Richard Anthony Chandos

Richard “Dick” Anthony Chandos was born in Johnstown, PA, September 24, 1940, the third of six children. His early years were spent in Pennsylvania, and then Ohio. By the time he entered Junior High, the family had moved to Garden Grove, CA. His hobbies and interests included ham radio, electronics, and small engine repair. In his high school years, he played trombone in the band and was employed as a produce manager at the local grocery store. Interested in electronics, he mentioned that he saved his money to purchase his first transistor during this time. Taking a class at Knott’s Berry Farm, he ground the lenses and built his first telescope, beginning his lifelong interest in astronomy. By the time he could drive, restoration and modification of cars held his interest, Jaguars and Corvettes were his passion.

After Santa Ana College, Dick was employed as an electrical engineer at Ford Aerospace Corp. He then moved to Santa Barbara, CA where he was hired as an electrical engineer at Santa Barbara Research Center. He was grateful to be a member of the tremendously talented team of scientists, engineers, and dedicated people there. The opportunity to participate in the aerospace (and other) projects was the highlight of his career. He also valued his association with Arizona State University space scientists. After retiring, Dick was extremely proud of the instrument he and Ed built. Now, for exercise and often at lunch break, he enjoyed running with his friend Neal, an activity he continued for over a quarter of a century. Other significant interests included aviation, weekend sailing trips to the Channel Islands, and hiking in the Santa Barbara area.

His daughter was his delight. He designed and built many projects for, and with her. The largest of these projects was the backyard swing set with a zip line. He took her to school, band camp, soccer practice, and was her biggest supporter of all of her activities and interests. While he was not an animal lover, and preferred things to be neat and tidy, he allowed her to have a menagerie of animals, and to keep her room as she liked.

Dick lived in St David, Arizona in his later years, and enjoyed a quiet life in a very small town. On the 25 of June 2022, at the age of 81, he died peacefully in the local hospital.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Amy Chandos, his brothers, Ronald (Sherry) Chandos, Raymond Chandos, Ralph Chandos, his sister Rochelle Gilmore, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Lillian Chandos, and his brother Robert Chandos

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