Richard Herman Kahn

Richard was loved and respected by many and leaves a legacy he will be remembered by for generations to come. Our Dad was loyal, big hearted and compassionate, he helped us dream, he could always cheer you up, make you smile, help you see the bright side of things, believe in yourself again and be reminded that we have everything if we have Jesus in our lives. All who knew Richard, would agree that you were always better after being around him. His contagious laugh and his authentic smile brightened up any room.

Richard was born in Bell, CA October 9, 1936, to parents Alfred & Dorothy Kahn. He was the fourth born of six children. His cherished siblings are Lawrence Higgins, Laura Hiltz, Freda Salazar, Dorothea Gillingham, & Julianna Calabio.

Richard was married to his one true love and wife of 59 years, Joan Merideth Kahn (9/24/39 – 5/7/2019). The loving couple was blessed with four adored children and their spouses; Brett Kahn, Brad (Holly) Kahn, Brenda (Ken) Cosentino and Daniel (Lucinda) Kahn, ten lovely grandchildren and spouses they were so proud of; Selah (Douglas) Tsosie, Dakoda (Doug) Keller, Ethan (Kylie) Lish, Chloe (Robert) Reeves, Dawson Kahn, Rebekah Cosentino, Sarah Cosentino, Gabriella Kahn, Brianna Kahn, Gracelynn Kahn and an one and only Great Grandchild, Eli Brown, all left to cherish his memory.

Dad was a family man. If he had had his wish, he would have had everyone together all the time. Even through all his travels he managed to stay in contact with many. He was always happy to talk about family and how much each member meant to him. He is survived by his youngest two sisters, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, church family and friends who all share his loving memories.

Richard always loved an adventure and at 17 years of age enlisted in the United Sates Air Force. He proudly served his great country for twenty years attaining rank of Master Sargent and was honored to receive the “Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.” Early in his military career, he became a skilled aircraft mechanic. Richard would take classes or training every time they were offered and acquired numerous certifications. Becoming well educated made him in demand and offered him plenty of new opportunities for employment. Richard faithfully served in Thailand during the Vietnam War, where he was assigned an aircraft and the responsibility of the craft’s working condition. Being deployed, during the war meant he left his family and newborn, fourth child behind for one year. He was joined by his family on other tours of duty including France, Hawaii, Germany as well as state side in Ohio and California. After being stationed at George Air Force Base, Victorville, CA in the 1970’s, Richard enjoyed the wide-open space of the Mojave High Desert, and considering it home, returned to retire from the service in 1978. He then worked in military civil service, spending a majority of the years managing the George AFB Auto Hobby Shop until his full retirement at age 63.

Richard could fix just about anything and loved to work with his hands. He had a servant’s heart and loved to help wherever he could. He was always a part of his local church and gave of himself in many ways, including maintenance, upkeep, greeting and serving the homeless. In his younger years he devoted countless hours to children’s ministry and bus ministry, which also meant maintaining the old International bus. Dad taught us to love people, as Jesus loves people.

His fondness for being outdoors, adventure and hiking didn’t allow Richard to stay still too long, and everyone knew if you couldn’t find him, he was most likely on a mountain top. He walked thousands of miles and hiked too many trails to count. We will cherish the memories of being on the trail with Dad, being challenged, learning about nature, the laughs, the beauty, the feeling of being free of life’s entanglements and of course, the snacks!

Richard professed his faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and lived his life according to the Word of God. He had joy that comes from God and wanted everyone he encountered to know it was available to all who ask. It can be said, “Richard led a life well lived.” And thus, the scriptural passage from 2 Timothy 4:7 -8 is applicable, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Richard has received his reward, the promise of God, eternal life through Jesus Christ. Dad is at peace and at rest.

We miss this great man more than words can say.

Lovingly Submitted by: Richard’s children

Brett, Brad, Brenda & Daniel

A Memorial Service will be held at Redeemer Church on May 21, 2022, at 10 am

22434 Nisqually Rd

Apple Valley, CA 92308

All family and friends are invited to attend

Flowers can be sent to Redeemer Church on May 21st between 8:00 am – 9:30 am.

For monetary honorariums, the family respectfully requests contributions be directed to any of the following non - profit organizations: (Please note in the gift: Richard Kahn Memorial Fund.)

Rose of Sharon Crisis Pregnancy Center

14725 7th St

Victorville, CA 92395

By Check or Give Online: roseofsharonprc.org

Richard’s Church: Redeemer Church

22434 Nisqually Rd

Apple Valley, CA 92308

By check or give online: redeemerhd.com

American Opinion Foundation: americanopinionfoundation.org

Freedom Project Education for Homeschooling: fpeusa.org

Law Enforcement Charitable Foundation: lecf-inc.org