RICHARD O. DeATLEY
November 25, 2017
Dick died unexpectedly Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, in his Carmel, Calif., home, which he loved so much. He was happy in the hours before his death, having just shared breakfast with his wife Beth and conversing about the many things he was going to do that day.
Dick was an effervescent, inclusive person–he never met a person he didn’t like. People describe him as a gentleman, a man with a kind heart, super curious and intelligent, a capacity to think big and a wonderful host.
He retired from his business as president of West Coast Aggregates three years ago. He built the business from the ground up with his brother, Neil, and worked successfully on his master plan for 25 years. Once he adjusted to the slower pace of retirement, he became involved in several organizations: board of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association–vice president; board of the Oakland Museum of California–finance chair; board of the St. Francis Yacht Club International Racing Syndicate (STFYC)–treasurer; board of Smart Catch; Senior Guardsman; STFYC Cruise Committee; and Tinsley Island Committee.
He was a supporter of community organizations such as the Oakland Zoo, The Hundred Club and the Committee for Green Foothills. Dick was an active member of the STFYC. He loved his Grand Banks, which he sailed to Tinsley Island where he was a tireless toiler and in charge of bocce ball games. Recently his efforts resulted in the beautification of the Island Gardens. He loved participating in yacht racing for the club through team sponsorship. He also was an avid swimmer and was a member of the Polar Bear Swim Club at the Claremont Country Club. When he traveled to Antarctica he participated in the Polar Bear Dip.
Dick and Beth were inveterate travelers and were proud to have visited 150 countries, with additional trips planned for the future. His curiosity was endless–his favorite saying being “I want to see it all”.
Born and raised in Lewiston, he earned an undergraduate degree in business at the University of Idaho and a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Berkley.
He is survived by his loving wife, Beth; sister-in-law Patricia DeAtley; nephews Brien (Shelly), Mark (Melissa) and Randy (Erin), and niece Teresa (Warren) and their families. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert DeAtley; mother Roberta DeAtley; brother Neil DeAtley; and sister Carol DeAtley.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Richard’s memory may be donated to the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland, CA 94607; and the Friends of the SF Maritime National Park Association, PO Box 47310, San Francisco, CA 94147.