Richard Alan Staudt

Our hero, Richard Alan Staudt, passed away with family and friends by his side on May 17, 2010, after an extremely courageous 10 1/2-year battle from brain and spine cancer. Rick was born on July 5, 1959 to Rudy and Barbara Ann Staudt. He graduated from Northbrook High School in 1977 and attended the University of Houston.

Rick was a family man who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his twin daughters, Katherine and Rebecca, ages 21, and his loving, devoted wife, Kelly. The family spent time traveling to such favorite spots as Big Bend, Disney World, France, Italy, and Germany. Rick, of course, photographed the magical scenery during these times.

Rick is preceded in death by grandparents Gladys and Lawrence Staudt, Zenno Mitchell, and Jack Birdsong. He is survived by his wife Kelly of almost 27 years, his daughters Katie and Becky, and his beloved dog Jake. He is also survived by his parents; brother Chris Staudt (Amy); his sister Laura Staudt; and his grandmother Eleanor Madeline “Geem” Birdsong. In addition, he leaves behind his loving in-laws Jack and Nancy Smith; sisters-in-law Lorrie Crow, Kristy Owen (John), and Kerrie Shojaie; brothers-in-law James (Carey) and Brandon (Stephanie), nephews and nieces Cole, Cody, and Cooper Staudt, Jeremy and Zachary Crow, Candyce Prince, Erica Wardle, Danielle and Dominic Shojaie, Daria and Ryan Smith, and Brooke and Natalie Smith, and friends who are too numerous to count. Rick’s other loves included photography, his music, his guitar, golf, and his red Mustang, Jolene.

Rick, the owner of Rick Staudt Portrait Design since 1985, was a famously renowned award-winning portrait photographer, with his work earning Photographer of the Year several times, Kodak Gallery Awards, Fujifilm Masterpiece Awards, among many other honors. He served as President of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston in 1994. He also earned degrees of Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman from Professional Photographers of America for whom he served as an International Print Juror.

He was working on his second book at the time of his passing. His first book which was co-authored, “How to Photograph Children: Secrets for Capturing Childhood’s Magic Moments”, is now in its 2nd edition.

The family would like to thank Dr. Alfred Yung, Eva Lu, RN, Vicki, RN, Dr. Ian McCutcheon, Houston Hospice, and all of our wonderful friends for their care and compassion.

A vigil will take place at Earthman Hunters Creek, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston on Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. presided by Most Reverend Vincent M. Rizzotto Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that contributions in Rick Staudt’s name be directed to M. D. Anderson Brain and Spine Center at 1515 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77030 or to the Katherine and Rebecca Staudt Fund, c/o Chase Bank, 1026 Riverlace, Houston, TX 77079.

Arrangements under the direction of Earthman Funeral Directors, Houston, TX.