Richard Metcalfe Obituary

Richard P. Metcalfe
January 4, 1936 – June 25, 2021
Richard died suddenly and peacefully in his sleep on June 25 at his home in San Rafael after a short illness. His big, beautiful heart finally gave out after 85 years. He was a kind and gentle soul who leaves behind a grieving wife and family, and his beloved dog Lola, whose pampered care will continue at home. Richard wrote his own obituary which the family shares:
After 80 years, I decided to write my own obituary. I am a man of few words, so this will be short. "It's nice to be nice" was my motto. My passion has been to be a good father and provider, and to always catch the most and biggest fish. My son asked me "what is your legacy" and I responded that it is him, his brothers, and sister. My health issues are too numerous to list, but I have done OK with the good care of UCSF doctors and Susan. I was born in San Francisco to Robert and Nadine Metcalfe. My family includes my wife Susan Page-Metcalfe, sons Ken (deceased), Kevin, Keith, Ryan, daughter Kathryn, brother Doug and sister Lynne, grandchildren Alison, Christopher, Ashley, Emma, Ken Jr., Sean, and great grandkids Niko, Payton and Noah.
I graduated from Lincoln High School in San Francisco, and then from San Francisco State University. I had an extensive and rewarding insurance career including a partnership at the Albert M. Bender Company insurance brokerage firm, was President of Bay Pacific Insurance Brokers, and then onto Wells Fargo Insurance brokers where I retired. I served on the California State Insurance Commission, was Director for the Marin Community College Small Business Center, a member of the Lions Club, San Francisco Olympic Club, Marin Rod & Gun Club, and was a fellow Mason. Over the years, my interests included fishing, duck hunting, baseball, bocce ball, trips to Lake Tahoe, gardening, gambling, and my IPad. The love of my life and top of the list is Lola, a little dog who bonded with me. I know that she will always be looking and waiting for me. I ask that no services be planned, or donations. A remembrance card to Susan would be welcome.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 2 to Jul. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Metcalfe

10 Entries

Bill Tubbs

August 17, 2021

It had been at least 60 years since I last saw Uncle Rich, but I´ve seen several nice posts by the family on social media over the past few years. As a little kid, I remember Rich as a very smiley and friendly uncle, and I extend my very sincere condolences to all the family who had been with him all these decades.

Brent Ainsworth

July 26, 2021

Ryan, I'm sorry for your loss. Hope you're handling this as well as can be expected.

CK Kwan and Benjamin Tong

July 21, 2021

My sincerest condolences to Susan and the family. A vigorous man with a nice spirit. I shall always fondly remember the story from Susan about the famed burger that was named after him in City Club.

Keith Metcalfe

July 11, 2021

Keith Metcalfe

July 11, 2021

I'm writing this on a Sunday night, which traditionally for the last 15 years, at least 3 out of every 4 weeks I had dinner with my father. It was usually a quick dinner, never fancy, and sometimes just an excuse for him to ask questions about his technology or to talk about a film or tv show he liked.

He made it to 85, after constantly saying he didn't have five more years left... for the last 35 years. My last dinner was 5 days earlier, where I commented how it was the best he had sounded in a while, and he agreed. We actually talked about his future, and what he wanted to accomplish for the rest of his life.

I regret not taking his photo, like I sometimes did when he felt or looked particularly good.

Our last phone call was the day before he died. He said he was recovering from feeling really sick the last few days, and was insisting that I get health insurance just in case anything happens to me. He always got off the phone before a conversation felt over, but that time he wouldn't let me hang up until I promised to check out some new plan he saw on tv through the ACA.

He died the same date as Jacques Cousteau. He would have liked that, as he was a big fan, and for a long time he always wore one of those Cousteau red hats. (Note that it was also the date both Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett died.)

What a weird realization I had though is that I didn't really lose a father, but a friend. He was the only friend I regularly saw. Others, even before the pandemic, have families, work, move away, so I occasionally trade emails with, but never 'see'. But my dad was someone who when I'd read something interesting, I'd jot a note down to bring it up with him at dinner, as after decades it was often hard to come up with anything 'new' to talk about.

ryan metcalfe

July 4, 2021

I'll always remember fishing with Pops. If it wasn't fishing we were probably talking about baseball. I'll miss Pops and these simple pleasures with him.

Lisa Barry

July 4, 2021

I just read the obituary in the IJ. Susan, your husband looked and sounded like a very nice guy. My condolences to you, your family and Lola.

Kirk Denebeim

July 4, 2021

My condolences to Susan and Richard's family. He was truly a good man, well-respected and regarded in our industry. RIP

Ed Greenberg

July 3, 2021

So sorry to hear about Dick. He was such a. Ice man. Susan, you made his life better.

Stephanie Gluska

July 2, 2021

Susan, I am so sorry for your and the family's tremendous loss. The world was so fortunate to have such a wonderful human being in it. He will be dearly missed. My heart is with you, Lola and your family. Hugs.

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