Richard Lawrence Strachan, 78, of Humboldt, passed away October 16, 2015 at his home. Military rites for Richard will be held at a later date. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Richard Strachan, the son of Lawrence and Geneva (Baldwin) Strachan, was born Christmas Day in 1936. He was raised on the family farm in Humboldt County and received his education in Humboldt schools, graduating from Humboldt High School in 1955. He served full time with the Iowa Army National Guard attaining the rank of Major before his honorable discharge.
Rich studied architecture at Iowa State University in Ames. He was employed as a draftsman for Gunder Manufacturing and Sande Construction in addition to running his own construction business in Humboldt.
He married Marilyn Nelson in 1958 and to this union three children, Bronwyn, Kirk, and Heather were born. The marriage was later dissolved. On June 22, 1988, he was united in marriage to Mary Lydia Pope and his family grew with the births of Ryan Michael and Sean Alexander.
Richard loved to sing, sharing his special gift at church and for many weddings and funerals. He was also a long time member of the Humboldt Community Chorus. Blessed with an artistic flair, Rich enjoyed painting and drawing. He also played trombone in Humboldt’s community band. He was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge. He will be lovingly remembered by his family and many friends who knew him as “Oscar”.
Rich is survived by his wife, Mary of Humboldt; children, Ryan and Sean, Bronwyn, Kirk, and Heather; grandchildren, Zachery, Jacob, and Will; brothers, Jim (Sandy) Strachan, and Chuck (Deb) Strachan; and his Strachan Nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Marvin John Strachan.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family’s discretion.