Richard Lee McKie

Rick was born in 1954 to his parents Jack McKie and Velma Lee McKie. Rick grew up in Pico Rivera, California before relocating to Huntington Beach, California. Huntington Beach was where Rick called home, but many can say half his heart was always in Mammoth.

Richard had two children from his first marriage (1981-2004) to Rosalie McKie; Daniel and Jaclyn. Within his second marriage to Karen McKie (2011-2023), Rick gained two step-sons, Kyle & Ken.

Rick was a dedicated, second generation, train engineer with over 40 years working for Santa Fe Railroad. His love for his job showed each and every day.

In his younger years, Rick spent the majority of his days catching waves at sunny Southern California beaches. His love for adventure soon fueled his passion for motorcycle riding. On days he was not racing motorcycles, he could be found in the desert riding trails and over dunes. As he moved on from racing bikes, he started to learn the sport of racquetball. He joined a racquetball club attempting to master the sport. In addition, Rick invested years in coaching soccer. In this time, Rick was able to create strong bond with his kids that was able to last a lifetime.

In his adult life, Rick became an avid skier who felt that no black diamond was a match for his lack of fear and the thrill he received from conquering it. His passion for mountains led him to be a mountain host at Mammoth Mountain; one of his dreams. Rick loved to mountain bike and spent days whizzing past trees and through streams as he rode up/down trails exploring new areas. Hiking was also on Rick’s top priority list. His hiking boots were always up for a new adventures and exciting areas to explore. One of Rick’s biggest accomplishments was hiking Mt. Whitney not once, but ten times.

It is fair to say, Rick enjoyed being active in the outdoors. He had a true love and respect for the mountains. To anyone who knew him, his fervor for life and new adventures was contagious. He always encouraged others to follow their own passions and to never offer anything less than their best. He had a way of pushing people to find the best within themselves. He will truly be missed, but he will live on in the lives he has touched.

Rick is survived by his wife, Karen McKie, along with his children Daniel McKie and Jaclyn Miller, his step-sons, Kyle and Ken Mason, his son-in-law, Tim Miller, his brother, James McKie, his niece, Janet McKie, and his grand-children Quinn, Camille, and Eliza Miller. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law’s, Lisa Tapia & Sandi Pimentel and brother-in-law, Marco Tapia along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie McKie, his parents Jack McKie and Velma McKie, and his beloved dog Champ.