Richard Evan Cohen

Richard Evan Cohen -- husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor and friend to all -- lost his life to a long, hard fought battle with cancer on November 27th, 2020. He passed peacefully at home in Newport Beach, CA surrounded by immediate family at the age of 72.

Richard ( Rich) is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Cohen, and his children: Aaron Cohen ( Lisa), Rachel Parnow ( Dan), Nicole Schmidt and Dyan Carey ( Andy) along with many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his ten grandchildren whom he cared deeply about: TJ, Morgan, Whitney, Kendall, Bronson, Sawyer, Will, Avery, Riley and Tyler. Rich was born in San Francisco on April 22, 1948 into a warm and fun- loving family: parents, David and Annette Cohen ( both deceased) and two older brothers, Stephen ( Mandy) and Michael ( Arlene) ( both deceased). When Rich was five he and his family moved to San Anselmo where he spent the rest of his childhood, eventually graduating from Sir Francis Drake High School in 1966. Rich earned notoriety in football and was a captain and all league defensive end for the Drake Pirates football team that won back- to- back MCAL titles in 1965 and 1966.

Rich’s football success continued into college. He received a scholarship to play for University of the Pacific but soon transferred to College of Marin where he had the opportunity to be part of the starting lineup on a team that went on to win the Golden Valley Conference and Northern California Championship. He then served in the Reserves for the US Army and transferred to and graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Administration followed by a Masters in the same field.

After earning his Masters degree, Rich returned to Marin County and settled in San Rafael to work and raise a family with his first wife, Nancee. He started his career in teaching, but after several years he switched careers and took a job at Levi Strauss and Company where he earned success as a top salesman for over 20 years. Rich worked hard and traveled considerably, however he prioritized fatherhood and managed to never miss one of his children’s ball games. Rich was known to be “the loudest cheerleader in the crowd”.

In the early 1990’ s, Rich embarked on a new chapter in his life when he found love with Lynn. They married and moved to Newport Beach shortly thereafter. Rich spent his final 24 years in Southern California where he and Lynn enjoyed beach life, new friends, traveling and family. All the while, Rich continued his career in sales and worked up until his final days.

Rich was truly loved by all who came into contact with him. It did not matter how brief the encounter was, or whether it be with close friends, colleagues or a perfect stranger, he had a genuine interest in people that everyone noticed, remembered and appreciated.

Rich loved sports, duck hunting, sunsets, a good glass of wine, Lake Tahoe, his children, grandchildren, and most of all, Lynn. His green eyes, infectious smile and Tom Selleckesque mustache will always be remembered. Most memorable was Rich’s great appreciation for the little things. He cared about the everyday moments. Rich will be missed dearly by all.

Unfortunately, due to Covid, we will not be able to hold an in- person celebration of his life now, however we will at some point in the future. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the American Cancer Society.