Friday, 29 March 2024

Richard Wilson

Richard Wilson. Courtesy photo.

Richard Wilson
Sept. 1, 1938 - Aug. 9, 2020

“Glad You Got to See Me”

In sadness, we share that at 81 years old, Richard Wilson, a dear father of four and beloved husband of 62 years, passed away on Aug. 9, 2020.

We are deeply saddened but at the same time, we have peace knowing he is with the Lord. He left us peacefully after saying goodbye to his family in person and family far away via FaceTime.

He lived a generous life full of love, integrity and hard work. He was always young at heart, hiking Half Dome at 58 and riding Thunder Mountain Railroad at 81.

With an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor, people were drawn to him. He was happiest around his family and never passed on an opportunity to gather with them at a barbecue or a grandkid’s sporting event.

He and his wife Frances owned many successful businesses and their generous heart touched many people in the Lower Lake community.

The family will have a small family memorial BBQ to remember Dad – he wouldn’t want it any other way!

In lieu of flowers please donate to https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate.

Richard was born Sept. 1, 1938, in Omaha, Nebraska and moved to Southern California as a young child.

He was a Basketball High School All-American who graduated from Paramount High School in 1956.

Richard started as a box boy for a local grocery chain and quickly worked his way up the corporate ladder, eventually being promoted to regional manager.

Richard Wilson and his wife, Frances. Courtesy photo.

He married his high school sweetheart Frances Besgrove in 1957. They had three children, Michael, Steven and Mary.

After a hunting accident, they decided it was time to put their hard work towards owning their own business. They owned the Montgomery Wards catalog store and Gene’s Fountain.

They lived on the lake in those early years and had a fourth child Melissa. They boated, fished and took time to play at their camping property on the Trinity River. Those early days were busy, but Dad taught us balance and family were more important than fortune. Our family took up snow skiing and enjoyed many memories together in the Sierras, Utah and Colorado.

In 1977, Richard and Frances decided to sell the lake house and businesses and semi-retire. They moved to Lower Lake where they began to grow kiwis and walnuts and became a real estate broker. He enjoyed building things with his hands, whether it be a house, building or wood projects for mom to paint on.

In the 1980s and 1990s, they went into business with their sister Linda Davis, opening Lower Lake Feed & Supply, and Richard and Frances opened Apple Realty. Richard also served on the Konocti Unified School board for 18 years.

Mom and Dad bought a few hot rods and began to travel around the US with their hot rod club friends seeing wonderful places and making memories. A highlight was going on an Alaskan Cruise with 40 of them! They even drove their hot rod on the Indianapolis 500 Speedway.

Needless to say, to Richard everyone was a friend and was greeted by a cheerful “glad to meet you.” When they retired they bought an RV and joined a stunt kite flying club which continued to take them all over the country kite flying with a new group of friends. It was a perfect way to stay active and socialize with others! On their favorite RV trip, they went to the WDW Campground, Texas, and saw relatives in the Midwest.

Richard’s favorite activity by far was spending time with his family. He and Mom traveled many miles each month making sure they got to see every sporting event of each of the grandkids. A typical weekend would include three football games, two soccer games and a dance recital … but in different towns!

Richard loved spending time all together telling funny stories, and used funny sayings unique to dad. Dad was so proud of each one of us in different ways and helped us to be better people by the values he instilled in us. He lived an incredible life that we each hope we can resemble and strive for.

Richard Wilson and his family. Courtesy photo.

Richard is survived by his wife, Fran; his siblings, Lon and Linda; children and spouses, Mike and Julie, Steve and Cathy, Mary and Craig, and Melissa and Kenny; grandchildren, Justin, Andy and Chelsea, Michaela and Frankie, Bryan and Bekah, Ryan, Kyle and Kortney, Jessica, Hailey and Kevin, Chase and Ben; great-grandchildren, Lukas, Goy, Dylan, Marion, Kaylee, Jordan, Emma, Noah, Hunter, Tommy, Drew, Millie, Blake and Lyla.

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine when that day comes
When I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I would do is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine I can only imagine .... SEE you in Heaven Dad!

Upcoming Calendar

30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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