After a valiant battle with esophageal cancer, our beloved Richard C. Micallef passed away on February 28, 2016. He was 62. He was a witty, caring, spirited man who adored his family and enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He was born on December 16, 1953 in Upland, California and was the son of Raymond Micallef and Lorraine Micallef.

Richard’s beloved brother, Kenny died in 1977 and his sister Charlene is living in Oregon at this time.

In 1968 “Radical Ric” moved to Escondido, California. He met his soulmate, Paula, 46 years ago during a July sunset in Washington Park, and at the early age of 16 he was hooked for life. Two years later they were married and blessed with two children, Jason in 1972, and Jennifer in 1975.

Richard, aka “RC”, began his lifelong love of equipment first at John Deere in Escondido and worked for their equipment dealers until 1988. He spent the majority of his 40-year career in sales at Hawthorne Machinery. He was a prominent figure in the high-reach industry both locally and internationally, and well respected by his co-workers and especially his clients.

Those who knew Richard will remember his love for books and reading. His family will remember a story teller, a gardener, and a DIY home remodeler who took great pride in his projects and accomplishments.

Richard had a goofy sense of humor and was always making his kids and grandkids laugh. As a grandfather he was lovingly cherished by four grandchildren - Jared, Aidan, Brianna and Madison. Some of their greatest memories are of birthdays at the beach, spending the weekend camping in “Papa’s” Airstream.

He will forever be in our hearts and memories. Please join us in remembering him by sharing your memories or photos of Richard in the Gallery, and click on the slideshow to view images from his life.

"And in the end, it's not the years in a life, it's the life in the years."
- Abraham Lincoln