Richard Clarke Alexander, age 85, peacefully passed away September 17, 2012, in Corona, with his family around him.

Richard was preceded in death by his darling wife, Gloria, and is survived by his fondly-called “offspring”: Cathleen (Robert) Beese, Diane (Paul) Patterson, Louise (Vern) Badham, Tom (Karen) Alexander, Jim (Leanna) Alexander, & Mary (Steve) Barnett; his beloved grandchildren Paul (Tara), David (Jenni), Colin, Brian (Trisha), Alex, Kate, Hannah (Noel), Hilary (Nathan), Maegan, Randy, Philip, Haley, Daniel, Cameron, & Grace; his sweet great-grandchildren, Bella, Oliver & Elise; and many relatives and friends. He will be missed by all!

In the 1940’s, Richard attended Caltech at a young age, having skipped first and third grades, and graduated in three years. He also served in the Navy in the last year of WWII. From the early 50’s into the 70’s, he worked as a space engineer on Hound Dog and Mercury; then transitioned to electrical engineering, becoming CEO of Alexander Engineering for the next 30 years, and President of the Illuminating Engineers Society in the 1990’s. Richard’s work was highly-awarded; he became Orange County’s Water District expert in the early 2000’s.

His sport of choice was sailing, and kept his boat docked at Newport Beach’s American Legion Post 291, where he was a lifetime member. Richard, along with Gloria, was a founder of the first guild of OCPAC. His favorite hobby was photography & his music was Dixieland jazz.

Richard will be remembered for his amazing ideas, passion for useful technology, and love for his family. We love you, Dad/Grandad; our loss is Heaven’s gain!

Rosary & Funeral: 10-19-12, 9:15AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2140 W. Ontario Ave, Corona.

Burial: 10-22-12, 11AM at National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren, Riverside.