A native Californian, born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland, Richard was a man of many friends, travels and interests.
Richard attended Oakland’s Fremont High. After graduation he moved to Hawaii to spend a year surfing the waves before being called home to say goodbye to his older sister, Sondra, and then enlisting to serve in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.
After his time in the military, and a stint with Bechtel, Richard was sent to Houston, where he stayed for less than a year. It was there that he met Robyn, by the pool at the Houston apartment complex where they both lived. After a whirlwind romance and the opportunity to change directions in a new role with Morrison-Knudsen, Richard and Robyn moved to The Hague, Netherlands and then Cologne, Germany before returning to the States. During this time overseas Richard and Robyn welcomed their only child, Natalie [Boltz] Keller and met lifelong friends, Cole and Rina Morgan.
An avid lover of music, water and all things boating, Richard enjoyed his Carver Yacht ‘Lazy Daze’ and spending time at his second home, the Benicia Yacht Club.
Richard was a pillar of support in helping the club through the years and always made sure to lend a hand whenever needed. There was nothing he loved more than being on his boat or up at ‘The Club’ with the people he enjoyed, blaring some of his always epic playlist, having a cold tequila and cigar in hand.
Richard will be sorely missed by all who knew him, but most importantly by his wife, daughter, and son-in-law.
Often seen together at Natalie and Mark’s business, Bruehol Benicia Brewing, Richard was a very proud supporter. He was a friend to all and a man of his word. He will be remembered by his incredible ability to always be positive and his dedication to those he loved. His love of art collected from various travels, reading, trying out a new recipe and finding new music was shared with everyone he met.
Richard is predeceased by his parents Nell Stahl and Vernon Boltz, sisters Sondra Boltz and Valerie Boltz Woods, nephew Andrew Woods. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Robyn; daughter Natalie and son in law Mark Keller; sister Sabrina [Gus] Carroll and family; niece Wendy Woods and family; nephews Alexander Woods and family; Kevin Greer and family; Bobby Moore and family; the family of nephew Andrew Woods, wife Zoe and children Mya, Leigh and Mitchell; the children of lifelong friends Cole and Rina Morgan, Kate and John Paul.
Richard passed peacefully on May 2nd, 2022 with his family by his side.
A celebration of life will be held at Benicia Yacht Club on Saturday, July 23rd, 2022 from 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in his name to the Benicia Yacht Club.
