At 6’ 6” tall, he was larger than life and will be dearly missed by family and good friends. He was very funny and at the center of every room telling stories and jokes. His laughter was infectious. He was also a good friend, brave, compassionate, generous and somewhat sentimental. He was a confirmed bachelor but always respectful of women.
Richard spent his entire childhood growing up in Pacific Palisades, attending Marquez Elementary, Paul Revere Jr. High, and Pali High. He played basketball at the YMCA and was a proud Indian Guide and Boy Scout. From a very young age, Richard knew he wanted to be a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. He worked for Bel Air Patrol private neighborhood security while attending Santa Monica College and applying for the LAPD. Graduating from the police academy was one of the best days of Richard’s life. He proceeded to work in Wilshire Division, and then in 77th Division (south LA) during the riots of 1992. He went on to work in Hollywood and finally in North Hollywood. After only 1 year with the Department, Richard received a Medal of Valor from the LAPD for rescuing a family who had been robbed, tied up and left to die in their burning apartment building. He worked as a patrol officer his entire career because he wanted to be where he could directly help people every day. Richard was well-respected by his peers. His partners who worked with him or were trained by him, said he was a cop’s cop and made a difference with his work. Richard served 25 honorable years in the LAPD and was honorably retired in 2013.
Even though Richard bought a condo and moved to Glendale in 1989, he still came to Pacific Palisades to get his buzz cut every 3 weeks by Joe Alvarez at Palisades Barbershop. As a toddler, Richard received his first haircut from Joe and Richard’s loyalty never wavered.
Richard loved country music and watching NASCAR racing. When he wasn’t in his police uniform, you could find him in his Wrangler jeans and one of his many pairs of sized 15e cowboy boots.
Richard loved to ride motorcycles. First dirt bikes and then finally, he bought his Harley Davidson. He was a founding member of motorcycle riding club called “The Choir Boys,” (the title of a Best Seller by author and former LAPD officer Joseph Wambaugh). Richard’s nickname in the club was “Too Tall.” The club was comprised of all law enforcement officers and they would often do weekend rides, even to other states. On many trips, they rode to raise money for charities.
Richard was one of many officers who met with author Joseph Wambaugh to tell of their experiences, and he even got an acknowledgement in the book, “Hollywood Crows.”
Richard’s father, Richard Monte Blue, passed away in December 1962, just a few months before Richard was born. He was also preceded in death by his mother,
Mary Alexandra McPherson Blue in 1997. He is survived by his sister, Tove Blue Hoch (husband Frank), niece Andrea Sanchez (Anthony), and nephew Alex Hoch.
A celebration of life will be held in honor of Richard at the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 3pm. All are welcome but please RSVP to [email protected] for a headcount for the reception immediately following the service. Richard will be interred next to his parents at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in Westwood, CA.
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