Aug. 5, 1928 – May 19, 2020

On May 19, surrounded by loved ones, Richard passed away to reunite with the love of his life Janet Thompson. He was born and raised in Glendale and then moved to La Crescenta where he raised his family and lived the remainder of his life.

In his high school years, he would constantly be found racing motorcycles and hopped up Model A cars down Brand Boulevard.

He and Janet were high school sweethearts and were married on Nov. 27, 1948 sharing the next 71 years together until her passing on Feb. 7, 2020.

Richard was a military veteran after joining the Air Force then being honorably discharged in 1952. Once discharged, the couple returned to California and, together, Richard and Janet traveled the world and experienced many adventures with each other. His favorite place to go to was Lake Havasu, which he called his second home. With family and friends, he spent many weeks there boating, water skiing and enjoying the Arizona heat. They raced horseless carriages in both England and the states. They spent a month in Australia working the pit crew for a cross-country helium balloon race team. This gave them the opportunity to pit for a hot air balloon team to celebrate the bicentennial.

Richard’s favorite hobby in life was restoring antique cars. Over the years he accumulated a large collection of cars that he would buy then restore but never would sell, as was a joke with his family.

Richard would look forward to the local Memorial Day, Labor Day and Christmas parades each year when he would proudly drive his cars with his smiling wife in the passenger seat next to him.

Richard was a well-loved and respected businessman. With his older brother Dale he owned a company manufacturing commercial and industrial lighting. The two worked hard by working three shifts during rush times. This led to the company growing from two employees to over 200.

Richard was a family man and was proud of what his family accomplished. Many of his friends would share stories that he was always excited to talk about his grandson, a nuclear mechanic in the United States Navy, and his granddaughter, a social worker for the Dept. of Child and Family Services.

Richard is survived by his son Rick and his wife Irma and his grandchildren Richard and Laura. Sadly his daughter Linda passed away in June 2019, but she is survived by her wife Patricia.

Richard will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Directors: www.CrippenMortuary.com