Richard James Artis

He lived life to the fullest longer than he ever dreamed possible.

He was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on April 23, 1925, moving to Hanford, and later to Grangeville, California. He considered himself an extremely lucky guy and a man blessed by God. Never more so than his first days in 6th Grade at his new school in Laton, California where he said he quickly picked out the prettiest girl in school, Barbara Dean Vaughn, and wouldn't take no for an answer. He would become an almost permanent fixture at the Vaughn home especially after he began living on his own during his freshman year of high school. Dick would excel at all sports and he and Barbara would become the school’s mixed doubles tennis champions.

After high school, Dick enlisted in the U S Navy and was chosen to join Officer Training School. He spent the next two years at Redlands University and then UCLA. He was a lifelong Bruin fan. He graduated in June, 1945, with a degree in accounting just as the war was ending. Against Navy regulations, he and Barbara were married on October 20, 1945. They would remain great mates for the next 75 years and enjoy each step on the road of life together with their God, family, and friends, growing closer as the years passed on.

He was a man with an exceptional mind and a very quick wit. He was a CPA in Tulare County for 50 years and made a big impact on the profession in our area. He loved his buddies and enjoyed nothing more than his golf games at the Country Club and playing cards and rolling dice after a round of golf. He was a very generous man who always offered assistance to charities, friends, and family (especially grandchildren), although his generosity had its limits. Nothing gave him more pleasure than winning a few dollars from his golf buddies.

Dick was very accomplished in many aspects of his life, but he would never be known as a "jack of all trades." He believed in a world of specialists; you just needed to find one. That is why his favorite book was the Yellow Pages. He was also a proud member of the Lions, Elks, and Moose Clubs, but you wouldn't exactly call him a pet lover. His community involvement was extensive including Past President of the Sequoia Lions Club, Board member of both Visalia Community Bank and Kaweah Delta District Hospital, and he was the oldest member of Radiant Church - Visalia.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mae and Delta Artis, a brother, Robert Artis and a much beloved son, Craig Lee Artis. He is survived by grateful and blessed family members, Barbara Artis -Visalia, wife of 75 years (next month), sons Richard Artis Il (Sheila), Gary Artis (Kathi) of Visalia, daughter Rebecca Clevenger (Marty) of Granite Bay, California, and daughter-in-law Susan Artis of Fresno. He leaves 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, many of whom he taught the value of money with his monthly "walk around money" gifts.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Tulare County for all their support. A graveside service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Radiant Church – Visalia: Richard Artis Memorial Fund

A graveside service for Richard will be held Friday, October 2, 2020 from 10:30 AM at Oak Grove Cemetery, 19811 Cedar St, Laton, CA 93242. A burial will occur at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Artis family.