Richard T. Dixon
June 11, 1948 - November 25, 2011
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Richard T. Dixon
June 11, 1948 - November 25, 2011
Obituary
Richard was born in Henderson, NC on June 11, 1948 and passed away on November 25, 2011, age 63, after a long illness. He resided in Lake Forest, Ca, formerly of Phoenix, Az.
Son of Penola (Penny), and Richard F. Dixon (Deceased) of Phoenix, Az. Brother of Barbara Aikens (Deceased). Father of sons Richard (Ruth) of Hoquin, Wa., and Robert (Whitney) of Mesa. Az.
Grandfather to Michael, Michelle, and Tiffany, Jessica, Joshua, David and Noah. Great-grandfather of newborn Mason Anthony, born Nov. 20, 2011.
Richard traveled throughout the world with his military family during his childhood until moving with his family to Phoenix. After the passing of his father in 1968, he graduated from high school, entered college, married (Lynn Ridgeway) then entered the Army. Served in Vietnam 1970. He was also an Avid Golfer.
Moved to San Diego in 1975 (married his 2nd wife, Debby Gibbitt), moved in 1980 to Mission Viejo, El Toro in 1989.
Since 1975, Richard was an Insurance Broker, started his own health insurance business in 1987, He was a recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award. A member of the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce and the South Orange County Chamber of Commerce. He was elected to the Inaugural Lake Forest City Council in March 1991.
During his tenure as Council Member, he served as the Mayor Pro Tem in 1994, 1998-1999, 2001 and 2005. As Mayor during the years of 1995, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2007. Also, a member of the OCTA Board of Directors serving the citizens in many other capacities. He was also a board member of both the Crisis Assistance Program and Partners in Caring.
He will be remembered most for his love of his family, friends and the City of Lake Forest.
In lieu of flower send donations to South County Outreach.
28 responses to Richard T. Dixon
Tina Spotts says:
December 8, 2011
I will miss Richard. He had a great sense of humor. The funny days where the spa days in the ICU. That seemed to bring out Richards humor and make us all laugh. We enjoyed spending time with Richard. Thanks Richard for all the laughs.
Tina Spotts RN
Yvonne Lee says:
December 8, 2011
As the City Council Liaison here at the City of Lake Forest, I worked with Richard making travel arrangements and general administrative support. He had a quick wit and was always leaving me funny messages on my voice mail. I remember one time when every hotel was booked and he called to see if I could find him a room….any room would do, he said. When he found himself booked in a room with a butler, he left me a hilarous message on appreciation….saying he never in his life had a room with his very own bulter and at the low government rate. I played it over and over whenever I was having a bad day. It always made me smile. On the other hand, the room I found in downtown Los Angeles was a totally different story, yet he laughed and made light of it. I will miss his sense of humor ….he was so special to me and I loved working with him.
Rest in peace Richard.
Yvonne Lee
Gaddi H. Vasquez says:
December 10, 2011
I was blessed to call Richard a friend and colleague in public service. I was a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors when Richard and a group of leaders were drawn together in an effort to create the City of Lake Forest. Richard was a passionate and giving person who always placed the interests of the people he represented above his own. He was effective and persuasive and ultimately achieved the goal of creating a new city in south Orange County. Many will never fully appreciate the work of Richard Dixon but I can attest to his determination and strong sense of purpose that resulted in a new south OC city. I watched him manage the new city with distinction and class and I admired his tenacity in shaping the future of Lake Forest. He will be missed but his legacy will live on for future generations to enjoy. My condolences to the family of Richard Dixon and may you find strength in the knowledge that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gaddi H. Vasquez
former Orange County Supervisor
Third District
Margo VanZandt says:
December 13, 2011
Kasey – thank you for all you did for all of us – helping us get through this time of sorrow. Thank you! Margo
Penola T Dixon says:
December 18, 2011
Rick had an easy-going nature. I’m a partner with O’ connor Mortuary. I met Rick while being involved with the South County Chamber. He always had a smile on his face & made time for you. He never had a negative word to say about anyone. He will be missed. Chuck Ricciardi, O”connor Mortuary
Walking preceinets for his first election to City Council. He was as humble then as the day he passed. He really grew into his role as a representative of the people of Lake Forest.. I will miss him Susie Coshey, Laguna Hills CA
I just wanted you to know that Richard beleived in Jesus and Richard is in heaven now. I enjoyed knowing Richard. Lonnie
Richard will be rememberd for his tremendous dedication to improve the City of Lake Forest. His talents and work ethic extended far beyond city boundries
Joel Lavtensehlecen
We all went on a cruise to Ensenada & Richard won a contest for best legs. He won the Chicken Leg Award Rosalie
The staff and volunteers of South County Outreach would like to express our condolences on your loss. Thank you for remembering the families we serve during your time of sorrow. Reidel Post Lake Forest
On the first day I met Richard (in October of 1992) it was during a meeting of the City of Lake Forest Inraugration Committe. The subject of the 50 year time capsule project came up. (the committe needed someone to lead the project). Richard looked at me and said “can you handle it John?” I was much impressed with the confidence in me that he deministrated, John Irish, Lake Forest