Richard C. Schwartz
In Remembrance of Richard C. Schwartz September 2, 1932-October 28, 2016. Richard passed away in Santa Rosa, CA.
Our beloved Richard is gone, yet to all of whom were fortunate to be caught in his orbit, he leaves a memory so deeply embedded in our hearts, he shall never, never be forgotten.
A gentle giant of a man, no longer will we feel the joy of his presence, his honorable kindness, his ability to make us laugh with just a smile, a gesture or simple hello.
Blessed as his sister, “growing up with Richard and our siblings (four of us) so close in age, he was our cautious leader and peace keeper when we quarreled. He was handsome and gentle, yet strong when our paths met danger. Richard had a special magnetism about him; not one to brag, he was nonetheless confident, tolerant, and even noble. His infectious little chuckle, almost a giggle, concealed embarrassment and modest pride. How could a sister not admire a brother like that?”
Richard turned 84 in September. He hated his disabilities. For the last four years, his health began to suffer with a myriad of problems and illnesses, but he persevered until last month.
We, our family, acknowledge those many months with deepest gratitude to Rogetta, his wife of 36 years, the loving care and support of Richard they endured together.
Richard worked hard at all of his endeavors. For the last 20 years, here at Deerfield Ranch Winery, both Richard and Rogetta became part of the Deerfield family, staff and crew. Working alongside owners, P.J. and Robert Rex, they created a bond of mutual respect and friendship ultimately leading to the growth and expansion of their success.
Richard was born in San Diego, CA on September 2, 1932 to his parents Richard Alexander Schwartz, a restaurateur and chef from Hamburg, Germany; and mother Lorna Flora McLain, Los Angeles, CA.
Richard called Santa Barbara his home town. He attended grammar school, La Cumbre Jr. High and Santa Barbara High School. He later attended Santa Barbara City College and UC Santa Barbara.
He was our hero- he was America’s hero. With the outbreak of the Korean War, he served honorably in the U.S. Army; achieving the rank of Sergeant of Fifth Regimental Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division – with basic training at Fort Ord and Fort Benning – becoming a paratrooper. While in the service, Richard was wounded from shrapnel in his back, recuperating in Japan. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, Korean Service Medal, Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars.
After his military service he returned to San Francisco, attending UC Berkeley. He eventually became owner/operator of G&G Chemical Co., Inc., a company that produced cleaning and sweeping compounds for the Federal Government.
He purchased a 12-acre home in Glen Ellen – Sonoma County wine country – and became interested in viticulture, hence leading him to new friends and neighbors in vineyard and wine production.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Rogetta; from his first marriage to Eleanor Shrader, their daughter Richelle Muhlitner (Rob) and granddaughters, Jackie and Nicole (Schane) and daughter Schelby, Pleasanton, CA; his son Kurtis Lindstrom (Jessamy) and children Rusty and Lexi from Montana.
Richard is lovingly remembered by his sister, Lydia S. Edwards (Don) of Solvang, CA; nephew Ryan Bell (Jill) and their children Parker Bell, Whitney, Parker Gribb and Page of Santa Barbara.
Also dearly missed by Jennifer Courcier (Rich) and their girls, Sydney and Lexie of Tahoe CA; nephew Jeffery Adkins (Betty) from Los Alamos, CA and niece Janis Adkins.
Richard is preceded in death by his memorable steadfast parents, his second wife, Colleen Higbee, his beautiful and fragile sister; Jeanne Adkins, and little brother David, died tragically at the age of 10. Also preceding Richard in death are Aunt Sonia Steddom (Ken) who introduced the family to the glory and grandeur of Lake Tahoe.
Our Richard was a true gentleman-kind, gentle, sweet, polite with a “larger than life personality”, depicting an unbashed sense of humor of and wit, yet genuine from his heart. His Achilles heel was generosity. Our mother often said, “Richard, you’re too generous-to a fault!”
Richard lived a full adventurous life filled with excitement turbulence and risk. He faced what life offered and then some. A life we can only imagine.
To his friends, co-workers and family he leaves an empty void in our lives that can never be filled-a trail of tears that extends back to life-long school friends in Santa Barbara and to all Richard has touched since then, through the years.
A gathering of friends are invited to a celebration of Richard’s life at the home of Barbara Bortolazzo, 4935 Yaple Ave, Santa Barbara, CA on Saturday, December 10th at 1:00 p.m.