Richard Gene Read, beloved father, coach and educator, died of Alzheimer’s disease on October 21st in Walnut Creek, California at the age of 84. Beloved father of Katherine Read (John Houston), Janet Read (David Skyhawk), Lisa Read Parden (Jim Parden), Robert Read (Michael de los Santos) and Michael Read. Devoted brother of Don Read (Lois Read) and Len Read (Judy Read) and proud grandfather of Robbie, Sara and James Parden, Brett and Alec Read-Skyhawk, Samuel, Rebecca, and Zachary Houston-Read and dear uncle of many nieces and nephews.
“Dick” Read was born on November 17, 1928, to Emily Cubberly Read and Charles “Brick” Read in Los Angeles where he and his two brothers, Len and Don, spent their early days in the shadow of Griffith Park and Dodger Stadium. The family later moved to Santa Rosa where Read graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1947. An outstanding athlete, he was recruited by many colleges and chose to play football for St. Mary’s college in Moraga. In 1950, he was drafted into the Army where he served for two years during the Korean Conflict. By the time he returned from overseas, St. Mary’s had discontinued its football program. He still yearned to play football, so Dick transferred to Tulsa University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1955. In 1956, he received his teaching credential and in 1959 his Master’s Degree, both from San Francisco State University.
Dick started his coaching and teaching career in 1956. He coached and taught at Pleasant Hill High School in the East Bay, St. Mary’s High School in Berkeley and was hired in 1959 as Head Football Coach at San Rafael High School. In 1959, he married Barbara Levin, also a physical education teacher. They were married for 27 years and were the proud parents of five children. Read was hired in May 1961 as Head Football Coach of the College of Marin. He had a successful track record at College of Marin with his teams winning the Golden Valley Conference in 1967 and 1968. Read enjoyed teaching immensely, but coaching football was his passion. He enjoyed designing strategies and calling the plays. He loved the x’x and o’s of the game and delighted in calling unique plays that would surprise the opposition. His philosophy of coaching focused on teaching the fundamentals, encouraging his players to work hard and think hard. He also stressed to his players the importance of conducting themselves with respect and dignity on and off the field. He hoped to influence his players positively as his Santa Rosa High School coach Jimmy Underhill has inspired him. He had scores of players advance to four-year collegs and a few went to the pros. He retired from the faculty of College of Marin in 1989.
He married Dorothy Richardson in 1994. They were married 15 years. Dick had a fun and lovable personality that endeared him to whomever he met. He had a fantastic sense of humor and, while not a typical storyteller, relished in the quick one-liners. While he loved being around his family, his players and his students, he also possessed a quiet and strong solitude that made others want to be around him. He dressed impeccably throughout his life, was an excellent dancer (well into his 80’s) and he loved music, particularly, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and his favorite, Frank Sinatra. He had an impish smile, a warm and gracious personality and he was positive, kind and gentle. He loved sharing meals, his faith, stories and laughter with his family, friends and fellow coaches. He also cherished his time with his two brothers and was especially proud of them. The family is extremely grateful to Dick’s loving caregivers.