Richard Spohn

1942 - 2024

Richard Spohn
12/04/1942 - 07/25/2024
With great sadness we announce that Richard Spohn passed away unexpectedly in Dublin, Ireland on July 25,2024. Katherine, his beloved wife of 29 years, was by his side. He leaves behind a large family, including their much loved daughters Monica and Katerin. True to his indomitable spirit he LIVED vigorously to the end!
Richard was a bright light and led a big life. The first of six siblings, he was the leader, and a guide. His experience of polio, his Jesuit education and his personal faith formed him as a passionate seeker of justice. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1972 and enlisted as a Nader's Raider. 1976-1983 he served as the Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs in Gov. Brown's administration. Richard then specialized in healthcare in the public and private sectors as an attorney with Nossaman, where he was counsel for the development of the California Choice Program. He is fondly remembered by colleagues as a mentor as well as topnotch lawyer. Richard published widely, won many awards, and served on commissions and boards, from The California Children's Lobby to the Los Angeles Energy Policy Commission and Hospital de la Familia Foundation.
Ever ready for adventure, Richard took a sabbatical from Nossaman to move to Guatemala in the early 2000's. Guided by Guatemala's Peace Accords, he established and trained the first national-level management and labor leaders in dialogue and conflict resolution at the Universidad Raphael Land�var. His book, Hard Labor, memorializes his experience. Returning home, he became the Founding Director of the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service at the University of San Francisco, and subsequently returned to work in healthcare until his 2020 retirement.
Richard's greatest gift were daughters, Monica and Katerin, whom he and Katherine brought home from Guatemala. He delighted in spending time with his family, encouraging his daughters' growth and witnessing them blossom into impressive adults.
His generosity led him to fund his daughters' brother building a family home in Guatemala and to contribute to many other civic and charitable efforts. We believe that he has joined his dear friend Baxter at the banquet table, both with Negronis in hand, toasting his family.
Those who shared Richard's life adored him as father, husband, brother, uncle and friend, and revered his integrity and courage. He served as a father figure to young people in his immediate and extended family, there when needed, ready with wise advice, nudging us to be our better selves.
Richard's dogged persistence prevailed as he aged, allowing him to continue swimming and engaging his passions for gardening, squirrel-chaser Gatsby and eating fruit pie. We who were graced by his life cherish his great legacy and feel his loss deeply.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Ignatius Church, San Francisco, at 1PM on Saturday, September 21, with a reception to follow at UCSF Faculty Alumni House. Contributions honoring Richard can be made to Catholic Relief Services in Guatemala
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