Richard F. Honer, AKA as Rich, Dick, Dad, Uncle Rich and especially "Bompa" was born on March 27, 1927. He was the 4th of 5 children. He was born in Los Angeles, CA where he lived until his move to Ventura in 1950. Rich most liked sports of all types and excelled at baseball, and was approached by professional baseball recruiters from the Pittsburg Pirates at an early stage before he pursued other interests.
Although he was too young to join the military when WWII began, he served in the Coast Guard and was part of the team that returned a captured German vintage vessel and sailed it across the Atlantic to the States.
Rich met his future wife, Donna Schutt in 1946 and they married on June 14, 1947. Their romance continued for 57 years and he was continually at her side until she passed away in 2003.
In the early years, he worked many jobs including a family lumber business, Sears & Roebuck and a free lance painting business with a friend before beginning a long career with Shell Oil Company. Starting as a roustabout he advanced to increasing positions of responsibility and concluded his profession as Supervisor of Offshore Drilling Operations in Long Beach. The was a very rewarding time in Dick's work life as he played a key role in the design, establishment and production of this new venture.
He and Donna formed many lasting relationships with business colleagues, family and friends who often joined together during holidays, renowned BBQ's and pool parties.
He pursued several interests, but over the years most of his time was spent building just abut anything made out of wood, playing golf with friends, enjoying grand children and always organizing photos of the family and events in his extensive library of photo albums. He loved to watch sports of all kinds. Once of his favorite pastimes for many years was tending to his many roses and fruit trees.
Rich was a man who spoke clearly and with integrity. He reminded one oh his son-in-laws of JohnWayne who always walked in an assured way and modeled strong values. He was always willing to assist people in need and spent many years with Donna in providing leadership to Feed the Poor in Ventura. He had a big heart and shared generously with his church and many charitable organizations. He made time to help others. He was a happy man and grateful for what he had.
He leaves 5 children, Linda Laws, Patti Figge, Jim Honer, Richard Honer and Robert Honer; 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Richard died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday morning, June 12, 2014. He will be greatly missed and remembered.
A Remembrance Mass will be celebrated Monday June 16, 2014 at 11AM in Our Lady of the Assumption Church 3175 Telegraph Road Ventura.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Richard with a Memorial Donation to Ventura County Habitat for Humanity c/o St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church 5801 Kanan Road Westlake Village, CA 91362
Richard was entrusted to the care of the Family Owned JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street Ventura. www.ReardonFuneral.com