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Richard Armstrong

Wednesday Obituaries
3/16/05

ARMSTRONG, Richard Allen

Richard Allen Armstrong, born in Kokomo, Indiana, on September 8, 1937, passed away after a sudden brief illness on March 8, 2005, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Richard was a resident of Santa Barbara since 1970.

He is survived by Sandra, his loving wife and companion of 24 years, his son Dr. Thomas Woodbury, daughter Jayna Armstrong, and grandchildren Danny, Kelly and Tommy Woodbury, and Damien Stinson. His siblings include Barbara, Jim, Frank and John Armstrong. His father, Dr. James R. Armstrong, resides in Santa Rosa. Richard is preceded in death by his mother Ruth and his niece Joie.

Artist, Musician, Athlete, Explorer, Educator... Richard lived his life in the romantic style of a modern Renaissance man. At an early age, he discovered his gift of music, art, literature and poetry. He soon combined these talents with athleticism, an appreciation for the natural outdoors, and an unquenchable desire for adventure that knew no limits. The world was his to discover, ponder, and explore. Richard found joy and wonderment in all he encountered, from the smallest creatures, to the greatest mountains, to the world within the seas.

As an educator, Richard spent his entire career teaching in the Biology Department at Santa Barbara City College. Beginning in 1972, through his final week of life, he continuously pushed himself to provide the best spirit and environment for sharing his knowledge with those he taught. From classes in Anatomy and Physiology to his favored Marine Biology, he thrived in the interactions and challenges of inspiring his students to achieve, and knowing that he had made a difference.

Richard would like to be remembered standing on a high Sierra peak, the sun in his eyes, the wind in his face, smiling broadly as he looked to the horizon of the world he so cherished.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2005, on the Winslow Maxwell Overlook on the campus of Santa Barbara City College. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family is encouraging contributions to a scholarship fund in his name

Channels

Richard Armstrong, professor of biological sciences at City College for 33 years, died of bacterial pneumonia on Tuesday, March 8. He was 67 years old. Armstrong leaves behind his wife, Sandra, daughter Jayna, and son, Tom.

“He was an unusual and colorful fellow,” said good friend Michel Masson, professor of biological sciences. “Certainly the most colorful in this department.”

Before coming to City College, Armstrong was the head diver at Bodega Marine Laboratory, worked in the computer industry and “was brought up to be a concert musician,” Masson said.

Armstrong road dirt bikes and rock climbed in the Yosemite Valley and at El Capitan. “He’d done a lot of things, a great diversity of things,” said Masson.

Armstrong received his bachelor’s degree at Sonoma State University and master’s degree at University of California, Santa Barbara. He worked at UCSB before coming to City College in 1972. He was hired full-time in 1975.

“He was a good friend,” said Masson. “I’m going to miss him.”

The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 at the Winslow Maxwell Overlook, behind the Humanities Building. Instead of flowers, the Armstrong family said donations can be made to the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College in memory of Richard Armstrong to provide student scholarships in his name.