I spent four years in the US Navy and worked as a Boatswain Mate then struck out and became a Quarter Master. I left active duty as a Petty Officer 3rd Class QM. Years later I enlisted in the reserves as a Ship’s Serviceman working with the Seabees for three years and achieved rank as a SH5.
I went on a WestPac in 1985, on board the USS Peleliu LHA 5, a NATO deployment in 1984, and a peacekeeping deployment in 1983 on board the USS El Paso. While serving in the military, I enjoyed visiting so many countries but realized how grateful I am for being born in America. I fell in love with Norway and would like to go back for an extended stay someday.
As a civilian, I worked in retail sales before returning to finish my business degree. After college I worked in finance, insurance and as a business adjunct instructor. Unfortunately, I had to stop working in October 2024 due to all the time and days I was missing; I felt it was not fair to my students.
My wonderful wife, Mary, passed away in October of 2023. We met each other in my last year in the Navy and were married for 38 years. I miss her very much and am glad I have my two stepchildren.
Just after I finished treatment for cancer in 2021, I was diagnosed with kidney failure. The cause of my chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the materials I was exposed to while serving. My kidney function continued to decline, and I started peritoneal dialysis (PD) dialysis in May of 2022.
I have always enjoyed playing the double bass and played in house rock bands in my area. My kidney disease and dialysis cause cramping in my hands making it impossible to play guitar right now, so I am learning to play the keyboard instead.
While in high school, I ran track and wanted to use my skills and passion for teaching, so I volunteered as an assistant track coach in a summer league for 13- to 16-year-olds. I also enjoy herb and vegetable gardening and would love to have a mini greenhouse to take care of my plants. I am looking forward to my new electric bike to assist me getting around in the great outdoors.
My hope is to receive the gift of a living kidney transplant and to get back to doing the things I have been missing like playing the guitar, being able to run again, and to live my life to the fullest.
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save Richard’s life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611