January 6, 1965 – June 10, 2009
We Love You…
Richard is in heaven!
Dear friends,
Our beloved brother Richard Felipe went home to be with the Lord Wednesday morning, June 10th. As many of you know, he battled with cancer in his flesh but his spirit stayed strong throughout. He has received the ultimate healing and is now in heaven!
“…the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Please join us as we celebrate Richard’s life!!
There will be a Viewing on Monday, June 15th, as follows:
Gates Kingsley Gates Mortuary
1925 Arizona Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90404
5pm to 9pm
A Memorial Service, to celebrate his life, will be held on Tuesday, June 16th at 2pm, as follows:
Richard Felipe Memorial Service
Trinity Baptist Church
1015 California Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90404
2pm
Wardrobe: Richard loved life and covered the spectrum in regards to his fashion sense. He would go from a slick suit and crazy tie to a loud Hawaiian shirts or perhaps a Cuban Guaybera shirt and hat. But, no matter what he wore, he was ALWAYS known for his outspoken socks. Our desire is to celebrate Richard’s life and sense of humor. With that in mind, please feel free to honor Richard in your wardrobe selection for the memorial service.
It was also Richard’s desire to celebrate his life with a service – followed by a potluck!
Please bring a dish to share, as follows:
A-H Side Dish/Salad
I-M Dessert
N-Z Main Dish
*Drinks will be provided.
**In lieu of flowers, Richard would be honored if you would make a donation to a charity very near and dear to his heart (and place of work). Donations can be mailed to the Union Rescue Mission at 545 S San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Please put in the memo line that this gift is made in memory of Richard Felipe. Or you can donate by credit card at 213.347.6300 ext. 4404 (Kenneth Taylor). Union Rescue Mision
In Him,
Maria Felipe and the Metro Calvary Chapel Family
www.richardfelipe.com
Thank you for your friendship my brother. I will treasure it in my heart forever. I love you my friend.
Richard was a friend from my childhood in Emporia Kansas. He always was quick to make me smile. The years and miles seperated us but when we had opportunity to connect again, Richard’s faith and gentleness had grown exponentially. I am saddened to hear the news of his passing. My prayers and thoughts are with Alicia, Maria and his son. God Bless!
Matt Larson
Weston, FL
Our thoughts and prayers are with Richard’s wife and son. I looked at all the pictures and they brought warmth to my heart. I wish I could have meet Richard here, but I’ll be looking for him in heaven now. I got connected to your fellowship by asking for prayer for my surgery on Monday. A prayer warrior emailed me about Richard going to be with the Lord. I have cancer also and have complete faith in what our Lord Jesus has in store for me. I pray that our Father helps you through this time of missing your husband and you dad.
In His Love,
Allen and Becky
Richard and I worked at Whitmont for many years.
I vividly remember his Whitmont resignation annoucement, admirably
with the pursue to be of service to those less fortunate…I remember thinking, how selfless, how kind…
Only an adventurous man such as Richard would seamlessly go from a self-serving world to a benevolent one…
A kind man I had the pleasure of knowing…
Some Random memories and facts about Richard…
Music: Gypsy Kings “Bamboleo!”
Drinks: Those bottled Starbucks Frappuchinos, Arnold Palmers, O’Douls
From: Kansas
College: Florida
The two of us trying to snowboard on ice at Mammoth, climbing the peak at Twin Harbors Catalina, sailing around the point of Catalina to the west side, camping in Joshua Tree, “Utah! Come girl! Come!”, the electric skateboard, Drill Clothing line, Action Sports Retailer convention in San Diego, working late into the night on finishing the decorating for our wedding, “Lets go sailing!”, coffee scented car deodorizer project, Jeans Jungle Clothing Store on Lincoln Blvd, the blue Saab, anything Cuban, helping me pack the truck for our move to Washington, loves to eat sushi and make up his own one-liner silly jokes.
Richard was a friend of mine dating back to Mary Herbert Elementary School in Emporia, KS. I will always remember his smile and gentle nature. Your family will be in my prayers.
Kristy (Holland) Funston
Estherville, IA
I will always think of Richard Felipe as a true leader. Not the kind of person who grasped for position, but the type who leads by example, and who people willingly follow. Not someone who imposes his will on people, but one who walks in the right direction himself – following the Lord himself – and this made people like me happy to follow his lead, to walk after him. Richard followed Christ, so people like me followed Richard. Yes, he left a golden example for people to imitate, and he lead with a sigh and a smile.
