Richard, "Rich", Oldakowski was born on November 20, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan. He was active and enjoyed playing sports while growing up in the Midwest. Rich went on to graduate with a Master's degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan and watched the Michigan football team play every year on TV.

Rich was proficient with numbers and the computer industry was just starting so Rich was recruited to work for NSA in Washington, DC. After working at NSA for several years, Rich moved to California where he joined SCE working at the Rosemead Office. This is where he met his wife, Patty. Rich and Patty would have been married forty years this April.  Rich's final career position was with Quest Diagnostics in their IT department.

With his knowledge of computers, Rich was often asked by friends to help solve their problems with software and hardware issues. He was always willing to assist and usually found and corrected the problem for his friends.

His passion for golf remained throughout his life. After retiring from Quest, Rich was a member of the Oak Creek Men's Club where he played every Wednesday morning in the 7 AM foursome. He would show up early each week to sign up his foursome for the same coveted time slot. Rich also worked as a volunteer ambassador for the golf course. He was so well liked that he was offered and accepted a part-time position as a starter at the Mission Viejo Country Club.

Rich and Patty enjoyed traveling and went on several cruises each year to exotic locations. They hosted card parties, dinners, and BBQ's at their home for friends and co-workers.  They often enjoyed dining and dancing at the Casta del Sol social events at the main recreation center. Rich and Patty also found time to volunteer at Saddleback Church Sunday mornings making coffee and serving pastries at the outdoor patio where church members could sit and watch the service.

Rich was a happy man with a big laugh who loved sharing his life with his wife Patty. He will be dearly missed by all of us who were blessed to have known him.