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Richard Strahle Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Strahle
Sponsored by The Bovina Family.
Paul O. Colliton
July 20, 2025
Always in my heart Strails!!!
Laura
March 23, 2025
Richard worked with me through vocational rehabilitation. He shared and taught me wonderful affirmations. My two favorite are "I AM THE STRONGEST MOOSE IN THE WOODS!" and (hope I got this right) "I AM A BEAUTIFUL, WORTHWHILE, MISTAKE MAKING, CHILD OF GOD". I really liked him and will never forget him.
Sincerely,
Laura
Michael Murphy
July 20, 2024
There was no one like him. One of the funniest and upbeat people ever. My year living with him was one of the most fun i have ever had. He had the most interesting friends from all walks of life. I never heard anything negative said about him.
Paul O. Colliton
November 11, 2023
Still missing you my friend....
Michael Murphy
November 10, 2023
I lived with Strails for about a year when he had the house on Grant Rd. It was one of the best years of my life before i moved to the bay area. I only saw him one time after that and it was nothing but laughter. I lost touch after that. He was a true original- no one was like him.
Collie
July 20, 2022
Love ya Brother!!!
Collie
November 4, 2021
Miss you Buddy!!! Think of you all the time. Keep a watch over us will ya!!!
Nori Hammond
November 3, 2021
Oh my Richard
How I miss you I know you hv our son Ritchie with you n ur both cracking jokes ..take care of each other., and know ur girls need ur guidance n I miss the Hell out of you and Ritchie and I can not wait til we are all together again. Our love was something out of this world
I think of you every day n crynsomrtimed or laugh of a memory. You were the love of my life.
Lv your Porkchop
Sully
July 20, 2021
Miss you my friend.
Paul O. Colliton
July 20, 2021
Not a day goes by....
Robert Parrotta
May 2, 2021
I am just finding this out. I met Richard in Tucson in the 1980s, we shared many laughs, and fun times at his bar. We lost track of each other in 1990, am so sorry to hear he is gone.
Paul O. Colliton
July 21, 2020
Youd love the person Billy has grown up to be!!! Miss you everyday my friend. In this pandemic Ive been taking the family to the Res. I park right by your house on Demott.
Skyla Teel
July 20, 2020
13 years (almost) without you and your laugh seems impossible, but its real. I miss you and dad all the time, but especially when I hear something funny I want to tell you.
Youre all gone now; all of my Strahle Aunts and Uncles, and I hope you all found each other and are happy together. I hope youve all found the peace you were looking for and I hope you look down on the rest of us with a smile.
I love you. Always.
August 12, 2018
Hey Strails, It's not your B-Day and not the anniversary of when you left us. It is just another day that I miss you my dear friend.I hope I don't see you soon but I will love the day I see you again. XO, Jack
Jack
November 11, 2016
Hello Strails, just want to drop by and tell you how much I miss you. It's been over 9yrs that you have been gone and ....since I am here...obviously,you haven't left my thoughts. XO, Jack
November 29, 2014
Uncle Groovy,
I miss you to this day. To think that you and my dad are both gone breaks my heart every day. I still keep some of your jokes alive and it helps me like you wouldn't believe.
With love,
Clay
Felecia
March 11, 2014
Im missing you.
Ariana Pizanie Montgomery
December 31, 2013
I finally found Richard after all theseyears and he is gone. He was with me during the darkest times of my life and helped me overcome all kinds of hurdles. I'm grateful to have known him and will never forget him. I am who I am because of him.
Jack McDermott
November 27, 2013
Happy Birthday Strails! I'm a day or so late but you left us us many years too early. I miss you my friend, Jack
veronica curra (dandry)
August 8, 2013
it is so sad; that i finally found richard and now he is gone. we all hung out in tucson, az. and for so long been wanting to contact him. wow sorry to family and all. veronica
peter dinan
July 23, 2013
msg to follow
Rob Storrie
May 28, 2013
I met Strails when I was living in Tucson and working at San Manuel in the late 70s - early eighties. He was a great guy and we had so many laughs. He called us crazy Kiwis and I guess we were. I think we competed to be the craziest. He even tolerated our tastes in British music. I saw him during a brief visit to the States in the late 90s. I miss him...he was a special person. God bless his family.
