Monterey, CA

Richard Mason Lundy, born August 5th, 1931 in Oakland; died November 27th, 2024, aged 93, in Monterey.

Richard was the only son of Marjorie and Alfred Lundy.

He was a fifth generation Californian who grew up and spent his childhood in Alameda punctuated by summer trips to Paradise Park in Santa Cruz. As a boy, he developed into an accomplished gymnast, performing as yell leader for his high school and assisting Jack LaLane in physical demonstrations for veterans of World War II.

He was drafted in 1952 for service in the Korean war but never went overseas. Instead, he became a fitness instructor for new recruits passing through Fort Ord. After two years in the military, he returned briefly to the Bay area where he finished a degree in English, earned his teaching credential, and had two children, Scott and Robin, with his first wife, Irene. In 1956 he was offered a job teaching at the newly founded Monterey High School where he would teach English, World Civilization, and AP English Literature for the next 36 years. After divorcing his first wife, he married Jane Noble in 1965. Rich and Jane had three children, Mark, Adam, and Janie, and had been married for 59 years at his passing. Rich was a celebrated teacher. Education and the intricacies of the English language moved him, and his passion for the subject matter engaged his students. After his retirement he served on the board of the Monterey Public Library for several years and spent his leisure time walking at the beach, hiking, and traveling. He had an uncommon sense of humor and a boyish playfulness that stayed with him to the end and came out especially around children. Rich died peacefully in his sleep with his family present. In the days before his passing he spoke ofhaving lived a long and fortunate life and being unafraid of what came next. Rich is survived by his wife, Jane, and his five children, Scott, Robin, Mark, Adam, and Janie, ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be organized at a future date. Donations can be made to the Sur Land Trust or the Monterey Public Library.