Richard Jerome Golden

On February 28, 2015 we suddenly lost an incredible man, Richard Jerome Golden. As vibrant and strong as his body was, his heart was not.

He was born on October 9, 1961 in Maryland and grew up in Santa Barbara graduating from Santa Barbara High School class of 1981. In his teens, Richard taught himself to surf, a passion that took him to Costa Rica and Australia. Rincon was his spot, but he could be seen walking from our house, surfboard in hand, to catch waves at Leadbetter.

Though surfing was his passion, Golden Landscape Maintenance was his creation and livelihood that he built from “…a lawnmower and my GTI” into a thriving business.

Richard had a smile for everyone, and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who won’t remember his smile! He was outgoing, a big kid, a quiet man who appreciated solitude, and a huge fan of Sting. Many will think of Richard when they hear a Sting song.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Laura Ann Plunkett-Golden, and many animals he cherished during his life – Max, Comet, Ajax, Lizzy and Lily. He left behind his parents, Ann (Plunkett) Anderson and Richard Jerome Golden Sr, his daughter Kelly Ann Golden, my girls (whom he loved as his own) Chelsea Doyle, Kirsten Anderson, Erica Ruch, and 5 grandchildren. And of course, me, his wife Claudia Golden – the him and never let him go.

Please join us March 7, 2015 at 10:00am at Rincon for a paddle-out ceremony, and again at 1:00pm at Shoreline Park (near the playground) for a Celebration of Life and pot-luck. Please bring a dish, or something to BBQ, and lots of stories and memories to share.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Santa Barbara Humane Society or D.A.W.G in honor of Richard.