Richard Randall Warmack OBITUARY

Richard Randall Warmack OBITUARY

RICHARD RANDALL WARMACK Richard Randall Warmack, born September 23,1924, and lifetime Oroville resident, passed February 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband, devoted father, joyous grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be missed by them all. Richard led an amazing life, living to 99 years 4 months and 24 days. He graduated from Oroville High School after which he served in the U.S. Marine Corp during World War II. As a Radio Operator in the JASCO unit, 4th Division in the Pacific, Richard fought in the battles of Roi and Namur, Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian, and lastly Iwo Jima. After the war, Richard returned to Oroville and became a partner in the family store, “Warmack’s”, with his father Randall. Richard took over entirely in the early 70’s, shepherding it through many economic shifts and the ever-changing consumer landscape by focusing on customer experience and adjusting his offerings. Richard was a leader in the Downtown Merchants Association until his retirement in 1989 and a Past President of the Oroville Exchange Club. In 1963, Richard married his beloved Jane and became cherished and appreciated father to Jane’s four children in addition to his daughters Rhonda and Candis whom he loved dearly. Richard was a relentlessly curious man and loved reading the Wall Street Journal, Discover Magazine, Scientific American, National Geographic, Consumer Reports, and any book or magazine related to his current interest. Whatever he was interested in, he went full tilt and loved sharing his knowledge and creativity. He was an avid chess and tennis player. He dabbled in water color painting (helpful when his daughter needed inspiration in high school art class). He dove into sailing (with first mate, Jane), motorcycle riding, computers, woodworking, and even made his own arrows when teaching his son archery. He was an audio geek, and in the 60’s, made his own stereo speakers and wired the entire house so music could be played anywhere by flipping a switch for the desired room. Richard also became an outstanding photographer (turning one of the “clutter closets” into a darkroom for developing his own pictures), and started his own photo card company, “Warmack’s Photographic Adventures.” His cards featured his own and his wife’s beautiful photographs of the local Butte County area and their beloved Tahoe, which were sold locally and all around Lake Tahoe. Some of his photos went on to become dramatic enlargements that grace the walls of several homes. Richard had a wonderful sense of humor and could always make people laugh with his quick wit, which he never lost, even on his last day: When the nurse asked him if he needed anything, he said “I would like some wine, just a small amount.” Unfortunately, the nursing staff did not have any, so a nurse gave him a sip of water. His response was, “That’s not wine!” and chuckled. Richard is preceded in death by his father and mother, Randall Edward Warmack and Florence Josephine Richardson Warmack, as well as his younger brother, Lorence “Larry” Ben Warmack. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane Warmack; six children and their spouses: Catherine (Francisco), Joan (Charles), Carl (Pamela), and Willow (David); two daughters from his first marriage: Rhonda and Candis; 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; and two nephews Mark Warmack and Jay Warmack. Richard’s nephew, Mark, in a testament to Richard’s legacy said, “He is a great man, a very strong role model. A monument to humility, wisdom, and grace… and we were all so lucky to have him.” A memorial service will be held at the Grey Fox Vineyards in Oroville at 2:30 pm on Friday, April 5.