Megan (O'Brien) Collins
February 25, 2013
You don't know me, but I knew your husband/dad from Rockville Centre, NY back in the late 60's. He was a friend of my neighbor, Peter Dinan, and became my friend too. When my family moved to Maryland, "Richie" came to visit me on his way to Arizona. We lost contact shortly after that. I am sorry that it has taken me this long, and so sad to read of his passing.
Although I will never know if he would have remembered me, I am so very happy to know he had a beautiful family and great friends. He was a great guy. Please accept my sincere condolences, and for my late contact.
holly strahle
July 25, 2011
so im having another baby :) im sure u already know that and its a boy this time :) ill be due sept. 11 2011 isnt that crazyy! i havent figured out a name for him yet its a lot harder then it looks but his middle name will be richard and his last name is gonna be strahle! heidys going to be 2 in august its crazy because its like i just had her and now shes going to be 2 well she wont get to meet u but im sure she knows who u are! bianca has a pig that u had gave her and heidy fights wit her for it so i think she knows its from u! but i miss u veryy much and know ur in a better place but wish u were still here a lot has changed and i dont think its for the better but hopefully it will get there! but i love you and miss u ill see u soon :)
Mark Siegel
July 24, 2011
You are surely missed. We raised a glass in your honor at Firechicken's birthday and told the waitress to bring the rubberband sandwich but it's not the same without you. We will love you always.
Siegel
Chris Schneyman
July 24, 2011
Your humor and love of life are sorely missed. Every time I start planning for our reunion weekend, I am reminded of how much your passing has affected all of us. We miss you! Chris and Mike
Paul Colliton
July 24, 2011
Always miss you Strails! Hardly a day goes by I don't think about you.
Peace,
Paul
July 23, 2011
Thinking of you and the footprint you left! Love you Richard.
Sully
Felecia Strahle
September 12, 2010
Dad,
i misss you so much.i think about you everyday and i still dont want to believe your gone.Alot of things have changed maybe not for the best but it is what it is. Heidy would loved you soo much!!
i miss you dad
love you with all my heart!
<3Felecia
Higgs
July 26, 2010
Strails
I think about you often my friend. In case you were wondering we still tell those same old stories at the reunions.
They bring a great big smile to everyone's face when you were involved, as you usually were. Hope we never stop . We miss you.
July 25, 2010
Strails,I miss you so much my friend.The calender says 3yrs but it seems like that Sun.morning call I got from Wayne happened yesterday.
I wish I could call you right now and talk about everything and nothing.You were a good man Strails.
July 24, 2010
Miss and love you Uncle Groovy... So much!
July 24, 2010
RICHARD
ITS BEEN 3YRS.THEY TOOK U AWAY FROM US,THE KIDS HAVE GROWN SO MUCH, AND UR RATTLESNAKE HAD BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL UR GRANDAUGHTER (HEIDY) WHO I TELL HER HOW MUCH HER PAPA BEAR LOVES HER.WE MISS U AND LOVE U.
LOVE YOUR
PORKCHOP
Mark & Deana Siegel
July 23, 2010
We miss you in our lives, just know you are in our hearts.
Love you man
Chris & Mike Schneyman
July 23, 2010
It's hard to believe that 3 years have passed since you left us for another audience. Like I've said before, I'm sure that you keep all the angels laughing. You are missed here on earth.
susan metzger
July 22, 2010
It's been 3 years and I am still so mad that you left us. I think about you all the time and miss you terribly. There will never be another one like you (and that is not necessarily a bad thing!) Love you brother Dick!
Sully
July 22, 2010
Can't believe it's 3 years and you still make me laugh! Love and miss you my good friend.
Felecia Strahle
October 29, 2009
i miss you so much things are soo not the same anymore...but everything happens for a reason right
i luv u
~Felecia Strahle
PORKCHOP
July 24, 2009
MY LOVE OH HOW I MISS U.UR SON HAS GROWN HE TALKS OF U OFTEN,CRIES,LAUGHS.FEE TELLS ALL HER FRIENDS UR JOKES ,HOLLY TALKS ABOUT WEN U TOOK HER SCHOOL IN LIMO. SO U SEE I KNOW YOU ARE HERE WITH US AND U AND I WILL BE REUNITED ONE DAY AND WE WILL DANCE UP IN THE CLOUDS ONCE AGAIN. WE MISS YOU VERY MUCH. LOVE YOU
PORKCHOP
Chris & Mike Schneyman
July 24, 2009
Mike and I miss you but know that one day we will be joining your party in the sky. Bovina reunions aren't the same without you but we know you want us to have a good time so we do. Keep the angels laughing!!
