Richard Paul "Dick" Willey departed suddenly from this life on October 12, 2020. He was dearly loved by his family, his friends, and his two birds" Abbey" and" Briezy". Dad was born January 3, 1934 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont to John Benjamin Willey and Ruth Francys Willey. He enjoyed an exciting young life adventuring with his brothers Donald and Harold but also working hard during the summers at outlying farms. After attending several schools (including a one-room schoolhouse) he enrolled as a freshman at St. Johnsbury Academy. He was friendly, popular, and excelled in every sport which he attempted. Until recently, his record for the javelin throw still stood in the state. Dad married Carolyn Weeks shortly after graduating in 1952. He was experienced in farming, livestock, and sugaring. He began working at Northern Auto as a salesman, where he made many lifelong friends, including Reggie Gerand, Vivian Davis and Carmen Repasz. In 1960, he and Mom and their four children moved to Bakersfield, California. He worked in the oilfields for a while and on the ranch of John Rexroth out on Hwy. 65 and Famoso Road. Not long after that, he began working as an insurance agent for Prudential. He kept this profession for more than two decades and became a sales manager. He and Mom attended many conventions together throughout the years. Dad enjoyed community service and was recognized by Prudential for his activities with The Lions Club, The Boy Scouts, ADEP (a local drug rehabilitation program), as well as serving as President of the South High PTA. Some of the most memorable times in our lives, were the many weekends we spent with Jack Webster and his family at the Websters cabin in the Greenhorn mountains. Something about the mountains just seemed to bring out the best in everyone and there was always lots of hiking, laughter and serious card games. Over the years, Dad also took us numerous times on camping vacations to Carpinteria State Beach. In his spare time, he learned to play tennis with his friend Bill Youd whom he met through First Christian Church, and eventually with another dear friend Larry Ginsberg, who was also his doctor. One day, a chance meeting with Dennis Ralston at The Bakersfield Racquet Club gave Dad the opportunity to umpire a tennis match. He loved it and took classes to become a certified Professional Tennis Umpire. Eventually, his children and grandchildren enjoyed watching him on television at The U.S. Open as he made calls (not always favorable) to the likes of John McEnroe and Steffi Graff. He umpired at various tournaments for many years and enjoyed the lifestyle that umpiring provided. In December 1993, Dad married his second wife, Suzanne Cardon (who was also a tennis umpire). After their wedding he moved to Orinda, California where he began selling insurance for Ray Silver of Allstate. He and Sue enjoyed traveling and saw much of the United States together in their travel van. Unfortunately, Sue passed away in the fall of 2014. Heartbroken, Dad and his birds returned to Bakersfield to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Many summers he would fly to Vermont to visit his younger brother Harold, other family, old friends and always made a point to attend the St. Johnsbury Academy reunions if he was back there. Throughout his long-life he loved listening to instrumental music, and acrylic painting. Sports (especially the Red Sox) were important to him as well as tapioca pudding, and animals. He rarely met a stranger or a creature that he did not like, and he enjoyed feeding homeless cats. Dad was preceded in death by his wife Sue Cardon, his younger brother Harold, his older brother Donald, his parents, his stepmother Rose Willey, and his son-in-law, Jerry Winchester. Survivors include his children Diane Price, David Willey (wife Karen), Debbie Arter, Donna Winchester (and her fiancé Steve Koslowski) and their mother, Carolyn Weeks Willey. Dad also left behind two stepchildren: Craig Cardon (wife Shelley) and Jill Cardon Frietas (husband Vinnie), and three half siblings: Michael Chaffee, Lee Chaffee, and Rosie Willey Hirst. He had two grandsons that he dearly loved: John Arter (wife Jennifer) and their children, Austin, Dusty, and Cody; and Miles Price (wife Diane) and their son Deegan. Also, one special granddaughter: Michelle Taylor (husband Chris) and their children, Becca Medina and Weston Taylor. Nieces and nephews include: Sheila Willey, John Willey, Donnette Christiansen, Butch Leal, Lynnie Willey, and Valerie and Dean Hovey. A very special thank you to Mark Price who was there at a moments notice the day that Dad passed. Dad will be interred at The Mount Pleasant Cemetery in St. Johnsbury, Vermont at a later date. We will all miss his wisecracks, corny jokes and smile.