Richard Oliver Straight

January 15, 1922 – October 7, 2014

Pacific Grove – Richard Straight, a quiet man of character, was born and raised in Michigan. He did not tout his own accomplishments, rather yielding to listen to others. A talented academic athlete, Richard earned nine varsity letters at Grand Rapids Central High School, graduating with academic honors. He graduated from Michigan State University, for whom, he played football. While at MSU, Richard was a member of ROTC and Phi Delta Theta. WWII interrupted his college years. He was one of advanced ROTC members selected for the field artillery unit and sent to Fort Sill, OK. He trained replacement troops for Italy and France.

Richard and Gwen Straight shared 73 years together after meeting in Freshman English at MSU. Richard enjoyed a 40-year career as a sales engineer of special automation and assembly machinery. He logged thousands of miles on roads across the United States and Canada.

Community involvement and volunteerism were woven into Richard’s values. Boy Scout Leader, serving on the vestry, junior warden, senior warden and lay reader. He served for 30 years as a volunteer fire fighter and participated in Senior Men’s Club. Richard and Gwen retired to Pacific Grove, California in 2000, and continued to serve at St. Mary’s By-The-Sea Episcopal Church and Canterbury Woods.

A lifetime of sports, world travel, and enough bridge skill to be respectable, Richard will be missed by his children Jeff, Susan, Robert, Jes and their families.

The family will hold a private ceremony and celebration in honor of Richard O. Straight.

Arrangements under the direction of The Paul Mortuary, Pacific Grove, CA.