Richard Herbert Midgley, 88, returned to his heavenly home on Monday, February 13, 2023, changing his earthly permanent residence to Riverside National Cemetery with military honor. His obstinate battle with persistent medical issues showed his courage in facing life challenges with both the utmost grace and intermittent grumbling. Richard was born January 5, 1935 in Chicago, IL to Herbert and Thelma Midgley. His early childhood was traversing the country between Illinois and California, eventually settling in Arcadia, CA with his parents, and where he called home for the rest of his life. On one such cross-country train ride, he "accidentally" let his retainer fall through the sink drain and onto the speeding rails below, much to the chagrin of his dentist father. He served active duty in the United States Navy, with honorable discharge as a veteran ending at U.S. Naval Station Long Beach (Seahorse group). He was a talented and intelligent young man who attended Stanford University. After earning his undergraduate degree as well as receiving an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, he often humbly wondered how he even got through it all, logging in long hours clicking the ancient adding machines, but it was that tenacity and determination that defined him. He was a talented and gifted cook, like his mother, whom he shared a very special relationship with. It should not be understated that Richard was a most devoted son, as he lovingly took care of his mother at personal sacrifice for years following his father's passing. He worked hard supporting the household in several roles throughout a 30-year career with Los Angeles County, including the Health Department, Roads, and the Chief Administrative Office. The professional work he did at the CAO led to studies and change to consolidate departments, modernize county-wide accounting and personnel software, and revamping Health Services to include Coroner functions, infusing those operations with improvements and accountability. He took great pride in managing the cafe in the L.A. Museum of Natural History, bringing an innovative menu to the delight of visitors. His dependable support and frequent visits to museums and high-culture also extended to infomercials and catalogs, where he became an avid collector of either items that could be shipped or causes for donation help. Richard was recruited by the Public Health Foundation and used his elegant writing capacities later to labor for charities/grants to help serve people in the villages of Ecuador. "Midge" or "Dick Midgley," as known to many of his friends, was fiercely independent and ethical to some as a fault, but he loved and lived on his terms unapologetically…and if born in a later decade, would have thrived on his own television show on HGTV. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word, and could always be counted on for gracious love, generous support, and great advice. His observational humor was so on-point, referring to himself as "an old toad" when complimented, and responding with ease and lightning-quick wit, especially "punny" remarks and a warm, infectious laugh. A gifted photographer and painter, he loved traveling with his close friends, attending the symphony, and relishing tasty food. He never met a dog that he didn't like and could most often be seen with his own beloved dogs, whom were his loving companions and brought true joy to his daily routine. Richard was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout this life. He treasured loving relationships with members of the Arcadia Ward and was genuine serving in his ministering and teaching positions. His kindness made it effortless to create life-long friends with hundreds of church missionaries over 20 years that he provided housing for. He is loved and his smile will be treasured by so many whom he was considered family and 'adopted' Grandpa. He now transcends to a place where the cars are classic, the food is eclectic, the dogs are plentiful, and reunions are heavenly with Herbert and Thelma Midgley, Ken Engeman, and his friends/neighbors who preceded him.