Mark & Deana Siegel
July 23, 2009
Strails,
Just want you know that Deana and I think about you often. I feel your presence with me and I know you are there to help guide me.
We miss you!!
Uncle Groovy
Skyla Teel
July 23, 2009
Miss you so much. I can't put it into words, but you know how I feel about you and how much I love you. I hope you and my dad (and Chip) aren't creating too much trouble in heaven! I know there's a big party waiting for us all when it's our time. Until then, thanks for being the best God damned Uncle there ever was, or ever will be! I love you!
Christmas Colliton Family mid 70's
Paul Colliton
July 23, 2009
Miss you Buddy!!!!
Peace,
Collie
Jack McDermott
July 21, 2009
Strails,I can't stop missing you my friend.It will be 2yrs tomorrow when you left us but I'm sure you know that.It's kinda hard to ignore the "after life" and your'e making sure it is a great "after life".Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of you and loved having you in my life. J
Betty Toothman
April 26, 2009
Richard- I too just found out today of your passing. You were responsible for introducing me to the Watering Hole and volleyball there. I remember our fun times from Apollo College. You brought so many people together and I will never forget you. We will definately have a toast to you when the old gang gets together.
Conrad & Jan Geres
April 26, 2009
Oh, Richard. We feel that we can talk to you because we know you are listening out there somewhere. We just learned of your passing as we were putting together a "reunion" for the old Pointe neighborhood. You will be missed and we will be sure to have a toast in your memory. We miss you.
Colleen Arrandale Hinton
August 7, 2008
The very first time I met Strails was the summer of '71, with the "See & Hear" store crew. I was dating another employee, but first time out on a job, Strails had me laughing so hard, I almost wet my pants.
Me and my boyfriend(s) were in close proximity to Strails from that time, for a long time.
Oceanside, Suffern, Bovina, Phoenix, Tucson. He is unforgettable - a truly unique person with sharp wit and a warm heart.
Until today, I had not known that Richard had passed. My compassion and love go out to all those before me.
I count myself privileged to have shared a great chunk of time while he was here on earth. See you soon, Strails. Love you always, Colleen
Mark Lelah
August 1, 2008
Strahlie-I will never forget you-you gave me and all my friends so much....
Wayne Sholl
July 25, 2008
My friend Strahle was the most special, exciting, energizing and warm person I have ever known. It has been difficult for me to speak about my friends untimely passing. I believe Strahle was so many things to so many people. Strahle had a life worth living. Thank you "for you" my dear friend and Nori, thank you for being that special wonderful woman that he loved.
Jack MCDERMOTT
July 25, 2008
Strails,It has been a yr since you "relocated" and I bet you know everyone up there.And I bet they all heard the "No,No Bird" joke...a few times at least.I miss you so very much my friend.
Firechicken aka Mike Lemyre
July 24, 2008
Strails,
I may be the last to sign this book. Well old friend, I just cannot accept your death, truly a tragedy. You are a hero, you are larger than life and to me you will always be the invincible Strails of my youth. Your friendship has enlightened me as only a hero can. You are the definition of your credo "make it a great day". Enough said.
Michael Schneyman
July 24, 2008
Rich. it seems like only yesterday we were telling stories and laughing at all your jokes. You were always one unforgetable human being and you are sorely missed on earth, but I know your spirit lives on in all your family and friends. See you in the future
Eric Levitt
July 24, 2008
Strahle you were the life of every party I was at and I'm sure where you are now will be the same! We'll miss you at our Bovina reunions, but rest assured you will always be with us in mind and spirit.
RITCHIE STRAHLE
July 23, 2008
DAD i miss u and love u hope u can come back to us
love your son ritchie strahle
Bob Miller
July 23, 2008
Strails, you've been gone from us for a year but it just doesn't seem so. There was so much of you here that you can never really be gone. When I think of you I see the image in my mind of your big smiling face and I hear the sound of your huge laugh and know that you will always be near. Seperated for now but not forever. See you in the next life.
