Richard Allan "Rick" Cornwell

Richard Allan “Rick” Cornwell of Boron, California passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022, at the age of 70. Rick was born on May 25, 1952, in Lone Pine, California. He caused ruckus in the Owens Valley, where he graduated from Owens Valley High in 1970, he attended college in Bakersfield then moved to Boron in 1974 and began working for U.S. Borax where he later retired after 36 years of service. Rick married Malia in 1975, they were married for 35 years when she passed away in 2010. Rick was a well-known member of his community serving as a Level 1 Reserve Deputy with the Kern County Sheriff’s department from 1977 – 2007. He served in various capacities with the Search and Rescue for KSCO for a number of years. Rick co-founded Boron Volunteer Emergency Services bringing ambulance services to the town of Boron in 1986, ambulance services exist in Boron today because of Rick’s hardwork and dedication to his community. Rick also served as a volunteer fireman in his hometown of Independence, CA beginning at the age of 16, he continued his fire service with Kern County Fire Department serving Boron until the mid-2000’s. Rick was involved in the community in a variety of ways, with the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Saxon Aerospace Museum and later in life served on the Board of Directors at the Boron Senior Center. Rick was also a hunter safety instructor and involved with Boy Scouts of America.

Rick along with Malia were known as the animal angels, they would never turn down adopting or helping an animal that was sick or without a home. Rick enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Rick always had a caring heart, honest opinion and would always listen. He never hesitated to jump in and help/volunteer where needed, he set a fantastic example for his daughters, grandchildren and community.

Rick is preceded in death by his wife Malia, mother Dorothy and father Turney. Rick is survived by his daughter Christina Bardelli of Westlake Village, Calif., daughter Kimberly and husband Brian Keating of McHenry, Illinois, grandchildren James (19) of McHenry, Illinois, Matilda-Rae (15) of Westlake Village, Calif., Riley (9) of McHenry, Illinois. He is also survived by his siblings, Mark, Tim and Carol-Jean (Wright) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, brother/sister-in-laws and cousins. Rick is also survived by his fiance Karen Kern and her family.

Rick will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, papa, brother, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed. A Graveside Service will be held at 11a.m., Friday, January 13, 2023 at Joshua Memorial Park & Mortuary, Lancaster. A Celebration of Life/Reception will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 12 p.m. at the Boron Senior Center. Arrangements under the direction of Joshua Memorial Park Mortuary, Lancaster, CA, www.joshuamortuary.com.