Richard Summers 5-21-44   3-27-21

Richard Summers passed away peacefully on March 27, 2021. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 21, 1944, to John and Bertha Summers. Richard spent his time on his grandparents' farm, which grew his love of fishing and reading from an early age. After finagling his first job at a greenhouse at age 15, he developed a deep love of gardening and appreciation for birds and flowers. After graduating from Woodward High School in 1962, Richard joined the United States Air Force. At an Air Force promotion party he met his future wife, Joan Sims. After dating for six years, they were married on July 22, 1972, at Sacred Heart Church. Richard worked diligently to achieve his degrees from the University of Dayton and PH.D in Microbiology from Louisiana State University. Once he had finished school, he and Joan, along with their horses and dog, moved to Midland, Michigan, to pursue a position in Microbiology at the Dow Chemical Company. He brought his love of Louisiana SU back with him, and was often seen wearing purple and gold until his dying day. In 1982, Richard and Joan would become proud parents to their daughter, Teresa Elise Summers, and welcomed their second daughter, Tesia Rene Summers, in 1986. There the family spent time fishing and playing softball together. In 1995, Richard accepted a new position at the biotech company, Depotech, in San Diego, California, and the family relocated. He loved living in San Diego, in part due to the diversity of plants and pollinators he was able to witness and photograph. Richard was a devoted and hardworking father, who supported and shared in his children's interests. He would come to their matches and games, and even volunteered to coach his daughter's basketball team through Rancho Penasquitos Basketball; something he continued to do even years after she had left the league. He was never as proud of his daughters as when they graduated high school. Richard retired in 2012 from Pacira Biotech in order to care for Joan while she struggled with Lewy Body Dementia. He was a loving and attentive caretaker to her until she passed in 2018. In 2013, Richard became a grandfather. His devotion, passion for science and love of reading carried into another generation. Richard never missed a moment to read books, to hover around a microscope, or play Uno with his grandson, Braylon. Richard is preceded in Heaven by his wife, Joan Summers, his parents, John and Bertha Summers, and his brother, Robert Summers. He leaves behind his two children, Teresa and Tesia Summers, his brother, Jack Summers, and grandson, Braylon DeJurnett. In addition he leaves behind his wonderful friends and former colleagues, Peter Yang and Steven Phillips, as well as his incredible friends and neighbors in the Seven Oaks community. A mass will be held at San Rafael Church on May 7, 2021, at 3pm. To celebrate his life, love, and passions, purple and gold attire is welcomed. Please, in lieu of flowers, any remembrance may be made to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org. 
 

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