Henry Richard Soennichsen passed away in his home in Alameda on September 28, 2024, just before his 97th birthday. Richard, as he was always known, was born in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. His parents died when he was quite young, and he and his older brother, John, were raised by their grandfather and great aunt. As teenagers, the brothers attended Kemper Military Academy. Richard enlisted in the Army after graduation and was stationed in Fort Lewis, where he worked as an engineering draftsman and gained bragging rights as an expert marksman.
With the help of the GI Bill, Richard was able to enroll at the University of Denver. It was there that he met Sue Burritt, a fellow student, while working together on the university yearbook. Richard and Sue were married in 1953 in Denver, and as newlyweds they drafted a list of places where they would love to live. At the top of the list was San Francisco, where Richard was soon able to secure a position working as an engineer for the city.
After living in San Francisco for several years, Richard and Sue eventually settled across the Bay in Piedmont, where they raised their four children and a foster child—Mark (Marisa), Edward (deceased), Richard A. (Monika), and Ann (John).
Richard was rarely without a project, and over the years he completely rewired and remodeled their 1906 home in Piedmont. He was active as the Scoutmaster of Troop 4, which was known for its 50-mile trips into the Sierras. He loved to sail with his brother John, who predeceased him in 2015. Richard also learned to fly, both for fun and to shorten his commute to engineering jobs in California and Alaska.
In 1980, tragedy struck the entire family when Sue, Richard’s beloved wife, passed away unexpectedly.
Richard was given a renewed chance for love when he married Cynthia Naton in 1993. Cynthia has two sons, Paul and Ross (Andrea). They started afresh with a waterfront home in Alameda. True to form, Richard took on many big remodeling jobs in the house and garden. Their home has now become a special gathering place for the whole family, especially for all 11 of Richard’s very favorite grandchildren—Adam, Archer, Casey, Chris, Clare, Harrison, Justin, Karina (Matt), Lauren, Maggie, and Pierce, as well as his treasured great-grandchild, Quinn.
Richard died peacefully at home, as was his wish, together with all of his children and accompanied by loving voicemails and written messages from his beloved grandchildren. A celebration of his life is planned for a later date.
