Dick was born in Turlock on March 26, 1926 to Roy and Bernice Weaver. He attended Lowell Elementary School and Turlock High School. Upon graduation in June 1944, he volunteered for service in the Navy and shipped out for basic training at the Farragut Naval Training Center in Farragut, ID. After training he served in the South Pacific.
After the war, he returned to California and attended Modesto Jr College, then transferred to Stanford University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He then moved to San Francisco to work for Wells Fargo Bank where he met his future wife, Fran Sargent. They married in 1952 and settled in Turlock where they did their part to carry on the family name by having 4 boys Mike, Bill, Art (Jeanette), and Bob (Donna) and one lovely daughter, Janet (Mike). As a result of having all those boys, Dick became active in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as the Cubmaster of Pack 51, Scoutmaster of Troop 51, District Chair for the El Capitan district and was on the board of directors for the Yosemite Area Council. He was awarded the Silver Beaver and was proud to see all his sons earn their Eagle awards.
During those years Dick was active in the community as a member of the Turlock Rotary Club, eventually serving as president in 1972-73, and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served as a member of the Turlock High School Board of Trustees for 12 years, long enough to present each of his children with their diplomas at their graduation ceremony.
Dick was honored twice by the Turlock Chamber of Commerce, the first time for Agribusinessman of the Year then later as Humanitarian of the Year.
Mr. Weaver was part owner of Chemurgic Agricultural Chemicals and Ag Production Company until his retirement. During this time he was active in the California Fertilizer Association. This organization created the Distinguished Service Award to give to Dick for all that he did for the association during his time as a member.
Richard was preceded in death by his four siblings, Jack, Art, Margaret and Dorothy. Besides his beautiful wife of 70 years and 5 children, Dick leaves behind 7 grandchildren and one long awaited great grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boy Scouts of America 4031 Technology Dr. Modesto 95356 or St. Jude www.stjude.org.
A Celebration of life will be held on March 17th at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church at 1660 Arbor, Turlock.
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