Cripps, Richard Francis born August 22, 1934 passed away September 20, 2014 at the age of 80. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving children. Richard goes to join his parents, George and Anna, brothers George, Bobby, Tommy, Larry, and sister Myra. He is survived by his two brothers, Donald (Butch) Cripps and William Cripps; the love of his life, Bertha Laura Cripps; and his five children, William Alexander Cripps, Richard Jay Cripps, Paul Edward Cripps, Lynne Marie Adamson, and Laura Ann Gadsby. Dick (as everyone called him) was also blessed with 10 Grandchildren (Misty, Matthew, Nikki, Natalie, Kyle, Bryan, Alyssa, Spencer, Peyton and Blake) and 5 Great Grandchildren (Hayley, Corey, Braden, Samantha and Taylor). His children were his Pride and his grandchildren and great grandchildren his Joy.

Dick was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, the second child of eight children of George and Anna. Early in his life he went to live with his aunt and uncle, Kay and Bill Beaver, as 8 children were a bit overwhelming for his mother. He joined the Air Force in 1951 and served until 1955. Before he left for the service, he met Bertha Laura Belliveau and fell in love. Courting her from long distance, they met in sunny California after he left the service and married on January 21, 1956. They then settled in an apartment in Culver City, CA, where their 3 boys, were born. They bought a house in Hawthorne, CA in 1960 where both their daughters were born. They would remain in the Hawthorne home until all 5 of their children were raised and living on their own. Dick would later reside in Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, and finally Laguna Hills, CA.

Dick was a hard worker sometimes holding down 3 jobs to support his family. Most of his career he spent working in aerospace. He was very involved in his children's and grand and great grandchildren's lives. He was a little league coach and equipment manager when his kids were young and joined the booster club when his children got to high school. He would make sure he attended as many football, baseball, wrestling, softball, soccer, and cheerleading events or other activities his children and grandchildren were involved in.

Dick was a gregarious man making friends easily, and once you were in his presence for more than 5 minutes he considered you family. He never turned anyone away who needed a helping hand or just an ear to listen.

Although Dick experienced a stroke 15 years ago, he never lost his zest for life. Not as active in his later years, he was always up for a visit from family and friends and would greet you with that beautiful smile of his.

Services will be held September 26, 2014 at Reverence Bible Church located at 22081 Hidalgo, Mission Viejo, CA at 12:00 PM with burial to follow at El Toro Memorial Cemetery at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Dick Cripps at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.