RICHARD WILLIAM "DICK" EHNI Ehni, Richard "Dick" William, of Rancho Santa Margarita, passed away January 11, 2010 after a brave effort to recover from a second stroke. Born April, 1932 in Long Beach, CA, Richard and his twin sister Patty were adopted just after birth by Bill and Eileen Ehni. He grew up in La Canada, CA and graduated from John Muir HS in 1949. He was awarded a full scholarship to the University of CA at Berkeley. He lettered in swimming and water-polo all four years before he graduated from Cal in 1954. He joined the Army's 505th MP Battalion as a 2nd Lieutenant and became a member of the elite Presidio Swim Team. He was involved with many civic organizations, including disaster chairman for the O. C. Chapter of the American Red Cross. He remained involved in the Cal Alumni Assn. for many years. He was a patient, kind, generous and caring man who had a very happy disposition. He was a gentle giant with a huge heart and infectious laugh. His loving spirit will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife, Decla; four daughters, Karen Beckingham, Candy Cherry (Frank), Kathy Cox (Tim) and Christine Ehni; step-daughters, Kelly Lemon (Bob) and Kimber Elston (Randy); his twin sister, Patty McGookin; 14 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Richard's final resting place will be Ft. Rosecrans Nat. Cemetery at Pt. Loma in San Diego, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the memorial fund in his name at Mission Hospital, ARU, at (949) 364-7783.
Published in Orange County Register on January 27, 2010