In memory of: Richard Walter Gastil

Memorial by: John Thomas

Date of birth: January 27, 1925

Date of passing: September 29, 2000

Place of burial: Forest Lawn, Glendale California

Richard Walter Gastil was born in San Diego, California on January 27, 1925 to Maude and Walter Gastil. Along with his sister, Barbara, the family moved to Los Angeles where Dick attended Los Angeles High School. After high school, Dick entered World War II, serving in the medical corps of the 13th Armored Division under General George Patton. Following the war, Dick attended the University of Southern California, receiving a degree in business administration.

While president of the college department at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Dick started dating Nancy Kettenhofen. After graduating from college, they were married on June 30, 1950. They moved to Van Nuys and Dick started working for Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. Later, as a Certified Life Underwriter, he started the Richard W. Gastil Agency for the Travelers. In 1953, Rick was born; followed by Bill, Betsy, and Tom. The Family left Van Nuys in 1970 and moved to Virginia Avenue in Glendale.

Dick and Nancy were blessed with 10 grandchildren, who fondly remember their "Papa Dick" enjoying his many hobbies. With them, he shared his passion for collecting, and he loved taking the family fishing and skiing at his house in June Lake. He enjoyed working in the backyard, and he loved going on long cross-country driving vacations with Nancy. Dick was most happy when Nancy and his family were around him. Through his love of God and his family, Dick's life set an example for all of us by being a faithful husband, father, grandfather and friend.