July 04, 1941 - January 22, 2021
Richard L. Huntley, 79, was born July 4, 1941 in Modesto, CA., the eldest of 4 sons; and passed on in Lodi, CA on January 22, 2021.
He was a San Joaquin County Probation Officer for 33 years, starting on 11/6/1967, and working primarily in the adult division, where he served in various capacities: as an investigator, writing pre-sentence reports, supervising probationers, as a court officer, and supervising officers. At retirement, he was the supervisor of the gang unit affiliated with the Stockton PD. He was a past recipient of the “Probation Officer of the Year” award, given by the Manteca Rotary International.
“Family” was the center of Richard’s life. He met and married his wife of 52 years, Vivien J. Pinks, when they worked together as Stanislaus County Social Workers. He was a steadfast foundation for his family.He helped bathe his two baby sons, read aloud to them, built them a covered sandbox and toy wooden trains, attended youth baseball and soccer games, provided transportation and attended Boy Scout, school, and church youth activities; and participated in role-playing games with them, making elaborate pencil drawings of the characters. The family went on numerous camping trips to State and National Parks. In retirement, Richard and Vivien joined their sons’ families for annual vacations. Richard’s presence gave the family a sense of comfort, safety, and security. His historical knowledge made road trips, that he and wife, Vivien, took throughout California and across the U.S., more interesting.
Richard was a private person who prized his independence. He was intelligent, with a sharp wit. He was a constant reader, favoring historical fiction and nonfiction, alternate history, military books, science fiction, and crime stories. He liked to relieve stress by listening to classical instrumental and Celtic recorded music. As a youth, he enjoyed building models. He had a life-long interest in shooting, and hunting. As an adult, he made gun stocks as a hobby, and for sale. He also painted and sold oil and acrylic landscapes, winning ribbons at the Lodi Art Center and Grape Festival Shows in Lodi. He became an accomplished digital photographer in his retirement years.
Richard graduated from Thomas Downey High School in Modesto, CA, while working summers at Tri- Valley Cannery. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from UC Berkeley, where he was a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity. He also attended Humphreys College Laurence Drivon School of Law, in Stockton, CA.
Richard loved his country and was discharged honorably with a decoration as a Sharpshooter from the Modesto, CA unit of the U.S. Army National Guard. He was activated to help control and maintain law and order in the 1965 Watts Riots in Los Angeles, and in the 1969 People’s Park Riot in Berkeley, CA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Olliver L. and Audrey M. Huntley of Modesto, CA; brother, Ronald J. Huntley of Folsom, CA; brother and sister-in-law, Travis A. and Carole Huntley of Klamath Falls, OR.
He is survived by his wife, Vivien J. Huntley, of Lodi and Turlock, CA; brother, Steven M. (Kathleen) Huntley, of Modesto; sister-in-law, Diane Huntley, of Folsom, CA; son, Matthew C. (Hettilee) Huntley, of Valley Springs, CA; son, Michael P. (Tamara) Villarina-Huntley, of Pacifica and San Francisco; grandchildren, John, Claire, Wyatt, and Lucy; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Please make Memorial donations to the charity of your choice.
SERVICE
An outdoor graveside service for the family will be held at the Gospel Urn Garden, Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi, CCA at 11:00 a.m. on February 20, 2021, with hopes of having a future date to Celebrate Richard’s life at a Memorial Service.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Huntley family.
