Richard Lewis Warren

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Richard Warren Obituary

Richard Lewis Warren, of Los Osos, died on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, at the age of 89. Dick was born in Ashland, Wisconsin, to Claude and Mary Warren. He completed his World War II service in the Navy in 1945-1946, and graduated from Harvard University in 1947. He married his true love, Ethel, in 1948. He earned a Ph.D. in educational anthropology from Stanford University in 1966. Dick began a life-long career as a teacher, first at Webb School, in Tennessee, and then at Indian Springs School near Birmingham, Alabama, where he taught high school social studies from 1952-1962. He was active in the civil rights movement in Birmingham during these difficult times, promoting interracial contact and understanding at the school and in his church. As a professor, administrator, mentor and friend in education departments at the University of Kentucky (1970-1979) and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (1979-1997), Dick was committed to the practical application of academic knowledge to the challenges of teaching in the field. After retiring from Cal Poly in 1997, Dick worked tirelessly to serve the homeless in San Luis Obispo County. He was instrumental in establishing the church's homeless shelter overflow program and the Prado Day Center. A regular jogger as a Cal Poly professor, in retirement Dick loved working with coaches to perfect his technique in the high jump, long jump, and low hurdles, earning medals at master's track events into his 80's. He loved being a grandfather, a source of strength and support to his two children, and always the loving and admiring husband of his wife, Ethel. He had a rich and rewarding life and will be missed by all. Dick is survived by his wife Ethel; daughter Deborah (husband Jim Schwarz); son Dick, Jr. (wife Helen Palladino); grandchildren Max Schwarz, Annie Warren and Daniel Warren; and sisters Jean Larson and Jane Atterbury. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in San Luis Obispo, followed by burial of ashes in St. Stephen's Memorial Garden and reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, Dick would greatly appreciate donations to Friends of Prado Day Center, www.pradodaycenter.org, PO Box 1244, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406; or St. Stephen's Parish Council Outreach Program, 1344 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier on Nov. 8, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Warren

11 Entries

July 22, 2014

He was my neighbor and an inspiration. I just found out about his passing. What a wonderful man and husband.
He worked so hard at keeping fit. I'd watch him bicycle Bayview Hts.and marvel at his tenacity.
I'd also watch him take Ethel's hand and lead her. So touching.
Sheila Hoover

Daniel and Wendy Rowland

March 11, 2014

Dick and Ethel were our best friends and mentors while they were in Kentucky with us. Dick contributed hugely to the community of Lexington, as he did to San Luis. He was the founding President of our neighborhood association (still going strong), and President of the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation. He also founded a new department in U. of K.'s College of Education, and was a deeply respected and influential colleague. Most of all, he was a dear friend, and one of the finest human beings we've ever met.

Scott Warren

November 12, 2013

Uncle Dick:
We miss you.
God bless and say hello to your brother for us.
Love Mom, Scott, Margaret, and John

Mary Neal

November 10, 2013

I used to drive Richard home when he had his car worked on. What a kind,gracious man. You could feel the love he had for his family and home. He will be missed.

Kyra Kitts

November 9, 2013

Dick and Ethel's love of each other is one of the most profound and beautiful loves I've ever witnessed. I know he's watching over her.

Peggy Smith Andersen

November 9, 2013

Dick will be missed by many! It was my honor to work for Dr . Warren when he was the Department Head for the Cal Poly Education Deparent. He was a gentleman who had a strong work ethic, a dedication to edication, and a great sense of humor!

November 8, 2013

Dear, sweet Ethel,
Todd and I are remembering our trip to California, and the precious time we spent with you and Dick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Deborah, and Dick, Jr. and want you to know we share your loss. I'm sorry we're all so separated by distance, would love to see you again.
Our love,
Jo Anne and Todd Caven
Brandon, Mississippi and Austin, Texas

Elaine Holder

November 8, 2013

The programs for the homeless in this area owe a HUGE debt to Dick. Without him the Prado Day Center might never have happened.

Sue Schriner

November 8, 2013

I had the opportunity through the Education Department at Cal Poly and later at the Prado Day Center to experience Dr. Warren's quiet sincerity and devotion to both organizations.

Joe Sabol

November 8, 2013

Dick Warren was a good leader for Education at Cal Poly. He was very supportive of the diversity of credential candidates and the unique credential program in agriculture. It was my pleasure to work with Dick!!

Barbara Bailey

November 8, 2013

I am saddened by the loss of this wonderful man who I will always remember for his kindness, intelligence and gentleness. My thoughts are with you, Ethel.

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