On May 22, 2021, Richard Arthur, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 78.

Richard was born in 1942 in San Mateo, California, the first child of Corrie and Dorothy Arthur. He attended Hillsdale High School in San Mateo and graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Sociology. He subsequently obtained a master’s degree in social work from Fresno State University. He dedicated his career to helping and serving children in need, retiring after 37 years as a social worker for the City and County of San Francisco and San Mateo County.

Richard loved collecting stamps, coins, and baseball cards. He loved Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, and Joe Montana. Richard enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, and camping with family and friends, and you could always count on Richard to make sure there were enough desserts on hand. He was a history buff, and it was always a joy for him to share his interests and knowledge with others. He served four years in the Naval Reserve OfficierTraining Corps (NROTC) 1960 to 1964 while attending UC Berkeley. Richard was a proud Cal alum and member of the Order of the Golden Bear. He later returned to UC Berkeley, acting as a Field Instructor, sharing his passion for and knowledge of child welfare with the next generation of social workers.

Richard was a dedicated volunteer for the organizations and causes that were dear to his heart. He worked to help rural students in Mexico be able to access education through many years volunteering with the Associacion Civil de Yashalum. Richard was a docent at the Oakland Museum, giving talks on California history. He gave talks to Naval ROTC students and the Breakfast Club of San Leandro. He volunteered at church and his children’s schools, as well as with local immigration services at the Oakland Catholic Worker.

Richard was preceded in death by his father Corrie, and his mother Dorothy. He is survived by his wife of 20 years Victoria, their son Michael, as well as four children - Joseph, Robert, Michelle and Christine from a prior marriage, his sister Carol, several grandchildren, numerous cousins, and his constant companion his dog Lulu.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 3 pm at Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary, 267 E Lewelling Blvd, San Lorenzo, California.