Richard G. Arjo

July 19, 1936 - August 15, 2006

Residence:  Aptos, California

Richard passed away suddenly at his home in Aptos, CA, on August 15, 2006. Lynda Arjo, his loving wife of 44 years, predeceased him in November, 2005.  Richard was a native of Palo Alto, CA, and a 1954 graduate of Palo Alto High School. He then went to Stanford University where he majored in geography, worked as a DJ at the college station KZSU and went through the naval officer's training corp.

Following graduation Richard served in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Hancock. Upon leaving active service, he embarked on a career in city planning. Richard worked for Monterey County, the cities of Mountain View and Tiburon and was director of Community Development for Union City, CA from 1974 to 1985. He then opened his own consulting business in Santa Cruz County.

Music was very important to Richard and he played saxophone and trombone in many local parades with the Los Trancos Woods Community Marching Band, of which he was a founding member. He collected records and CDs ranging from traditional jazz to early blues to American roots music. Richard also played rugby and was active in the San Francisco Rugby Club for many years.

After his retirement Richard traveled often with Lynda, vacationing along the California coast and visiting their grandchildren. He will be missed by many. Survived by his mother Lois Arjo; sons, Tony, Dennis and Terence; and grandchildren, Dylan, Avery, Alexandra, Thais and Marlena. His life will be celebrated at a memorial gathering at his home.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Aug. 26, 2006