Richard Jackson Bishop March 01, 1939 – January 20, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers View/Sign Guest Book| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card Richard Jackson Bishop, 79, died Sunday, January 20th, 2019 at his home in Santa Rosa, California. He was lovingly tended to in his last days by his daughter Bonnie. He died in the presence and care of his family, long time caregiver Kendi Aliff, two dogs, and cat.
He is survived by his daughters Bonnie Bishop, Lisa Knudsen, and Sheri McCarry, his son Don Bishop, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He is also survived by his sister Sally Valde, his niece Debbie, and his nephews Scott and Arthur. He leaves behind many friends, colleagues, club members, and acquaintances.
He had a generous smile and gregarious spirit. He could (and would) strike up a conversation with anyone who would listen. Rich was born in Mills hospital in Burlingame, Ca on March 1, 1939 to Lester and Maybelle Bishop.
His sister Sally was nine years old at the time of his birth. His childhood was not an easy one as he lost both of his parents before the age of 16. He attended Palo Alto Military School and later graduated from Alameda High School.
The Dean of Boys at Alameda High, Earl Shriber, took a liking to him and they formed a bond. Earl and his wife Grace, adopted him as their foster son when he was 17. He thought of them as his parents for the remainder of his life.
Some of his fondest memories were of spending time with them on their retirement property in Paradise, Ca. After graduating from Alameda High, he attended college at San Jose State, then joined the United States Coast Guard. Following that, he began working in the roofing industry.
He made his way from a laborer on the roof, to sales, to establishing his own Roofing Supply Company, Bishop Wholesale. He was a distinguished member of the Martinez Chamber of Commerce. He took pride in the fact that Bishop Wholesale contributed more tax dollars to the city than any other business, until the arrival of Costco.
His ease with people and extroverted way made him a natural as a salesman and business owner. He was passionate about and dedicated to his work. After the sale of Bishop Wholesale, he went on the road as an independent representative for Maddux and Associates.
He did that work until a few years ago when he reluctantly retired. He is beloved by many in the roofing business to this day. Rich was married three times and is preceded in death by Katie Stafford and Linda Bishop.
Linda died in October of 2014, he spoke often of how much fun they had together. He shared that he talked to her every night while saying his bedtime prayers. He is survived by his second wife Joann Bishop, they had an amicable relationship and he was known to flirt with her from his hospital bed (along with all the nurses).
Rich was an esteemed, long- time member of clubs and organizations including the Big and Tall club, Rotary International, and the Martinez Chamber of Commerce. He delighted in attending social gatherings and never missed a crab feed if he could help it. He held the honor of Rotarian of the Year.
He was best known among his fellow Rotarian’s for his appearance as Santa Claus at the Annual Holiday Party. He happily donned his Santa costume and visited Bell Manor Assisted Living. He was also a bell ringer for Salvation Army and took pride in his service work.
He savored life, especially animals, travel, water and snow skiing, snorkeling, food, shining his charm on people (especially getting them to smile), Bar-B-Quing, telling stories, laughing, humming along to a Neil Diamond song, and being with his family and friends. He often spoke of being grateful for the time God granted him, especially after he became ill. He asked to be remembered by the following quote “Don’t be sad for me – I got my four bits worth”.
Family and friends are invited to attend a “Celebration of Rich’s Life” on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at the Spring Hills Community Church (3700 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa, CA, 95403). The family requests that attendees wear bright colored clothing in honor of Rich. Private entombment will be held at 2:00 P.M. inside the Hillcrest Mausoleum at Santa Rosa Memorial Park (1900 Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA, 95404).
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