Deana & Mark Siegel
July 23, 2008
Dear Nori and Family, Mark and I send our love and many {{{HUGS}}} for all of you. Richard will always have a special place in our hearts. He will be missed very much. God Bless you all. Love, Deana and Mark
Mark Siegel
July 23, 2008
Strahle,
I can't believe a year has past. I miss our conversations and how you made me laugh till I cried. I think of you often and look at the pictures of past reunions. You had a great zeal for life and you made everyone around you feel the same. I love you man.
Siegel
holly strahle
July 22, 2008
dad i miss you so much ive been so lost with out you herer im gonna be a jounior and next year im gonna be graduating he always said that for my graduation present hes going to get me a suit case so i can be packed hahha then he promised he would walk me down the isale but i guess none of those are going to happen but i know that were he is he is happy and safe i love you dad ill see u soon!!
ur daughter
holly
NORI STRAHLE
July 22, 2008
I MISS YOU
I LOVE YOU
YOUR PORKCHOP
FELECIA STRAHLE
July 21, 2008
LAST GOODBYE
DAD...
SO MANY IMAGES COME TO MIND
WHENEVER I SPEAK YOUR NAME
IT SEEMS WITHOUT YOU IN MY LIFE THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME
WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL THOSE TIMES WHEN I ALWAYS LOOKED TO YOU !
NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENED IN LIFE, YOU COULD MAKE MY GRAY SKIES BLUE.
DAD, WHO WILL I TURN TO FOR ANSWERS?
WHEN LIFE DOESN'T MAKE SENSE;
WHO WILL BE THERE TO HOLD ME CLOSE WHEN THE PIECES JUST DONT FIT!
PLEASE ALWAYS NOW THAT I LOVE YOU!!
AND NO ONE CAN EVER TAKE YOUR PLACE!!
YEARS MAY COME AND GO
BUT YOUR MEMORY WILL NEVER BE ERASED.!!!
I LOVE YOU
YOUR DAUGHTER
Chris Schneyman
July 21, 2008
Rich: On the anniversary of your passing I will look to the stars and say a prayer for you and for your family. It's hard to believe that a year has passed. You are deeply missed. I especially miss your jokes every year at our Bovina reunions. I am sure that you are now entertaining the angels in heaven!
Paul O. Colliton
July 20, 2008
I can't believe it's been a year since your passing!! I still think of you everyday and I miss you. Thank you for all the laughs and that beautiful smile. Those are the things that keep you fresh in my mind. I talk to Billy about you and remind him of the friend I lost. I love you Strails and in your honor I will now go out and make it a GREAT day!!!
Mark Lelah
April 21, 2008
I will never forget my friend Richard Strahlie-he made me laugh and feel good about myself and my friends. He cared about his friends as much as his family-to him, we were family-God bless you "Strahlie"
Bill Sullivan
April 17, 2008
I love and miss you Strahle(rocky) a day does not go by without you on mind and in my prayers.
Much love Sully(bullwinklle)
Ron Higgs
March 9, 2008
Strails was a once in a lifetime character and one of my closest and dearest friends. We shared just about everything people can share.Good times , bad times,downright stupid boneheaded behavior, most of which is not fit for print. He could have you shaking your head at his crazy antics one minute, then two seconds later your side by side with him headed for some kind of concocted new adventure.
It was a timeless friendship. I could go years without seeing him then somehow resume like no time had passed since our last meeting.I still tell his best joke in restaurants, he said I could use it
" Waitress bring me a rubberband sandwich.... and make it snappy. God I miss that guy. Love you Strails.
Higgs
Jack MCDERMOTT
March 7, 2008
I miss you Strails.For the last 35yrs you have made me laugh,made me angry,made me sing,and sometimes got me to dance to The Dusty Chaps.Now you got me to cry.Life is just not quite the same without you. Finally,this is the one time I have the last word... Strails,I never had red hair!!
He HAD to go to Pier39,everytime!!!
March 7, 2008
I miss you my friend
March 7, 2008
Strails and his soul partner Porkchop
March 7, 2008
Strails with hair
March 7, 2008
Jean Kester
November 22, 2007
I was working on a Christmas project for my husband Jerry (it is a Moose) who was one of Richard's clients about 10 years ago & he always told the class that he was 'The Biggest Moose in the Forest,' it turned into a joke between my husband and I & today when I was trying to find Richard, I ran across his obituary.
