Richard "Dick" Myers

Richard "Dick" Myers

Ojai, CA

Dick died peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones at his home in Ojai on Wednesday, July 27th 2016.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Carol Myers; his children, Joanne Myers (Robert Vallandigham), Charles Myers, Nicholas Myers, and Katie Myers; his grandchildren, Ruth Petersen (Erick), Florence Yssel (Brent), Jonathan Myers (Tiffany), Richard Myers lll (Amy Jensen), Emma Vallandigham, and Briggs Vallandigham; his great-grandchildren, Brent Yssel Jr, Alexi Myers, Riley Yssel, Daniel Myers, Anthony Yssel, Carolyn Petersen, and Juliana Petersen.

Dick is also survived by his loving sister-in-law Joan Pulliam, his daughter-in-law Valerie Myers, and many loving nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by Edward and Edna Myers; his brothers Eugene and Donald Myers; his sister Jacqueline Iselin; and his son Richard Thomas Myers Jr. Also, near and dear to his heart were his pets Lily, Graham, and Pepper.

Dick was born in 1927 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Edward Myers and Edna Van Alstine, originally from Minnesota and Montana respectively. He was raised in Wauwatosa, Kenosha and Racine, Wisconsin, until he was 13 and moved to Wilmette, Illinois; where he graduated from St. George High School. As a child, Dick was an avid Boy Scout and passionate about his animals.

Dick enlisted in the Army in 1946 and was honorably discharged in 1948. He was a decorated Private First Class awarded with a WWll Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal Japan. Dick trained in Tacoma, Washington, before serving a year in various locations in Korea. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves until 1952.

Dick returned to Illinois where he attended Northwestern University, graduating in 1952 with a BS in Biology. Dick was an active social member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, participated in intramural sports, and practiced his drawings in letters to his mother and his future wife, Carol Briggs.

Dick met an 18-year old Carol at Northwestern in 1950. Over the next two years, Dick committed his fraternity pin to Carol and then gave Carol an engagement ring at a park bench on the banks of Lake Michigan. They were married at St. Jerome's Church in Chicago in 1952. On their honeymoon, Dick and Carol travelled west on Route 66; settling first in Santa Barbara, then Ventura, and finally in the Ojai Valley where he would live for the rest of his life.

During his career as a citrus rancher, Dick became fluent in Spanish. He owned two different orchards in Ojai until his retirement in 1998. Dick and Carol welcomed their five children into the world between 1953 and 1964. Dick was a humble man, who considered himself equal to all he met, especially those that worked for him.

Dick was a well-traveled man, reaching five continents with his loving wife. He was active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce and Rotary, served as President of the Ventura County Cancer Society in the 1960s, President of both the Chamber of Commerce, and the Ojai Orange Association. Active in the Republican Party, Dick attended many pro-life meetings with his wife Carol. He was active in the Roman Catholic Church, serving many years in religious education and as a Eucharistic Minister on the altar and to the sick. He helped coach his sons' Little League teams and worked together with his children in 4H Club. In retirement, he enjoyed his weekly lunches with the ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and continued to play poker. Dick was a dedicated friend, maintaining friendships of over 50 years with Harry Sims, among others.

Dick was passionate about his family, but reserved in his expression. In his last few years, he made a point to tell those around him that he loved them. Dick will be fondly remembered as "Poppy" by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When asked how he was doing, Poppy would kindly respond "Fair to Middlin". He was known for his tomfoolery, which included chasing around his grandchildren, quacking in his Donald-Duck voice, and picking them up by their ears.

Carol wishes to thank all of the staff of Ventura County Medical Center and the Palliative team for all the loving care they gave Dick and the family in the difficult last three weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Life Choices Pregnancy in Ojai or Food for the Poor.

A rosary, mass, and reception will be held at Saint Thomas Aquinas in Ojai, on Tuesday, August 2nd starting at 10:30am. Arrangements are under the care of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.