Richard Teraoka

Date of Birth

September 4, 1951

Date of Death

October 7, 2014

After 63 years of a wonderful life-journey in this world Richard passed on to eternal life on October 14, 2014. Richard Teraoka also known to family as “Ricky” made his transition to be with his Creator in his home surrounded by loving family and friends.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah to loving parents, Wes and Kay, he was a third generation Japanese American. Richard enjoyed his life spent with family, friends, and loved ones, especially with two grandchildren who he adored. The splendor and beauty of Santa Barbara was home to Richard for the past 35 years.

Richard lived a simple life filled with passion and guided with compassion. After attending UCLA and achieving a Master’s degree in Social Work, Richard would embrace many of life’s promises, hopes and his dreams which were reflected in what he did and loved. Richard was an avid reader of novels who enjoyed nature walks, the beach, the Arts, and his liking of pet dogs and exotic birds. With a life partner Nick of 28 years, they were entrepreneurs of several local businesses in Santa Barbara. His 19 year professional career and achievements at the University of California, Santa Barbara culminated with being a Director of the Educational Opportunity Program.

In 2012, Richard received the Margret T. Getman Award. He was extremely proud of this award, as an affirmation of outstanding service to students, staff and faculty. With a deep sense of equity and parity for social justice, Richard volunteered over the years at several non-profits in the Santa Barbara community and was involved with committees on the campus of UCSB. His spiritual journey included being an active member of a church community. With much admiration, the utmost respect and with unconditional love, Richard honored and felt privileged with those who shared his life with him to make a difference in his life and times and, the greater community of Santa Barbara.

In every moment of living life, Richard valued such precious times as he took with him those moments with his mother, Kay; his sisters Toni, and Janie; brother, Randy sister in-law Joy; brother-in-laws Ron and Toby; his niece Kimiko; grandchildren, Tyler and Casey; and, Nick who partnered with Richard for many years. Of Richard’s extended families; the Sebastian’s of Fresno, California, The Salon, Video Visions, EOP and Trinity Church. Richard took these life moments with him to heart and also of life-long friends; Annette, Patti, Carl and Larry.

Richard’s Memorial service will be held on Saturday October 25th at 2:00 pm. The service and reception will be held at: Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
In lieu of flowers: Make donations to: Pacific Pride Foundation Santa Barbara, Hospice of Santa Barbara, UCSB Educational Opportunity Program STEP, Trinity Episcopal Church

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