Mexico, PO Box 5038, Santa Fe, NM 87502. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Services, 1399 Luisa Street, Santa Fe, NM, 87505. (505) 984-8600.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Feb. 26, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Bridgman

17 Entries

Barbara Sidari

March 8, 2007

Dear Noreen,
We were sorry to hear of loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Fondly,
Frank & Barbara Sidari

Bob Capps

March 8, 2007

Noreen, so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed meeting Dick at the Tech High get togethers.
Bob and LuAnn Capps

Michael Hadfield

March 6, 2007

Noreen and the Bridgman family,

I learned of Dick's death on Sunday and am sorry I missed the service for him.

I knew Dick through my father and the many dinners we shared. Dick greeted everyone with his infectious smile and proceeded to tell one of his many jokes. Those were always occasions to look forward to, as Dick and my father would banter back and forth sometimes even agreeing with each other on some political or legal issue. They did have one rule on the evenings they met, the first person to arrive at the restaurant buys round one, that always caused a discussion with one of them accusing the other of being five minutes late on purpose.

At the memorial for my father Dick was asked to speak, and when he finished he raised his glass and toasted his friend saying “the first round’s on you Jim”. Tonight I will raise a glass for two friends reunited and carrying on as they always did. I can hear the laughter and see the smiles on their faces.

Frederick James

March 3, 2007

My sincere condolances to Noreen and to the Bridgman family. I remember Dick as a trial lawyer, arbitrator and a former ACCTLA President. He was always a friendly and gregarious personality.

Malcolm Hendry

March 1, 2007

My late wife, Julie and I, along with mutual friends the Allynes, had some wonderful times with Dick, during the Orinda days. He was always a joy to be around with his quick wit and friendly manner.
Noreen, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you, but I know Dick was blessed by having you.

Linda Gonzales

March 1, 2007

Noreen, My sympathy goes to you. Dick lived a full and happy life, always happy, making jokes, laughing and seeing the brighter side of life. May the Great Spirit be with him during this time of departing from one life to another. He will be missed.

Dr. Patrick Scanlan

March 1, 2007

Noreen, Dick was my boss, my mentor, my shipmate, but mostly my friend. God bless him. I know he and Bob Boudreaux are teaching Acey-Deucey in Heaven as we speak. Our hearfelt condolences to you and the family.

Lamar and Linda Schweitzer

February 28, 2007

Noreen,
How we'll all miss Dick! The Shelton mini reunions will never be the same.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lamar and Linda

Ron Allyne

February 28, 2007

GOD speed to a very dear and long time friend. You will be missed always!
The Ron Allyne Family
Bellevue,WA

Toni Lobsenz

February 27, 2007

I will always have fond memories of the times we spent together. I feel lucky to have had an opportunity to know Dick and I will always be grateful to him for bringing so much joy to Noreen.

Ms. "R"

February 26, 2007

Dear Noreen,
I will certainly miss the fun times we had together. I believe that Dick's family, education, naval experience, and legal expertise led him through the serious part of life, which at the same time allowed his humor and story-telling to shine through. How happy I am to have been a part of his life....his life with you. Sincerely and lovingly.

Rachel Harris

February 26, 2007

Noreen~
I just wanted to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you and our family. My Great Uncle Dick was a great man and always kept everybody laughing and in good spirits. If you need anything we are always here.
Love you,
Rachel and Brent Harris

Bill Lindblad

February 26, 2007

Dick and I were together in the Berkeley NROTC unit, graduating in 1951. Then we saw each other regularly when we both were in the Bay Area.
My sympathies to Noreen and Dick's children. He was a fine man. I will miss him.

Virginia Quan

February 26, 2007

Dear Noreen,
I am so sorry for your loss and will always remember Dick's sense of humor. Please keep him in your heart and remember the good times you both had together. My thoughts are with you.
Love, Virginia Quan

Lisa Simoni

February 26, 2007

I did not get a chance to really get to know Dick, but I'm so glad to have had the time that I did with him.

Noreen, I love you and I hurt for you...

Lisa

Jim and Shiela McArthur

February 26, 2007

For Dick, a fellow shipmate in the Navy, and a wonderful personal friend. You will be missed.

Bruce Quan, Jr.

February 25, 2007

Noreen and the Family of Richard Bridgman:

I read of your loss just recently from here in Beijing. Noreen, I only had a brief occasion to meet with Richard when we met together at the Palace but I certainly enjoyed his wit and humor that evening.

Professionally, I knew of him by reputation, having also practiced law in Alameda County for many years. He was known as a distinguished lawyer by his peers and a gentleman of his word in the practice of law.

Please accept my sincere condolences.

Bruce Quan, Jr.

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