Richard Joseph Geyer

August 30, 1931 August 8, 2022

Richard Joseph Geyer, age 90, died peacefully on August 8th 2022, in Yuma, Arizona surrounded by friends and family. Richard was born on August 30th 1931 in New York, New York, to parents George N Geyer and Hazel C Geyer.

Richard moved to Huntington Park, California from Queens, NY as a young boy where he grew up. At the age of 18 he joined the Navy as a dental corpsman earning the rank of dental technician third class. His first assignment was at camp LeJeune North Carolina and later served in Korea with the 5th Marines. After completing his tour in Korea he returned to the states and was the first dental corpsman stationed at Camp Pendleton, California with the Marines. During his service he received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

After returning to civilian life, he met the love of his life, Leslie Oliver, who he then married on January 30th 1955 in Huntington Park, California. He attended Compton College before moving to Omaha, Nebraska to begin Dental school at Creighton University. He completed Dental School in 1959 and took his first job as a dentist, moving the family to Florence, Arizona where he became the first full-time dental director of the Arizona State Prison. After two years in Florence it was time to move on. It was suggested to him that Yuma, Arizona might be a good place to start his private practice. On July 4, 1965, with Leslie and his four children he moved to Yuma where he set-up his practice next to Norm Johnson on 8th Ave. Soon came the birth of his fifth and last child, they finally got their daughter. Richard always remembered the warm welcome he received from Yuma's local dentists Norm Johnson, Ray Conway, Al Hughes, Charles Giermann and John Wilhelmy. He made it a point to always greet new dentists to Yuma to make them feel welcomed. In 1970 he moved his office to the Ave A location where he would stay until 2004 when he sold his practice and retired after nearly 40 years. The only thing he loved more than dentistry were the patients and staff that became his second family. He prided himself on the fact that he had three and four generation of families in his practice before retiring.

Richard was a long-standing member of the Somerton Rotary Club, joining in 1965 and holding perfect attendance until he was no longer able to attend. Paula Jackson was instrumental in keeping his streak alive when he could no longer drive. He served in different officer positions including President (1988-1989 and 2000-2001) and treasurer (1991-1999 and 2006-2010). He started the Dictionary project in 2000 as part of the Rotary International literacy program, donating new dictionaries to third graders in the Somerton School District. By 2005 The Dictionary Project spread throughout Yuma County.

Alongside Dr. Hugh Clark in 1974, Richard started the Yuma and Imperial County dental study group, while holding memberships in the Arizona Dental Association and the American Society of Dentistry for Children. He along with Dr. Clark were the first delegates from Yuma selected into the Arizona Dental Association house of delegates. In 1980 he was awarded a fellowship in the American College of Dentists. Richard served as the second Vice Chairman (Arizona Chair) of the Southern California sector of the American College of Dentists, a position he held for 15 years (1983-1998), while also belonging to the Academy of Dentistry International. Richard was also very active with every level of local scouting between 1965-1987, serving as the president of Desert Trail Council from 1976-1978 and being a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service. He also served on the United Fund Board, and the Yuma County fair commission.

Richard's favorite sport was deep sea fishing, he could often be found heading to San Diego to jump on a boat with his many fishing friends. He loved being out on the open water, be it chasing Tuna, Marlin or anything that would make his reel scream. Whether it was off the coast of San Diego, Mexico, Venezuela, Australia, Costa Rica or Alaska, no fishing trip was complete until he arrived back in Yuma and delivered fresh fish to all of his friends. He also loved to travel the world with his wife Leslie. They traveled to many destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Europe and Hong Kong.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Hazel C Geyer and George N Geyer and In Laws Clayton Buzz Oliver and Kathryn L Oliver.

Richard is survived by his wife Leslie Kae Geyer of Yuma, Sons Stephen Geyer of Cathedral City, CA, Greg Geyer (Paula) of Flagstaff Arizona, Brian Geyer (Laura) of San Antonio, Texas, Jeff Geyer (Tracy) of Mesa Arizona, and daughter Andrea Swain (Steve) of Yuma. He is also survived by six Grand Children: Ashley Lee, Katie Geyer, Tyrel Swain, Kaitlyn Patritti, Kayla Geyer, Kristina Guajardo and nine great grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church 505 S Avenue B
Yuma, AZ on August 27th at 2:30 PM.

In Lieu of flowers contributions can be sent to
The Dictionary Project 14523 S. Ave 4 1/2 E
Yuma, Arizona 85365