Obituary of Richard Bernard Kean

Richard (Dick) Bernard Kean 3/3/1938 – 9/22/2023

Although Dick Kean was born in Oregon, he grew up in Reno, Nevada.  He was 85 years old at the time of his passing.  He was surrounded by his loving wife, My Kean, and daughter, Cheryl Kean. He is also survived by his brother Robert Kean, stepdaughter, Tamera Vollenweider, and stepson David Kean.   He will be joining his predeceased daughter, Jennifer Kean, as well as his parents, Margaret and Thomas Kean, in heaven. 

Dick joined the Marine Corp right out of high school and served our country for 8 years,  after which he was honorably discharged August 31^st, 1965.  He didn’t talk to his family much about his military career but was proud to be a Marine and proud to have served our country.  We thank you for your service!

He followed in his father’s footsteps and joined Sierra Nevada Chemical Company for many years, but longed for more independence and adventure.  He sold the chemical company to longtime partner, Stan Kinder.  He toured around the world for a bit, (mostly bike riding) and even worked on a few movie sets with stars like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.  He finally settled down, got married to his longtime love, My. They moved to Tucson, Arizona.  Both My and Dick always loved the southwest.  He worked for many years as a negotiator for American and Mexican businesses. 

Anybody that knew Dick could probably recall some wonderful, thoughtful and informed conversations with him.  He was an avid reader and soaked up knowledge like a sponge.  He was well versed in a variety of subjects, including, but not limited to, photography, guns, hunting and auto racing.  I remember as a little girl always having a stock car in the garage, and my going to see him race on the weekends.  I can still see the thirteen 1^st place trophies that lined our fireplace mantle. Jennifer and I also have fond memories of going elk hunting with my dad every season.  My father was a single parent raising two daughters, a feat that was especially challenging during those teenage years.  I know I sure put him through a barrage of challenges. I remember when my own daughters became teenagers, and I called my dad to apologize for all I had put him through.   We laughed and laughed as we shared stories.  I could tell he was enjoying the circle of life Karma was giving us just then. 

But as I was starting to say, Dick raised two teenagers on his own.  He was insistent we become independent women.  We were not allowed to move out of the house until we passed three tests.  We had to know basic self-defense.  He knew it was important for Jenny and me to know hand to hand defense in case of an emergency situation.  The second test was that we needed to understand firearm safety, as well as learn how to shoot not only rifles but pistols.  The third and final lesson was understanding how an automobile engine worked.  We needed to be able to lift the hood of our car and identify the engine components and how they worked together.    All three of these subjects have served me well in life.  Thank you, Daddy! 

Although I cannot be there to read this for your celebration of life , please know I am there with you in spirit, just as I know you are here with us.  You were well loved in life and will continue to be well loved in death.  My and I will be together, holding you in our hearts, here on earth, until the time comes to meet again.  And daddy, please hold Jenny close to you in heaven just as I will hold My close to me here on earth.  We will miss you every day, Daddy.  God’s Speed on your next journey. I’m sending you a kiss till we meet again.

Your loving daughter,

Cheryl