Richard Alder

Richard S. Alder

          Richard Alder left this earth and returned home Monday September 8, 2014 in Oakland, CA. His big loving heart finally wore out after 82 years of love and service.  Richard was born in Whitney, Idaho on June 3, 1932 to Lewis and Norine (Sears) Alder.

          Richard spent his childhood in Idaho, raised on a family farm. He graduated from Preston High in 1950 where He was an avid boxer. Richard was known as "Older Elder Alder"; Before he served a mission in the Western States territory, He attended college and toured Europe. Always an Entrepreneur, Richard helped fund his foreign travels by selling beans he had planted on the farm. He later attended BYU and served in the Army.

          He met his love Jackie, married shortly after in the Logan LDS temple in 1959. Three days later they packed all they had in a very small trailer and embarked on a new life together in Northern California to start a business; Red Wing Shoes. This eventually developed into Alder's Big and Tall and Alder's Wide Shoes which He ran successfully for over 40 years with locations in CA, ID & UT. They settled in Oakland, CA where they raised their four children. Richard served as Branch President and also served two terms as Bishop in this area. He enjoyed his last years serving as a greeter in the Oakland LDS temple where many looked forward to seeing his friendly smile as they attended.

          His heart was the best part about him and the part He was most generous with. The world had no strangers to Richard, only friends yet to be made!  He was able warm up the coldest of shoulders, clear up the saddest of tears and bring joy and laughter to everyone around him. His genuine warm hugs will be missed the most. His corny jokes will be missed as well ...Do you know why bicycles fall over?   Richards greatest joy was his grandchildren!

          Richard is survived by Jaqueline, his wife of 55 years. Their 4 children: Brett Alder, Wendy Alder, Kip (Cindy) Alder and Jodi  (James) Jones; Their 14 grandchildren: Christie (Jeff) Sendbo, Michelle, Zack, Devin, Trevor, Amy, Kinsey, Austin, Justin, Kyle, Jenna, Ty, Trina, and Journi, and 1 great grandchild, Kylie. Richard is also survived by his sister Joan (Larry) Dahle, brother Doug (Jean) Alder, brother Charlie (Carol) Alder, and brother Kevin (Nancy) Alder.

          Funeral services will be held Sat. Sept.13, 2014 at the Oakland LDS Chapel at 11:00 AM. He will later be laid to rest in the Bountiful City Cemetery, UT. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com