In Memory
Obituary from OC Register:
Doty, Richard Griggs,born September 1st, 1948 in Seattle Washington, lost his 2 year battle with cancer on March 20th, 2014.
Rick was a best friend to his wife, Marie, compassionate and kind to his brothers, friends, stepchildren, grandchildren, nephews, niece, and sometimes loud, but respectfully strict with his countless students. He was well respected by his administrators and fellow teachers. His presence will be greatly missed.
Rick's parents, Betty and Robert Doty, moved to Southern California with his two brothers Chuck and Bob, when he was in elementary school. He was a graduate of Santa Ana Valley High School, Santa Ana College and Fullerton University where he earned his teaching credential. He later obtained his Masters Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University.
Rick was extremely honored to serve our Country in the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. To demonstrate his pride for his service, he proudly wore his uniform every Veterans Day.
He taught Math at Spurgeon Middle School for 28 years where he was awarded "Teacher of the Year", helped in facilitating a 5 yr. grant to develop a math core curriculum, and also co-authored a math paper, winning the distinguished "Chevron Award".
Rick was an avid reader, a history buff, enjoyed the great outdoors and loved playing board games and doing crossword puzzles. Survived by his wife of 20 years, Marie; his father, Robert; brothers, Chuck and Bob; 2 step children; 5 grandsons; 1 great granddaughter; 5 nephews and 1 niece.
The video below was posted in 2014 by Mickey Meyer (on Facebook):
Rick was an avid reader, a history buff, enjoyed the great outdoors and loved playing board games and doing crossword puzzles. Survived by his wife of 20 years, Marie; his father, Robert; brothers, Chuck and Bob; 2 step children; 5 grandsons; 1 great granddaughter; 5 nephews and 1 niece. - See more at: http://obits.ocregister.com/obituaries/orangecounty/obituary.aspx?n=richard-griggs-doty&pid=170544944&fhid=9249#sthash.uXoojEB0.dpuf
Michael "Mickey" Meyer
Rick, thanks for those years in Jr and Senior high school, the times out camping, and especially those months after VietNam, down in Mexico, unwinding and catching up with life. Your service to your country and fellow Americans is exelemplory, and you parents would be proud of who you were through all yer life. Gone but not forgotten, I hope I see you again on the other side, my brother.
Ken Cachat
Rick was a dear, dear friend, probably my closest friend during the high school years. We experienced many incredible "adventures." I will never forgot our trip to Mexico, south of Ensenada, camping on the beach, surfing, etc. during the summer after our junior year. What a memory! I loved his Mom and Dad and have remained friends with his brother, Chuck. Rick and I drifted apart during our early 20's after he came back from Vietnam and our paths went in different directions.
William Carpenter
Likewise Ken, I remember Rick as a genuine person. I only became friends with him during our Senior year.. We would have long discussions about life and what might be in store for us. I remember his decision to join the military because he waasn't quite ready to continue school at the time. While Rick was certainly light hearted; at times was quite inrtospective. Glad to here that he was able to share his life doing what I know he must have enjoyed! Raising a family and teaching school.
David Cupples
didn't know Rick well in HS but got to become a pretty good friend through the Cachats in later years. I substitute-taught for his class a couple times much later. this is really one to miss for me.
Sandra Gerard (Strauser)
I was looking for Rick and could notfind him on media. Then saw on Valley website that he passed away. What a shock. I had a crush on Rick in high school and we dated once or twice. So sorry for his family and students.