After winning four battles with cancer, a heart attack took his life.

Richard was born in the Railroad town of Caliente, NV. to Frank (prof) and Mary Wilcox. The Caliente area provided Richard with the space for many Boyhood adventures and a job for the Union Pacific Railroad.

His railroad experiences turned him into a train buff with a special interest in steam engines.

Richard attended Lincoln County High School and was one of two delegates chosen to represent Nevada at Boys’s Nation in Washington, D.C. In 1949, as Valedictorian, he received the Harold’s Club Scholarship which brought him to Reno to attend UNR.

Richard earned a double major in Chemistry and Business Administration . During the Korean War, Richard served his country as a Second Lieutenant in the Chemical Corps. After considering various career options, Richard chose a career in the teaching profession where he acquired the nickname of “Mr. Wizard”. He taught 27 years, a dedicated educator who loved his profession and students.

As a advocate for teachers and education, he was a member of the Washoe County Teachers’s Association. He served as a building representative and spent countless hours working on the issues to help elevate his profession.

In retirement he enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of his Verdi home, grew killer tomatoes, and delighted in the lives and accomplishments of his grandchildren.

Richard survived by his wife, Bertha; children Sharon Marie Wilcox, Rick Murdock (wife, Thea), Debbie Murdock, and grandchildren, Britton, Brigitte, McKain, Nicolas and Keelia

( Richard Wilcox Scholarship) mail stop 162 Reno, NV 89557