Obit of Pennington, Richard Dee (p552) - Comanche County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Sandi Carter 18 Jan 2004 Return to Comanche County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/comanche/comanche.html ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ========================================================================== Los Angeles Times 18 January 2004 RICHARD DEE PENNINGTON Yachtsman, outdoorsman, athlete and co-owner of Diamond Mattress has died at his Huntington Beach home from complications from P.S.P., on January 14, 2004 at the age of 71. Born November 23, 1932 in Lawton Oklahoma to James and Pearl Pennington who moved to California in the late 30's. An outstanding athlete in gymnastics and track at Fremont High in San Pedro, his varsity decathlon records stood for many decades. In the early 50's Dick graduated from Northern Aeronautical School and later served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Hearing problems led to an early release from the service, dashing hopes of being a pilot. However, his love of the outdoors started him on a lifelong passion for everything from motorcycles to sailing. In 1952 he married his high school sweetheart, LaVonne Skogstad, later having 2 children, Marla and Randy. Working part time making box springs for 40 cents apiece, Dick finally joined his parents full time in 1954 at Diamond Mattress Company, and over the next three decades built Diamond into one of the leading mattress manufacturers in the nation. During the last three decades Dick evolved into a world class sailor and offshore racer. Skippering his beloved racing boat, Cheetah, a Peterson-designed ULDB 70, he set a new elapsed time record for the Los Angles Yacht Club's race around Guadalupe Island to Cabo San Lucas; won line honors in the Ensenada Race and came within a few seconds of winning the California Cup. His smiling face, big laugh and warm heart made him a very popular figure at the Long Beach Marina. Dick is survived by his daughter, Marla Pennington-Rowan, son Randy and four grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Comanche County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/comanche/comanche.html