Richard Anthony Quade
Obituary

Richard Anthony Quade, 72, beloved husband, father, Pops, Uncle Pops, and soon-to-be Great Pops, passed away on July 20, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born on March 28, 1954, in Beckley, West Virginia, to Alice Meredith Quade and Elmer Quade.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Cecilia Quade; his daughter, Cinnamon Trietsch, and son-in-law, Dan Trietsch; his daughter, Ginger Yerman, and son-in-law, Michael Yerman; and his cherished grandchildren, Jacob (Savannah) Trietsch, Claire (Zachariah) Kline, who are expecting Richard’s first great-grandchild, Tristan Yerman, and Kellen Yerman.

Richard and Cecilia shared 52 wonderful years of marriage after meeting in the summer of 1973, when they were both 19 years old. Together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and travel, exploring the world side by side.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States military for three years. He then enjoyed two successful careers as an electrician. He worked for many years with the railroad and later at hospitals in Indianapolis, Indiana. After retiring, Richard and Cecilia made Tubac, Arizona, their home.

Richard was a gifted artist who loved creating with his hands. There was always a project in progress, whether it was woodworking, ironworks , or another creative endeavors.  He was also an exceptional nature photographer with a remarkable eye for capturing the beauty of wildlife, birds, and the unique landscapes of the desert. He had a multitude of trail cameras in the remote desert of southern Arizona. His home reflected his love of nature through his extensive collection of wildlife photography and the bird sanctuary he lovingly created.

Richard loved adventure. He enjoyed off-roading through the desert, hiking throughout the country, and spending time on his Grand Turismo racing simulator. He approached each hobby with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Above all, Richard treasured people. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. His greatest joy, however, was talking about the people he loved most—his wife, children, grandchildren, and the life they built together. Anyone who knew Richard knew how proud he was of his family and how much happiness he found in sharing stories about them and his beloved backyard bird sanctuary. He will be greatly missed on the sidelines where he always showed up to cheer on his daughters and grandchildren through all of their endeavors.

Richard’s kindness, creativity, humor, and generous spirit touched countless lives. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know him, but his legacy of love, laughter, and appreciation for the beauty of the natural world will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sky Island Alliance in honor of Richard’s love of birds, wildlife, and the Arizona desert.

Sky Island Alliance  Donate Now