Richard Allen Weichbrod

Richard was born in Washington D.C. and would be the second oldest of 4 siblings (Mike, Rob, and Anne) to Ethel (Modoi) and Joseph Weichbrod. Richard grew up in Langley Park, Maryland, and attended Montgomery Blair High School. He went onto college at the University of Maryland, receiving a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While a junior in high school Richard met his soon to be wife and life partner, Nancy, and the two married in 1969.

Richard and Nancy lived in Greenbelt and then Bethesda, Maryland, while Richard finished his education at the University of Maryland. After graduating college, he worked for various engineering companies, which included his father’s company, National Instrument Laboratory. He always had a unique ability to fix things and being an engineer appeared to have always been his calling. Growing up he learned a lot from his father about tools, woodworking, and construction, even helping his father build an addition to the family home when he was a teenager.

Before deciding to start a family, Richard and Nancy focused on their careers and exploring the world. The two did several international trips, including visiting the Greek Islands and Europe. In his free time, Richard enjoyed playing the guitar and drums, and he received his pilot’s license with the hopes of adventure. In 1977, the couple decided to move west when Richard accepted an engineering position in Santa Barbara. They left their family and friends behind in Maryland to embark on a new life. A year later they had their first-born son, Brett. The start-up engineering company that had brought them to Santa Barbara ultimately dissolved, but the quality of life and favorable weather left a memorable impression. Richard and the family decided to embark on another adventure after he had accepted a position at John Fluke Manufacturing Company, which meant relocating to Seattle, Washington.

After two years in Seattle, Nancy and Richard decided they missed Santa Barbara and made plans to return. Richard purchased a small company, Scarab Graphics, and become an entrepreneur. Scarab Graphics, located in the industrial area of Goleta, provided color separation and engraving design services for companies in the region. Although he had no background in graphics design, he saw the growing need for the service. Several years later he also purchased a small company, in downtown Santa Barbara, called Photo Engraving. Ultimately, he moved both businesses to Carpinteria to a larger facility and combined them into Scarab. During that time, Nancy and Richard welcomed their second child, Kevin.

In 2001, Richard decided to semi-retire and sold his business, but still managed properties and became an avid investor. Always an athletic person, with his new freedom Richard was able to focus on many outdoor activities, including running, skiing, and cycling, even trying his hand in bicycle racing in the master’s categories. When Nancy retired, the two were able to enjoy traveling together, which included yearly trips to Maui, Mexico, and unique cruises around the world. Richard loved spending time with his adult sons, his large network of friends, and with his lifelong desires to learn and explore, he lived every day like it was his last.

Richard and Nancy celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary shortly before his untimely passing. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, two sons Brett and Kevin, daughter in-law Jennifer, and his granddaughter Nyrie.