Richard Kenneth Money

Richard Kenneth Money, born March 5, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois to Clarence and Myrtle Money, left this world for a more blessed place on March 16, 2012. Mr. Money lived an amazing life; those fortunate enough to have been taught, influenced or mentored by him know that his time on Earth was well-spent.\r\n Dad was much more than his work. He made significant contributions to the communities of Los Alamos, Ojo Caliente and Española. Teaching was his second career and one in which he made an amazing impact. He probably taught you, your kids, and some of your grandkids. He even taught his own children. In his teaching, he shared his life stories and fascinating experiences. He taught that life is not about formulas and equations, but about applications and, more importantly, people. He taught us all about generosity and kindness toward others. He gave the hat off his head to those in need and always opened his home to those who needed a meal or a warm place to stay. He never considered that some could be taking advantage of him; he knew what he did was from his heart. Most don’t know that his generosity extended to donating the profit he earned from his photography to the schools where he worked.\r\n Wow… his stories. His 91 years of life were so diverse and filled with adventure. He was a chemist for 25 years, a drummer for 71, a professional photographer for 25 years, and a teacher for 35 years. He made his children watch the Watergate Hearings every day, as he knew they were important life lessons. He relished meeting new people and photographing them. Whether it was a prom, First Communion, immigration or passport photos, weddings, senior pictures, or action sport shots, he wanted most to capture life… life as it happened.\r\n Mr. Money worked as a chemist on the Manhattan Project. He shared unbelievable stories of 109 Palace Avenue and the secret place on the hill. He captured incredible moments with his photography. He was an amazing teacher. And his music? Well, there’s no comparison to his rhythm. He had the best ride in town and was well-respected by the youth of Española. When he was tired of the bureaucracy, he ran for the school board. He always desired to make a difference in people’s lives.\r\n Mr. Money’s impression will live on. We love him and thank him for a lifetime of stories and humor ... and CNN.\r\n Dad, you will be cherished forever by your family who survive you: your loving wife of 53 years, Clara; your children: Richard Kenneth, Jr., John and wife Florence; Don and wife Kathy; Carol and husband John; Valerie and husband Daniel; Veronica and husband Krag; Robert and wife Becky; Michael and wife Margaret; Helen and husband Ray; Mary and husband Ron; your 27 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, and countless relatives and friends. Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Española. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Española with burial to follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. The family of Richard Kenneth Money has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477

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