Richard Willson Obituary

Richard Eugene Willson
August 4, 1936 - October 22, 2021
Resident of Walnut Creek, CA
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our older brother, Richard Eugene Willson, who died on October 22, 2021 from the devastating effects of Parkinson's Disease.
Dick was a fraternal twin born in Martinez, CA to Thomas Allan Willson and Bernice Kapp Willson. At the age of eight he gained his younger siblings, Ann and John, another set of fraternal twins.
Dick attended Martinez Public Schools and graduated from Alhambra High School in 1954. He studied Chemistry at Cal Berkeley and joined the US Army in 1959 and served for 2 years. He was stationed in France, where he began his love of travel and developed his taste for different types of food.
Dick was employed by Shell Development Company, starting his career with Shell in 1958. He worked at the Shell Martinez facility as a college student and later at the Shell Emeryville plant. He moved to Houston, Texas in 1972 and continued with Shell as a Research Chemist until his retirement in 1991. Dick was well-respected in his field and continued his many friendships with colleagues at frequent luncheons after retirement.
Retirement afforded Dick the freedom of more travel. He was an avid member of the American Theatre Organ Society and the Organ Historical Society. He enjoyed both national and international travel as a member of these societies to organ conventions throughout the United States as well as in Europe.
Dick was a huge pipe organ enthusiast and helped relocate and reinstall many pipe organs that were slated for destruction. He was part of a small group that saved and reinstalled the pipe organ that was located in the old Bella Roma pizza parlor on Alhambra Ave in Martinez, CA, where pipe organ music was enjoyed by patrons for many years.
Dick installed a pipe organ in his Houston home and loved playing it. Even though he had palsy from Parkinson's, he played family and friends a farewell mini concert on his pipe organ –without shaking—prior to leaving Houston.
In Dec. 2016, Dick moved back to CA to be near to family. He moved to Byron Park in Walnut Creek where he made many friendships with residents & staff & was known as a great conversationalist & listener. In declining health, he moved into hospice at Gabriel's House in Concord, CA in July 2021, where he passed on Oct. 22.
Dick was proceeded in death by his twin brother, James Allan Willson, in 2003. He is survived by his younger siblings Ann Willson Wensel (Ed) of Livermore & John Willson (Ginger) of Martinez. Dick's family thanks the caregivers at both Byron Park & Gabriel's House for their excellent care & sense of humor in their care for Dick.
No services were held per Dick's request. Any donations can be made in Dick's name to your local SPCA or animal rescue organization, as Dick was a lifelong cat owner and cat lover. At your next celebration, raise a glass to Dick!


View the online memorial for Richard Eugene Willson