Richard Van Wagenen is remembered and cherished by all who knew and loved him for his lively mind, big heart, mental strength and love of humor. He set off on his new adventure surrounded by his family on November 20, 2024 having lived a remarkably rich and fulfilling life.

Richard was born in Provo, Utah, on July 8, 1940, to Phyllis Barker and Frank Van Wagenen. He spent his youth working at his father's radio station, an experience that inspired him to study business at Brigham Young University and Harvard University. In 1963, he married Sherry Alvord of Boise, Idaho, and they raised their five children in Southern California, mostly in San Marino. He worked for Touche Ross, Beverly Enterprises, Knudsen Dairy, Fremont Insurance, Presto Foods, Inter-Con Security, and was a founding partner in the KRXV radio station. After retirement he divided his time between his house on the Balboa Peninsula and his cabin at Sundance, Utah.

Richard adored the many good people in his life. He also loved storytelling, cowboy boots, Willy Nelson, the Lakers, Porches, Mexican food, the Dodgers, fishing, hiking, serving in his church, playing the tuba, skiing, high school wrestling; and, most of all, his children, grandchildren, foster grandchildren and wife.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sherry; siblings Lola, Gary, Betty, and Lita; his children Michael (Emily), Eric (Mary), Matt (Michelle), Rebecca Bermudez (Robert), and Jennifer Wegner (Ryan); thirteen grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and the descendants of Paul and Vickie Sampson who became part of his family. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Wayne and Bruce, his granddaughter Ariana, and many dear friends and family members. Richard requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. A celebration of life will be held on January 11, 2025, 11:00 am at Harborside Restaurant in Newport Beach, CA.