Richard B. Rea
Richard B. Rea passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, April 23rd 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital, in Reno, Nevada. Richard, (Dick) was born in Chico, California, in 1933 to Sherman and Iona Rea. He was the youngest of three children, having an older brother, Robert (Bob) and a sister, June. Dick graduated from Lassen High School – Class of 1951. During the summers, he worked in the woods for the family business, the Susanville Logging Company. In 1953, Dick entered the Army and served as a High Speed Radio Operator during the Ko~ean War. After his service, Dick attended Oregon State University and in 1958 earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Engineering. Later, in 1973, he earned a Master’s of Science in Forestry from Michigan State University. During this time he became a member of Xi Sigma Pi. His love of the outdoors lead him to a career in the United States Forest Service, starting on the Lassen National Forest. As Dick advanced in his career, he had the opportunity to work on many different National Forest throughout California. On each forest, Dick became a valued, and much loved part of the community. He retired from the Forest Service in the early 1990’s.
In 1976, Dick married Marilyn Wrenne. Each brought children to their marriage, thus beginning a new family. Dick and Marilyn were married for 38 years, until Marilyn passed away in 2014.
Dick is survived by his daughter, Linda and her husband David, of Susanville, and son David of Sedona, Arizona. His stepsons, Dave and his wife Karen, of Redding, and Craig and his wife Linda, of Red Bluff. Dick also leaves behind his much loved grandchildren; Jared and Cade Lile, Matthew Wrenne and his wife Julia, Jesse Wrenne and his fiance Allie, Scott and Kevin Wrenne, and Ryan Hood. He also had two wonderful great grandsons Jonah and Marlon Wrenne. Dick is also survived by his sister in law, Mary (Bob) Rea, his nieces and nephews, and his very close and dear friend, Marguerite Weir.
After retirement, Dick and Marilyn moved to Redding. They became active members of the All Saints Episcopal Church. Dick volunteered at the All Saints Thrift Shop for many years. He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, and in 2005 he was awarded Volunteer of the Year for the Shasta Cascade Region.
Dick loved to travel. He and Marilyn not only traveled the country but to many different parts of the world. Dick also loved his grandchildren. Whether it was teaching them to body surf, or going fishing, watching them in sports or show steers, he enjoyed every minute of it.
Dick was a beloved, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Richard, (Dick) Rea will be laid to rest at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Igo, California. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date.
Donations may be made in memory of Richard, (Dick) Rea to All Saints Episcopal Church, 2150 Benton Drive, Redding, CA 96003
