Richard Leo Bechtel

Richard Leo Bechtel, 87, passed away on Nov. 15, 2015, in Palm Springs, California. Richard was born on Dec. 20, 1927, in Devils Lake, North Dakota. He served in the U.S. Army of occupation in Japan. He attended the University of North Dakota and the Bryan School of Shorthand Reporter in Los Angeles. Richard worked as a certified shorthand reporter in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Santa Monica until his retirement in 1990. Richard then moved with his partner, William, to Sun Valley, Idaho, where they joined their longtime friends to enjoy the sport of skiing. After six memorable and happy years in Sun Valley, Richard and William moved back to California and settled in Palm Springs. Richard was loved by all for his generosity and kindness. Cremation was at Neptune Society in Riverside. Richard's ashes will be scattered on Sawtooth Mountain in Sun Valley, Idaho.

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Published by The Desert Sun from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Bechtel

30 Entries

William

December 10, 2015

Our dear, sweet Richard has left us and one of his wishes for after his passing was to NOT have any formal funeral service. Instead he said gather and have a drink on me. I like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your being at the gathering. Thank you for your kind words and remembrances also. Having so many dear friends together that Sunday helped to soothe the difficult pain of his loss. I know Richard treasured your friendship, as do I. I took his ashes the day after the gathering to Ketchum Idaho and left him on the mountain he loved to ski.
Sometimes there are no words to express the feelings of the broken heart.

November 29, 2015

A kind and gentle soul has ended his earthly sojourn and saddened the hearts of those who knew him.
His next journey will be to a mountain top in Idaho, where he loved to ski.
From there he will travel to wherever the winds may take him.
So long, Sweet Richard. You have earned your rest.
Lane

Roubina Naiyan

November 25, 2015

It is very rare to meet a person that changes your view of humanity. Richard made me believe that there are people with a beautiful heart and soul. I had the great pleasure and honor of knowing Richard and will forever be thankful. He was the sweetest, most loving and caring human being. I miss him very much; I miss his big hugs, his welcoming smile, and his beautiful spirit. I love him for being my friend and for bringing so much love in to William's life. Thank you William for bringing Richard in to our lives.

Sam Sadri

November 24, 2015

I have known Richard for over 20 years. He has been a wonderful friend. He will be missed very much.

Vahram Shahgaldian

November 24, 2015

You will be missed....

November 24, 2015

Doug Turner and I got to meet Richard at Hallmark. He was gracious, kind, gentle and friendly. We enjoyed our short acquaintance. Special appreciation to William, who cared lovingly and steadfastly for Richard. God Bless Both of you.
Jerry Carpency

Vahram Shahgaldian

November 24, 2015

Richard was a gentle soul with a kind hart and great sence of humer. His presence will be greatly missed, but he will live in our harts for ever.

Udo Mueller

November 24, 2015

I had the great pleasure of meeting Richard a few times and all what comes to mind is. How kind and funny and caring he was. He always made me smile and his loving attitude was so appreciated. I hope that the cloud he is sitting on now is all comfy for him. I certainly will miss him very much indeed.

Hassan Noorbakhsh

November 24, 2015

Richard was a person, enjoying and appreciating every moment of life.He was a real nice gentleman.

Marion Schoenmakers

November 23, 2015

Richard was my dear friend. I loved spending weekends with him and William. I will forever treasure my early mornings with Richard reading the news paper together. He was kind, funny and genuine. I feel blessed to have had him in my life. My heart is broken. I loved him very much.

William Thomas

November 23, 2015

Richard was a kind, friendly man who enjoyed life and had the most interesting stories about his life experiences to tell. He will be truly missed by all that knew him and loved him.

ruthi lee

November 22, 2015

I will always be grateful to Richard for his care and friendship of my parents...Irving and Virginia Serlin and their dog Solo, while he lived in Ketchum, Idaho. He was always referred to as " Richard down the street. He was a warm and wonderful person and he'll be missed.

Brent Bechtel

November 21, 2015

Uncle Dick had many talents one of which was his class! One of the things we often did growing up was go skiing as a family. Whether it was in Mammoth Lake Tahoe or Utah we know he loved Sun Valley Idaho. Our memories will never Dim of the loving man that uncle Dick was

Dick, Vange, and Veronica, on tour

ell

November 20, 2015

Dick & Veronica, cruising (he generally wore more fashionable vests)

ell

November 20, 2015

Dick, Vange, Veronica, cruising

ell

November 20, 2015

Dick, Veronica, and others

ell

November 20, 2015

brothers and sisters top 2; plus obenshein, harahan, others, lower

ell

November 20, 2015

Dick and Veronica

ell

November 20, 2015

Dick and Don

ell

November 20, 2015

Dick and Ed; the skier; with Evangeline

ell

November 20, 2015

Dick, Don & Grampa Cy (and bro. on horse), baby Jean, Babe and the twins

ell

November 20, 2015

Thad Francis

November 19, 2015

I was fortunate to know both Richard and William professionally and socially here in Palm Springs.
Richard was a kind loving and funny man. My condolences to William and Richard's family for their loss.

Edward Lee Lamoureux

November 19, 2015

Richard Bechtel was my Uncle Dick. I grew up with him near our house and family always. He was in my life throughout every stage. I am blessed with many relatives; I was closest with Dickie. I have scads of photos and films; many stories and treasured memories. We both more than adjusted to being apart when I moved from Southern California; I visited him when I could; we always had a great time together.

This generation of Bechtel's has now passed; only uncle Don's wife, Chris/Babe, remains. The next generation, mostly still here, carry North Dakota (and Wisconsin, and Illinois, and Iowa, and California) and the family with us regardless of whether we've ever been to those places.

I was adopted into this grand family at age 14 months. Although I have met many of the people in the other two families willing to admit being connected with me, the Bechtels and Lamoureuxs are my family. I've had and/or maintained special relationships with many on both sides.

But none like Dick.

May all the powers in the universe bring his soul and spirit rest and peace. He will NEVER be forgotten.

Albert Maghbouleh

November 19, 2015

Richard's gentleness and sense of humor made him a joy to be around. He was a unique and loving man.

Miles Santamour

November 19, 2015

To be in Richard's presence was to fill the comfort and joy that comes from knowing someone for a life time, though I only was in his company a very few times. I miss him!

Bob and Maureen Creswick

November 18, 2015

He was a very special person. We shall miss him. We toasted Dick tonight.

Donna Hamilton

November 18, 2015

I was so happy that Dick and Veronica could attend Nathan and Courtney's wedding in Washington, DC. Noel had a stroke just before the wedding, so Evangeline and he could not attend. I loved Dick. I loved his special personality and kindness.

COLLEEN BECHTEL

November 18, 2015

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Brad Bechtel

November 18, 2015

He was my uncle. We didn't keep in touch much, but he was always a pleasure to be around. My condolences to all who knew and loved him.

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