Prunedale, CA

A cherished son, brother, husband, father, "Pop," and proud Vietnam War veteran, Rich passed away on August 21 at age 77 in the VA Palo Alto, CA hospital.

Born in October of 1946, in Colorado Springs, CO, Rich lived a life full of service, passion, and joy. He was a member of the American Legion Post 31 and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a 1964 Palmer High School (Colorado Springs) graduate, earning Varsity letters in baseball and cross country. Shortly after graduation, he met the love of his life, Emily Henderson, and they married in June 1966.

In 1965, Rich was part of the United States draft for the Vietnam Campaign and soon became a Marine for life.

Rich served his country with honor in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, where his bravery and commitment earned him commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge (M-14), and the Pistol Sharpshooter Badge (.45). He was a Corporal E-4 Field Radio Operator stationed at the Phu Bai Combat Base south of Hue in central Vietnam. He returned to the U.S. in 1968, where he transitioned from Marine Corps life via Camp Pendleton in Oceanside to a California civilian. A visit with his Army in-laws stationed at Fort Ord, with his wife and eldest daughter, soon turned to a life in Salinas and then a move to Prunedale, where he and Emily raised their daughters, Tamrah and Jana.

While attending Hartnell College, Rich’s early career began in retail sales at McMahan’s Furniture Store. After transferring to the University of San Francisco, he began management training at The Emporium in San Francisco.

In 1974, he accepted the position of managing the electronic and furniture floor of the brand-new Emporium at Northridge Mall. He worked 15 years in retail sales before changing careers in the late 1980s to become a transportation truck broker. Rich enjoyed the fast pace of truck brokering and the flexibility it gave him to travel and coach his daughter’s softball team. He spent the rest of his working years brokering loads of fresh vegetables and fruit from California across the U.S. and Canada.

Rich was a natural athlete who excelled at every sport.

He was a regular in the Salinas Recreation League, playing basketball and slow-pitch softball. He also became an avid golfer, fine-tuning his skills to master a two-handicap.

He relished every opportunity to improve his game and honed his skills at Salinas Fairways and Laguna Seca Golf Course, where he also held the course record. He was invited to play in the Amana VIP Golf tour with Pro Eddie Pearce at Finkbine Golf Course in the Summer of 1975. As a friend of Salinas native Michael Brannan, Rich caddied for Mike when he won his second California State Amateur Championship. He continued to play golf throughout his life, but his greatest love was being on the course teaching his grandsons the game. A die-hard San Francisco 49er and Giants fan, Rich enjoyed watching every game with family and friends.

One of Richard’s greatest joys was coaching and watching his grandsons, Jack, Levi, and Jeremy, play sports. He was their biggest fan and cheerleader, never missing a game and always ready with words of encouragement and pride. His presence on the sidelines was a testament to his unwavering support and love for his family. His boys meant the world to him, and he cherished the 22 years he lived being their Pop.

Rich served his community willfully by volunteering at many local events. He was an annual volunteer at the Salinas Rodeo and spent many nights BBQing at Salinas High School football games and Salinas Colts &Broncos games on Sundays while his grandson played. He was well known for his BBQ skills and would often be asked to grill for various organizations in Monterey County.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Emily; his daughter, Tamrah Gutierrez (Simon); his daughter, Jana Summers (Jim); and his grandsons, Jack (22) and Levi (20) Gutierrez and Jeremy (20) Summers; his brother Robert Tafoya, his sisters Vanessa Zuniga (Hector), Yvette Smith (Emory), Annette Smith Cain (James), and Barbara Green (Wash). He was predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Clara Tafoya, along with his brother Pete Tafoya, his sisters Fredricka Puckett, Hope Brackett, Judy Brown, and Cynthia Tafoya.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held October 26, 2024, at 2PMatAmerican Legion Post 31 on Laurel Drive in Salinas. Richard will be interned at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery with Marine Corps Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Legion in Richard’s honor.

Richard will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit, whether on the golf course, at a barbecue, or cheering from the sidelines, will forever remain a cherished part of his family’s heart.