Richard Felipe taught me, and many others I’m sure, how to live with open-hands, not holding on tightly to material wealth or earthly acheivements. His golden example shows us how to lose and win with humility; how to love and repent; how to live, and die with quiet grace.
I imagine Richard on a golden boat in Heaven – sailing through the oceans of God. Dolphins chased his boat while on earth, I’m sure angels chase his boat in eternity.
Maria – I wish Debe and I could be there right now. It seems strange to be so far away. Please know that we are there in spirit, and hopefully we will see you soon enough. I trust that all of those people who are close at hand will more than make up for our absence, and that they will rally around you and the family as you seek to allow God to do his work in your heart, during this painful time.
Dear Duke – There are no words to say at a time like this. I’m very sorry about your loss. I have no doubt that you are becoming, and will become, the man your father wanted you to be.
Blessings in Christ,
Dave Harris
If there was a line to get into the gates of heaven.Richard Felipe would be the one giving everyone his spot.
working his way along the line .Still witnessing about Christ.This makes me smile.
I’ll never forget you Richard, and I’m a better person for having had you in my life and to have known you. I’m sure all those who knew you are as well. I met you here in Marina del Rey when you bought your first boat, right next to mine. You fought your cancer with such bravery, you are an inspiration to me. I will remember babysitting Utah, buddy-boating to Cat Hrbr., and BBQ’ing at the Isthmus with you on the 4th of July. I still have some Drill board shorts that you gave me. I’ll try not to rip them…
I’m greatly saddened that your gone…..I wish it weren’t so.
With love,
Mack Steagall
Maria and Duke,
Blessings in the Lord!
I worked with Richard for a number of years while he was the account rep at Whitmont for the law firm for which I work. He was a friend first and always there to help. I’ve sailed with him, attended Ball Games with him.
God made Richard as an example for us all. He will be missed, loved and remembered forever.
I’m sure he is at the gates of heaven welcoming all who come, giving them a hug and that wonderful smile, and then offering them a ride on his boat.
Philippians 4:7 kept running through my thoughts throughout Richard’s WAR. He embodied that peace.
4:7
“And the peace of God.” The peace that comes by putting all in the hands of the one who is able and willing to deliver.
“Which passeth all understanding.” Whenever we fully trust the Lord there comes a peace that is past the understanding of those who have never experienced it.
“Shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” That peace will be a guard which will keep the heart and thoughts holy and pure.
Blessings
My heart is sad, yet rejoicing in the great news of Heavens newest member!
Dear Maria and Duke:
We had such a short time of acquaintance, meeting in May 2008, when my son Frank moved to California from Pennsylvania. Vanessa was instrumental in helping us find a home for Frank.
Within days we were cruising along with the “3 Amigoes + 1” at the Marina Del Rey after church.
I believe all things happen because God ordains them. Us meeting Richard, yourself and Duke, enjoying dinner and playing Wii bowling together!
I have thanked Our Lord, many times, for how graciously Richard extended his home to Frank, in light of his new diagnosis. We felt the Lord’s presence during our times together, and stayed in contact over the last year.
Maria, you are a dear sister-in-The Lord, such a sweet lady and a lovely bride of Richard’s. Duke is a blessing from Jesus and has so many people praying for him, and his life. Duke, you are a great young man! Hold on to the promises of God, remember how Daddy taught you and encouraged you, daily.
I “stumbled” on this web site today, not even aware of Richard’s going home to Jesus. I am thankful that we love Him, and will be all reunited some day, soon.
Feel our love and prayers.
We love you very much.
In Him,
Paula Bridge and Frank Hart
WOW~What a great life he lived! I am an old classmate of Richards. I found him om FB. I am saddened and will pray for his family. He will continue in heaven just like he did here~
Just yesterday I was given the news that Richard had passed away. My deepest heart felt sympathy to his family. Richard was a good man and an exceptional human being. I missed Richard when he left Whitmont and I am Saddened now knowing that his kind heart and open ear will nolonger be here for those of us left behind. He touched our lives and left an example as to the goodness of what mankind can be. Good thoughts of a good man who has gone home before us.