Richard Tewes

1943 - 2025

Richard Tewes

November 6, 1943 – May 21, 2025

Richard Tewes was born in 1943 in East Chicago, Indiana, to Eleanor (Gustaitis) and Norm Tewes.

He spent his early years in Munster, Indiana, before the family relocated to Panama, where his father worked for the Panama Canal Company and Richard perfected the art of tropical mischief. Eventually, the family landed in California, where he would spend most of the next seven decades.

He graduated from San Francisco State University in 1965 and was deeply committed to social justice causes - often ahead of his time and never short on opinions.

In the 1970s, he met his wife, Erica Randall. Together, they embarked on a long, winding journey through Latin America, settling for a time in Peru with their infant daughter, Erin. Upon returning to the States, they bought land outside Nevada City, where they built a home on Round Mountain and remained for over forty years.

Richard was a broadcaster at KVMR for 35 years, best known for his blues programming. He also served as Membership Director and played electric bass in local bands like Jukolin and The Strum Bums bringing groove and good-natured grumbling to stages and porches all over the county.

In 2025, Richard and Erica moved to Spokane to be closer to their granddaughter, Sadie, and her family. Though his time there was brief, he made the most of it: a fishing trip, a concert at Sadie's school, and quality time with the people he loved most.

He is remembered for his cynical optimism and dry sense of humor.

Richard is survived by his wife, Erica; his sister, Carol Tewes, and her family; his daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Peter McWade; his granddaughter, Sadie McWade; and a tight-knit extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and Norm Tewes, and his granddaughter, Rhona McWade.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite Nevada County-based charity