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Richard Spohn Obituary
12/04/1942 - 07/25/2024
Richard Spohn died, unexpectedly, on July 25, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland, with Katherine Ramage, his beloved wife of 29 years, by his side. He is also survived by his daughters, Monica and Katerin.
Richard led an extraordinary life. A native San Franciscan and graduate of St. Ignatius High School, he received degrees in philosophy and sociology from Fordham University, and graduated from Harvard Law School. After a stint as a Nader's Raider, he served as the Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs 1976-1983. Richard joined the SF law firm, Nossaman, in 1983, helping establish its healthcare practice. On sabbatical at the Universidad Rafael Land�var, he developed a program of dialogue and conflict-resolution training for management and labor leaders in Guatemala. Returning home, Richard served as Founding Director of the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service at USF, before resuming his work as an expert in public and private healthcare. Throughout his career, Richard published widely, served on boards such as Hospital de la Familia Foundation, and received honors such as "Healthcare Law Trailblazer" by the National Law Journal.
Surviving family are stepchildren, David, Timothy, and Rachel Hanes; his siblings, Mary Romo (Michael), Vincent, and Catherine Wolff (Tobias), and their families. His parents, William and Mary Spohn; and his brothers, William and Michael, predeceased him.
His family and friends will remember Richard's commitment to justice that fueled his career, and for the generosity he brought to all he did and to people he met. He was a hero, guide, and inspiration.
His memorial will be at St. Ignatius Church, San Francisco, 1 p.m., September 21, with reception following at UCSF Faculty Alumni House. Contributions honoring Richard can be made to Friends of Defensores de la Naturaleza, https://defensores.org.gt/en/donate-now/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Spohn
1 Entry
Pattie Fong
August 20, 2025
I knew Richard as a neighbor in Berkeley. He was always pleasant, positive, friendly and supportive and a contributing visionary in our part of the world.
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