Obituary of Richard James Simonsen
Richard James Simonsen
September 23, 1946 – April 10, 2025
Richard James Simonsen, 78, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, in Oroville, California, surrounded by his devoted family after a long illness. Born in Racine, Wisconsin, Richard faced a challenging childhood, moving frequently and attending five different high schools. As the eldest son of five siblings, he took on the role of caregiver, ensuring they had food and shelter despite their hardships. His resilience and selflessness shaped his character, leading to a life defined by faith, family, and perseverance.
Richard graduated from San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton, California, in 1965. Before his senior year, he excelled in football, track, and cross country, but after marrying Billie Jean Knox on September 26, 1964, in Santa Cruz, he worked tirelessly before and after school to provide for his new family. At 15, while working on Charley Christian’s grain farm, Richard embraced Christianity after a transformative conversation with his employer on a tractor. In 1977, he returned to the farm with Billie and their four children—Richard Jr., Ronald, Tracey, and Tammy—to thank Charlie for sharing the Gospel. A faithful member of Gideons International, Richard lived his faith with conviction.
His career as a warehouseman, expediter, and small business owner reflected his strong work ethic. Richard’s hands were skilled; he could fix nearly anything, from household appliances to complex machinery, earning admiration for his ingenuity. He was a devoted husband to Billie and father to Richard Jr., Ronald, Tracey, Tammy, and adopted daughter Tobi, who preceded him in death on December 28, 2022. He adored his 12 grandchildren, including Sarah Simonsen, who passed away on February 21, 2022, and his nine great-grandchildren. Richard cherished phone calls with family, talking endlessly about their lives until they had to go.
A devoted Sacramento Kings fan, Richard watched nearly every game on television, cheering passionately. His favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art,” often filled the air as he whistled its melody. In 2001, Richard and Billie traveled to the Holy Land, Rome, and Athens, with his most treasured moment being communion at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, a profound spiritual experience that he would share with all who would listen.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on April 21, 2025, at River of Life Church in Oroville. He will be laid to rest at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette, California, on April 23, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Downtown Ministries, 11333 Sunco Drive #102, Rancho Cordova, California.
Richard’s legacy of faith, love, and tireless dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.