Obituaries

It is with profound sadness that the family of Richard W. Kendrick, Jr. announce his passing on November 13, 2024 in Tracy, Ca. Richard was 68 years old. Born to Richard W. Kendrick and Margaret Kendrick on August 14, 1956 in Castro Valley, Ca. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Linda Kendrick, sister Kathleen (Kendrick) Moran, Brother in law, Ron, sister in law, Tere, nieces and nephews Leanne, Aaron and Jason Cutler and Shannon Greathouse. The Kendrick family moved to the Mission San Jose District of Fremont when Richard was two. At age 12 Richard he began to play guitar. He would play all day and take his guitar with him wherever he went. He continued his love of learning and sought out the best teachers and mentors he could find on this journey. He excelled at rock and blues playing. At age 20 he became intrigued with jazz, a love which he continued to pursue and master. He attended Ohlone College, then California State University, East Bay, studying classical guitar. There he earned both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Music (performance emphasis/Classical guitar). He found much joy and inspiration in sharing his knowledge with others. Richard loved teaching and dedicated his life to music and teaching others to play guitar. He served as part-time instructor at Ohlone College and continued there as adjunct faculty for 20 years. In 1997 he founded the Mission San Jose School of Guitar, which has been in operation continuously since that time. During those years, he has inspired and encouraged countless people to pursue their love of music and guitar. Let us remember that love and dedication and carry it with in our hearts so that it may live on forever.

A funeral mass is set for Thursday, December 6 at 3 pm, preceeded by a viewing at 2 p.m. to be held at the Old Mission San Jose located at 43300 Mission Blvd. Fremont, Ca. 94539 Interment will be at Skylawn Memorial Park, Half Moon Bay, Ca.