Richard (Dick) Blossman Spangenberg, 89, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 8, 2016. Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Nicole; their children, Dominique Laan (Cyril); Marc Spangenberg (Marianne) and Caroline Walker (Duncan); grandchildren Sefton Spangenberg (Aimee), Ashley Spangenberg, Jason Laan, Nicole Laan, Christopher Laan, Ian Walker, Charlotte Walker, Gabrielle Spangenberg and Jacqueline Spangenberg; great grandchildren Philip Francis and Marie Nicole Spangenberg. Richard was predeceased by his son Philip, who died on May 6, 2012; his brother Robert Ferriday Spangenberg III (2007); and Primrose Spangenberg Head (2006). Richard was a native New Orleanian, graduating from Jesuit High School and then Loyola University with a degree in Philosophy. He served in the Navy as a Lt. (j.g.) from 1944 to 1946. After the war, his brother Bob introduced him to Nicole, a lovely French girl and former member of the French Resistance, and within a month they were married. Richard began his career as an account Rep for Crispin Steel Co., a Houston based supplier covering the southeast US and Holland. He changed course in the early seventies, venturing into industrial real estate with partner Bob Merrick, an association and abiding friendship that endured until his death. Beginning with SMF Properties, later Spangenberg-Merrick Properties, they built warehouses and small industrial parks from 1971 to 1985, eventually becoming the largest owners of warehousing/distribution space in the region. In 1985 they started a relationship with Rathborne Land Co., first acquiring assets of Harvey Canal Land Co. In 1990, Dick, Bob, John Amato and Cornelius Rathborne purchased the remaining undeveloped land in Elmwood from the Illinois Central Railroad -- a major acquisition of 243 acres. The Rathborne Partnerships led to the ownership of shopping centers, office buildings, more warehousing and approximately 8,000 acres of undeveloped land. A great run and a lot of friendship along the way. Dick was a member of the Southern Yacht Club for 69 years, serving as Commodore from the 1980-1981. In the early 60’s Dick represented the United States in establishing the Gulfport-Isla Mujeres, Mexico race, and served for many years on the Gulf Yachting Association. Dick also belonged to the Order of St. Lazarus and to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed being on the water in any kind of boat, whether cruising the Gulf Coast barrier islands on his favorite ketch Peregrina or the canals of southern France with Nicole on his barge, “Mon Reve.” A Renaissance man in every respect, his interests were varied and wide ranging. An avid reader with an extensive personal library, he could easily summon the right Shakespeare couplet or Beethoven sonata to fit any occasion. For all his intellectual pursuits, Dick also loved working with his hands – painting and carving in earlier days, shifting more to carpentry and woodwork as home and boat repairs loomed larger. There was quite simply nothing he could not fix, build, bind or imagine. Richard and Nicole divided their time between New Orleans and Cashiers, North Carolina. While in the mountains, Dick enjoyed smoking a cigar on his deck while watching the setting sun, driving in his convertible sports car along his favorite mountain roads, and hiking with his faithful border collie Charlie. Dick was a consummate gentleman, a man of great faith, devoted husband to Nicole and beloved patriarch to an adoring family who will miss him dearly. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 12, 11:00 a.m., at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 6666 Spanish Fort Boulevard, New Orleans, LA. 70124. Reception to follow at the Southern Yacht Club. Private Interment. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations directed to #ChristiansAtRisk, a relief effort for persecuted Christian minorities in the Middle East sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com .
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