Obituary of Richard Thomas Strong

Richard Thomas Strong was born August 14, 1962 in San Diego, California. He lived in San Diego until he was about 7 years old, then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. He graduated Mary Carroll High School, then attended Del Mar College Technical School for Welding. He was so proud to be on the Dean's list because he always told me that he graduated high school and couldn't read a tape measure. Richard was a perfectionist welder that didn't agree with just passing the x-ray test, but he believed the weld should be clean and pretty. He expanded his welding career by becoming a Certified Welding Inspector in 1996. Richard worked for various contractors throughout his career all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad. Contractors he was dedicated to are Turnaround Welding Services and Cleveland Integrity Inspection. Richard was an outstanding welder for over thirty years and well known for his dedication to the industrial career. Richard inspired more in the industry than he will ever know. Richard was a devoted husband to the love his life, Angela Ruth Strong (Young), and they married on November 19, 1989 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they built their home in Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado during different stages of his career. Richard's hobbies included surfing, CB radio (skip) handle was Pompano, stunt kites, deep sea fishing, hiking various Colorado mountain trails, and snowmobiling. Richard is survived by his wife, Angela Strong; son, Zachary (Ikumi) Thomas Strong; daughter, Madeline (Shane) Ruth Johnson; four grandchildren, Luca Thomas Strong, Maverick O'Neal Johnson, Harper Willow Ruth Johnson and Zen Richard Strong; father, Grover "Lefty" Strong; father-in-law Wayne Young; mother-in-law Lynda Houchin; brothers, Robert "Bobby" (Susan) Strong and Jeff (Christy) Young; sisters, Janice (Rich) Cagle and Kayla Gilmore; many grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, Evangeline "Vengie" Catherine Strong; and father-in-law, John Houchin. We are gathered here today so that Ritchie could show you his love for the mountains of Colorado; such an amazing send off for my love. His body will be laid to rest in Cleveland, Oklahoma near a few of the "Sunday Dinner Crew". If Richard, Ritchie, Dad, Bro-law, Strong Man, St. Richard, and Right or Wrong Strong was here with us today, he would say: "LOVE your family with your whole heart and entire being. CHASE your dreams. KEEP HIGH STANDARDS (we always said he was "OCD"). SMILE at your adventures. LAUGH at jokes." The spray on family casket indicates: Greenery, represents Nature; Yellow Rose, represents Love; Peony, represents Long Relationships; Apple Blossom, represents Adventure; Edelweiss, represents Notoriety; Pink Carnation, represents Remembrance; four Crocus, represent Children; four Primrose, represent Grandchildren. Richard Strong, your legacy will continue through your spouse, children, grandchildren and all the other lives you touched during your journey here on Earth. Now, Fly High and we will see you soon!!! Visitation, 2:00PM-3:00PM, Saturday, October 22, 2022, The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923. Funeral Service, 3:00PM, Saturday, October 22, 2022, The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923. This event will be streamed live, please see the link in the events section below. Events Visitation Saturday, October 22, 2022 2:00PM - 3:00PM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611 Funeral Service Saturday, October 22, 2022 3:00PM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611