Richard Henry Stoddard, Jr., 75, of Arlington, Virginia passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 19, 2022. Rick, as he liked to be called, was born in Davenport, Iowa to Richard Henry Stoddard and Anne D. Dow on January 28, 1947. Rick’s professional passion was politics. After graduating from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, Rick worked in various capacities at the Michigan Senate, the Michigan Citizens Lobby and the Michigan Consumer Federation. He pivoted to international politics and foreign assistance following a political science fellowship at the University of Virginia Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and worked at the National Democratic Institute, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Department of State. Beloved by his colleagues and admired for his regional expertise and talent for networking, Rick made singular contributions to the Central Asian region’s transition toward democracy, particularly in the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan.
Survivors include the love of his life, Gulbara Stoddard, whom he married on January 3rd in 2000, two daughters Aiyka and Akylai Stoddard, who were the light of his eyes, two sisters, Linda Stoddard of Muscatine, Iowa and Deborah Stoddard of Columbus Junction, Iowa, and one brother, Timothy Stoddard of Lakewood, California. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at a later date.
A graveside service for Richard will be held Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201.
Memorial contributions for the Stoddard family can be sent to Rick’s wife Gulbara Stoddard via Zelle (202-550-2083) or to Rick’s daughter Aiyka Stoddard at https://gofund.me/4473d586.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-funeralhomes.com for the Stoddard family.
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