Obituary of Richard Alvin Person

July 24, 1924 – October 18, 2014 Friends and family will gather in Soquel on Saturday to say farewell to Richard Person who passed away peacefully at his home this past Saturday. His beloved wife of 69 years, Ruth was at his bedside. Born in Rockford, Illinois, Mr. Person worked as machinist. His life was interrupted at the onset of WW II, as he bravely served his country in the US Navy. His ship the USS Gambier Bay was sunk in 1944 in the battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippines, with many of his shipmates killed. Mr. Person returned to his job following his discharge from the Navy, and he retired as a machinist foreman with a career that spanned over 40 years. A talented wood craftsman and master repairman, he was able to fabricate parts for things long thought beyond repair. He loved the outdoors, and many fond memories of camping and fishing trips, coupled with his uncanny sense of humor, will be cherished by his family. He also enjoyed both stream and deep sea fishing. Mr. Person was a member of V.F.W. Post # 7263, Disabled American Veterans, and was a longtime parishioner of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Soquel. He will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and beloved grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Person of Aptos, his son and daughter-in-law, Gary A. Person and Mary Person of Oroville, CA; his daughter Cathy A. Person of Capitola; sister, Patricia A. McKibben of Washington; his grandchildren, Joei Enget and Nicholas Duncan; great grandchildren: Aaron and Jordon Enget and his great great grandson, A.J. Enget. Mr. Person was preceded in death by his granddaughter Vicki Neep. The memorial celebration will be on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church (2402 Cabrillo College Drive) in Soquel, beginning at 6 p.m. He will be laid to rest with military honors in a private ceremony prior to the memorial service. Any kind acts of charity can be made in Person's memory to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church or Hospice of Santa Cruz County. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to share with his family, your condolences and prayers.