Richard LaSalle Thornburgh, born Feb. 19, 1952, died on Nov. 6, 2025.

Richard (Ricky), 73, was preceded in death by his parents Richard Haines Thornburgh and
Barbara Jean Evans. His brother Christopher Evans Thornburgh died in May 2009.

Ricky is survived by his siblings Lorna Diane Thornburgh, David Barry Thornburgh, and Sandra Ann Thornburgh. He is also survived by his love Genelle, as well as three nephews and three nieces.

The five siblings grew up in Montecito, often visiting the family cabin in Mammoth Lakes. His parents took their family of seven, fishing and skiing each respective season.

Lake Convict, Bishop and the Sierra Nevadas were a few of his favorite spots to explore. He liked to escape the chaos of busy little Santa Barbara. He adored being outdoors, taking in the magnificent sights Mother Nature had to offer.

Ricky also loved to play tennis and surf. He was a barbecue master.

From the outside looking in, Ricky was fun and seemed to be care-free; always jolly and loved to tell jokes.

In retrospect Ricky had a rough time “adulting,” yet he didn’t seem to let all “the bad” in his life affect him, as most do. He may have had a rough exterior, but inside he was kind, gentle, loving and giving. Materialistically giving, although he never had much.

He loved to “show up” with grandiose desserts, champagne, flowers and treat for lunches and dinners.
Moreover, he was extraordinarily giving of himself, and his time.

He was always the nurturer… first taking care of his grandmother, then his wife, later his mother, and his nephew, and most recently his long-term (more than a decade) live-in girlfriend with Alzheimer’s.

Ricky took her everywhere, where most would consider it a burden, caring for others came naturally to him. He often put other’s needs ahead of his own, forgetting his diagnosis of colon cancer.

From a niece’s perspective, everything he did, he did with a smile. I wish I knew how much pain you were truly in Uncle Ricky. I pray that you are at peace now.

I envision you in heaven reminiscing with Uncle Chris, dancing around with your mom (Grandma Bobby), telling jokes with your dad, and laughing with your aunts, uncles, grandparents, and surfer buddies. I love you Uncle Ricky.

You will forever be loved, missed and in our hearts.