Richard Golden

December 15, 1925 - November 4, 2020

Born in New York City, NY, Richard was a life- long scientific thinker, educator, philosopher, author and atheist. With a degree in physics from City College of New York, Richard also owned a successful cookie business, which he tolerated, while he raised his four children. Every Sunday of his was spent reading the New York Times and Scientific American to the sounds of Rachmaninoff.

While eschewing religious dogma, Richard felt deeply connected and drawn toward the wonders of nature. He purchased 75 acres in the woods of Kent, CT, where he built a rustic cabin, turned a stream into a lake, and then built Xanadu, a dream house, with family and friends.

After all four kids were successfully launched into work and college, Richard completed his Masters of science to pursue a second career in science education. For several years at New Rochelle High School, his passion was teaching scientific principles, and education regarding global climate change. In the 1980s, he founded the Climate Protection Institute, whose mission was to help schools plan their science curricula to include climate change and “earth- centered” subjects. Richard was also champion sailor in the Long Island Sound, with his Electra sailboat, the Zoe Mo; and then later in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Sleepyhead, his next sailboat.

He followed his grandchildren to California, where he joined the Lawrence Hall of Science, developing science curriculum for high school teachers across the country, and also continuing his work with the Climate Protection Institute.

When he wasn’t sharing his knowledge or building science projects with his grandchildren, Richard shared his love of backpacking in the Sierras with them. He traveled around the country in an RV with his wife, Harriett Golden, the love of his life.

After moving into Rossmoor in 2001, Richard remained an active hiker. He also founded several groups - the Atheist and Freethinkers of Rossmoor, the Philosophy club, and the Cosmology club - and he was also an active participant in the Shakespeare and Ceramics clubs, the latter of which he greatly enjoyed, even after leaving Rossmoor.

His proudest achievement was his website on science and philosophy - www. sciphilos. info - which is based on his lectures from previously taught high school classes, and which will continue. He also wrote three novels and authored several scientific publications.

After spending the last year and a half with the Wagstaff family in Lafayette, Richard passed decisively, quickly and peacefully on November 4, 2020, in the arms of his family. To paraphrase his favorite scientist, Albert Einstein, as his life was lived for others, it was a life worthwhile. Richard Golden was sadly predeceased by his son, Eric Garth Golden, his daughter, Francis Ruth Golden ( Fran), and then by his wife, Harriett Golden, who passed in 2017.

Richard Golden is survived by his son, Steven Golden, his daughter, Leslie Golden Wagstaff, his son- in- law, Ed Wagstaff, and his grandchildren - Rachel, Evan, and Laura Wagstaff. It matters not how straight the gate, How charged with punishment the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul.

( Invictus)