Richard “Dick” Barrows, 85, of Folsom, California, passed away in his sleep on May 25, 2016, from cancer.
He was born in Orangeville, California to Jack and Trudy Barrows. Richard was the State Fire and Rescue Chief of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) in Sacramento, California where he worked for 27 years; he served from 1962 to 1966 as an Assistant Fire Chief, and from 1966 to 1970 as a Deputy Fire Chief, and from 1970 to 1989 as the State Fire and Rescue Chief until his retirement.
Prior to his California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services employment, he was employed by the Citrus Heights Fire Protection District as a firefighter from 1948 to 1950, and then employed by the California Division of Forestry from 1950 to 1962 as a Battalion Chief/County Fire Training Officer in San Bernardino County. Richard also served in the US Army in Germany as a Chief Infantry Operations and Intelligence Specialist.
Richard was also a member of the following: California Rural Fire Association; California Fire Chief Association; International Fire Chief Association; California State Board of Fire Services; State Fire Service Coordinating Council; Governor’s Emergency Council; OES Fire Service Advisory Committee/ FIRESCOPE Board of Directors; California State Legislature’s Joint Committee for Fire, Police, and Disaster Services. In addition to his many affiliations, Richard was a Mason with the Highland Lodge #748. Richard’s hobbies included fine woodworking, golf and fishing. He especially enjoyed using his knowledge, and his numerous skills to help friends and neighbors with projects.
A memorial service will be held in Richard’s honor on Saturday, June 25 at 2:00 p.m., at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, located at 3650 Schriever Avenue, Mather, CA. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to the Shriners Burn Center in Richard’s name - one of his favorite charities. He is survived by his sister, Jackie Walton and her sons, Jerry Wilkie of Sacramento, CA, and Richard (Norma) Wilkie of Rocklin, CA, and her daughter Patte (George) Cunningham of Reno, NV, including several great nieces and nephews.He is also survived by his nephews Steve (Diane) Harding of Sedona, AZ, and Mike (Sarah) Harding of Burnt Ranch, CA, and their brother Rick Harding (deceased). Richard, along side their aunt Patsy, took Mike, Rick and Steve into their own home after their mother died in 1959 and helped to raise them.
June 14, 2016
"My precious friend.. I will miss you so much. I will miss our talks, lunches at Olive Garden... and so much more. You meant so much to me and my heart is broken. I will miss your stories, humor and hugs. You made a difference in this world! I love you Dick!" Michelle Craft, Rancho Murieta, California
June 12, 2016
"Dick was a good friend,seems like I have know him all my life,actually I have! rest in peace Richard say I know you and daddy are having a great discussion." Sharon Ulrey, San Antonio, Texas
June 09, 2016
"Dick and I worked together years ago at the CDF San Bernardino HQ station. When he departed for the OES Fire-Rescue job in Sacramento he left a big void. He was a real pleasure to work with. RIP my friend!" Norm Silver, Vacaville, California
June 08, 2016
"Richard was a great man. The death of a loved one is so devastating and not always easy to get through alone. I found Phillipians 4:6-7 helps because we're encouraged to turn to God in prayer and He will give you peace and understanding as you endure this difficult time." Kimberly B,, Los Angeles, California
He was born in Orangeville, California to Jack and Trudy Barrows. Richard was the State Fire and Rescue Chief of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) in Sacramento, California where he worked for 27 years; he served from 1962 to 1966 as an Assistant Fire Chief, and from 1966 to 1970 as a Deputy Fire Chief, and from 1970 to 1989 as the State Fire and Rescue Chief until his retirement.
Prior to his California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services employment, he was employed by the Citrus Heights Fire Protection District as a firefighter from 1948 to 1950, and then employed by the California Division of Forestry from 1950 to 1962 as a Battalion Chief/County Fire Training Officer in San Bernardino County. Richard also served in the US Army in Germany as a Chief Infantry Operations and Intelligence Specialist.
Richard was also a member of the following: California Rural Fire Association; California Fire Chief Association; International Fire Chief Association; California State Board of Fire Services; State Fire Service Coordinating Council; Governor’s Emergency Council; OES Fire Service Advisory Committee/ FIRESCOPE Board of Directors; California State Legislature’s Joint Committee for Fire, Police, and Disaster Services. In addition to his many affiliations, Richard was a Mason with the Highland Lodge #748. Richard’s hobbies included fine woodworking, golf and fishing. He especially enjoyed using his knowledge, and his numerous skills to help friends and neighbors with projects.
A memorial service will be held in Richard’s honor on Saturday, June 25 at 2:00 p.m., at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, located at 3650 Schriever Avenue, Mather, CA. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to the Shriners Burn Center in Richard’s name - one of his favorite charities. He is survived by his sister, Jackie Walton and her sons, Jerry Wilkie of Sacramento, CA, and Richard (Norma) Wilkie of Rocklin, CA, and her daughter Patte (George) Cunningham of Reno, NV, including several great nieces and nephews.He is also survived by his nephews Steve (Diane) Harding of Sedona, AZ, and Mike (Sarah) Harding of Burnt Ranch, CA, and their brother Rick Harding (deceased). Richard, along side their aunt Patsy, took Mike, Rick and Steve into their own home after their mother died in 1959 and helped to raise them.
June 14, 2016
"My precious friend.. I will miss you so much. I will miss our talks, lunches at Olive Garden... and so much more. You meant so much to me and my heart is broken. I will miss your stories, humor and hugs. You made a difference in this world! I love you Dick!" Michelle Craft, Rancho Murieta, California
June 12, 2016
"Dick was a good friend,seems like I have know him all my life,actually I have! rest in peace Richard say I know you and daddy are having a great discussion." Sharon Ulrey, San Antonio, Texas
June 09, 2016
"Dick and I worked together years ago at the CDF San Bernardino HQ station. When he departed for the OES Fire-Rescue job in Sacramento he left a big void. He was a real pleasure to work with. RIP my friend!" Norm Silver, Vacaville, California
June 08, 2016
"Richard was a great man. The death of a loved one is so devastating and not always easy to get through alone. I found Phillipians 4:6-7 helps because we're encouraged to turn to God in prayer and He will give you peace and understanding as you endure this difficult time." Kimberly B,, Los Angeles, California