Richie had been quite ill for several years since suffering a massive stroke. He passed away in August 2009 and is survived by his wife, Ellen and a daughter, Lauren.
I remember Richie very well - always fun to be around, energetic, open, and a good friend. It's sad that he left the planet early, and that he suffered on the way. Thinking of him as a young man though brings a big smile! Charla Hayden
Richie was one of my closest friends for many years. We played football together in high school and also at Santa Ana College. I spent the night at his house often. We shared laughs and discussions continually. The day that we won the National Jr. College Football Championship in Pasadena was special. We stayed up late having a great time with all of the other players.
Richie was a true gentleman. He never had a bad or negative thing to say about anyone, His smile was contageous and spontaneous. In our Senior year, we played for Dick Hill and won the C.I.F. title. Our team was undefeated with a 12-0 record. Richie scored a long Touchdown run after intercepting a pass. We all laughed because it seem to take Richie a long, long time to reach the enzone! Rest in Peace Richie. Tony Romero
I never had the pleasure of knowing Richie as an adult but I so agree with Charla about the smiles just the mention of his name can bring. I don't doubt that ever changed.
Rich and I were good friends. My younger brother Ken and his younger brother Pat were in the band together and were the closest of friends. I had a job at Sports Car Center (now long gone) and got Rich a job there also. That was in the Santa Ana College years. After graduating, we both transferred to San Jose State, where we shared an apartment the first year. The last time I saw Rich was at his wedding, back in Santa Ana, the following year. After that I was drafted and we lost contact with each other. RIP Rich.
Earl E. Schmidt
I first met Richie as a member of the Valley tennis team. In practice he always beat me alot. Damn you Richie Gagnebin...I could've been a tennis pro.
Seriously he was a great person...I enjoyed practicing against him....not so much in those days.
Earl Schmidt
Charla L. Hayden
I remember Richie very well - always fun to be around, energetic, open, and a good friend. It's sad that he left the planet early, and that he suffered on the way. Thinking of him as a young man though brings a big smile! Charla Hayden
Tony Romero
Richie was one of my closest friends for many years. We played football together in high school and also at Santa Ana College. I spent the night at his house often. We shared laughs and discussions continually. The day that we won the National Jr. College Football Championship in Pasadena was special. We stayed up late having a great time with all of the other players.
Richie was a true gentleman. He never had a bad or negative thing to say about anyone, His smile was contageous and spontaneous. In our Senior year, we played for Dick Hill and won the C.I.F. title. Our team was undefeated with a 12-0 record. Richie scored a long Touchdown run after intercepting a pass. We all laughed because it seem to take Richie a long, long time to reach the enzone! Rest in Peace Richie. Tony Romero
Sharon L. Shaw (Tidd)
I never had the pleasure of knowing Richie as an adult but I so agree with Charla about the smiles just the mention of his name can bring. I don't doubt that ever changed.
God speed -
Sharon Shaw Tidd
Jim Robison
Rich and I were good friends. My younger brother Ken and his younger brother Pat were in the band together and were the closest of friends. I had a job at Sports Car Center (now long gone) and got Rich a job there also. That was in the Santa Ana College years. After graduating, we both transferred to San Jose State, where we shared an apartment the first year. The last time I saw Rich was at his wedding, back in Santa Ana, the following year. After that I was drafted and we lost contact with each other. RIP Rich.