David Johnston Riach

David Johnston Riach, 74, of Beverly Hills, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on January 07, 2012 with his loving wife of 50 years by his side. The ever present twinkle in his eye was with him through his final days – as was his famous “thumbs up” approach to life.

Born, raised, and married in Scotland, David enlisted in the Royal Navy where he was trained as an engineer. This provided him the opportunity to move to America where he initially worked for M.I.T. having experiences such as cutting moon rocks. But answering the call of his independent and creative nature, he started his own Plexiglas fabrication company in 1973 which he owned until his retirement in 1998. It was his dream to retire in Beverly Hills, FL, which he did – but only after taking a couple of years to tour the United States in a motor home with his wife. This combined many of his favorite things: road trips, family, adventure and seeing the USA.

An active member of many organizations throughout his life, he was involved with the Elks, the Shriner’s, the Masons, and the Rotary Club. His naturally joyous disposition and laughter allowed him to quickly form and maintain great friendships that always brought him and those around him pure delight. However, his greatest accomplishment came in the form of being an adoring husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and kind-hearted pal to all who knew him. Even in the final days of his life, he still was providing comfort and kindness to all around him.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; daughters, Traeci Ann and Lorna Jayne; sister Elizabeth; and grandchildren Alexander David and Hannah Grace. Many extended family members reside in Scotland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice House of Citrus County. A service memorial celebrating his life is planned for Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 10am at the Inverness Elk’s in Hernando, FL.