I can honestly say if it wasn't for Richard's outlook on life, my husband wouldn't be the sober, loving man he is today.
The world is a little brighter for having him just those short 55 years.
Jane Parkhurst
October 26, 2007
I used to work with Richard at AIBT back in 1992.He used to have an 8 track in his office with oldies...sooo funny!!!(even in 92 that was weird!!! hahahha) I can still hear his voice as he was walking down the hall a mile away!!!!He really loved his students and they loved him.....He was the real deal.....He had a heart of gold.... . His family should be really proud of him .he lived his life to the fullest!!! He was sooo proud to be called "uncle groovy"We lost touch...I havent seen him in over 10 yrs..But I will always remember him with a smile on my face....He was a good man.
Kitty (Bozza) Galvin
September 24, 2007
When I met Strails back in 1976 my life changed and there was no turning back. I'll never forget the pool parties, strahle surprise and his Halloween nun costume - priceless. I'm sorry that this world and his children are now without him. God finally rest his soul and bless his family.
Jim and Pam Maina
September 3, 2007
It is with heavy heart that we learn of the passing of our great old friend. We lost touch many years ago and this is proof that it is worth our time to seek out the people that gave us the most joy-even though we get so caught up in our own immediate family issues that we forget those who brought us such joy. We'll never forget the Sunday night supper club and Strahle's surprise! Good rest you our friend!
Becky (Strahle) Seng
August 20, 2007
Oh that crazy Richard. I met him at U of A in 1972 and spent my money feeding him, Albert and Peter tuna sandwiches by the student union pool. I married his brother, Bill,and Richard became uncle to our four kids. 'Uncle Groovy' has always been a light in our lives and now the world seems a little changed without him in it. He was somebody we thought would always be here,and it is too late to tell him how much we love him...but somehow, I think he knows. Sweet dreams Richard.
nori strahle
August 17, 2007
Richard was my heart,we miss him greatly. its so very hard to continue without him here by my side, i hear him say "honey be strong" im trying cuz i promised him i would. i would like to thank all of u who have signed the guest book. If anyone would like to contact me please do my number is 928-205-9452. thank you , God Bless U All.
I love U Richard
Porkchop
Katie Strahle-Johnson
August 16, 2007
I miss you Uncle Groovy. Thank you for always loving us. We love you.
Christine (McNab) Grooms
August 15, 2007
Although
it's been 23 years since I last saw Richard ( & I was 23!), I still
think of him every time I hear "Groovin on a Sunday Afternoon". Powder
blue mustangs & Thai food also bring a smile....which is what he
was all about.
May his friends & family be comforted in the smiles he brought to
others.
John Wilhelmsen
July 30, 2007
I remember your smile and laugh, your love of a good time and your friendship. It's hard to believe that it's been 35 years since we piled into a rental van and drove to Tucson. Our condolences and best wishes go out to your family.
Big John
Skyla Teel
July 27, 2007
Richard was a loving step father to Jacklyn (Raymond), Brian and Adrienne and a beloved grandpa to 3 beautiful granddaughters, Brooklyn, Braylin and Bianca. He will be remembered and missed by his father-in-law, Joe Padilla and his nephew Michael Padilla. Richard (Uncle Groovy, Dick, Strails) was loved by the Strahle Family and many others aound the world. "GO OUT AND MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!" (Richard Strahle 1952-2007).
Skyla Teel
July 26, 2007
Richard was my Uncle Groovy. He was the most fun person I had ever met. He always was having a good time. I believe that he is one of my angles now and is with his mom, dad, brother and others we have lost. I was lucky to have him in my life for 28 years. I will never forget him, nor will anyone who met him! YOU'RE THE GROOVIEST!!! I love you.
Julie Henderson
July 26, 2007
I all but lived at CPWS and knew Richard and Al very well.
I recently ran into Al but always wondered what happened to Richard.
I remember always feeling like I could tell Richard anything.
They only had on customer appreciation night at CPWs and it was for me.
Richard always thanked me for coming in.
He will be greatly missed I am sure.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Julie Christie-Henderson
Connie Schake
July 26, 2007
I haven't seen Richard for some time, but I remember him well and it's difficult to remember him without a smile.
It must be a twist of fate that I even found out of his passing. I'm not near Arizona now, but I will make sure there are prayers spoken on his behalf and for his family. Sincere good wishes and regards to all.
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