Richard Vincent Whisler Jr

RICHARD VINCENT WHISLER JR. JUNE 1,1955-OCT. 5, 2026

Richard “Rick” Whisler passed away peacefully at home on Oct.5, 2026 at the age of 71. He was a beloved and devoted father, grandfather, brother and friend to all. He will always be remembered for how much love he had for his daughter Jennifer and son Jason, his 4 grandchildren, and all his family far and near.

He was born June 1, 1955, in Burton, Warrington, Lancashire, England into an American military family. His father, Richard Sr. was stationed in England with the American Airforce during the Berlin Airlift where he met his British mother, Honora Gilhooley. For the next 13 years, Rick along with parents, two older and one younger sibling traveled to, and lived in numerous locations as military life would have it. Besides England, there was France, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, Kansas, New Mexico, California, and Nevada. Because of the many moves, often during the school year, Rick learned the ability to adapt and as a family the moto was, you never meet a stranger, thus all who met him could feel comfortable right from the “get go”! At the young age of 8 while living in France he experienced a debilitating medical issue that kept him in the hospital for 6 months, during that time he learned resilience that would equip him for challenges later in life. During that time, he also became a chess master. It became a challenge at the hospital to see who could beat the 8 year old ‘Kid’. Rick enjoyed chess and scrabble, playing darts, pool, ping pong and tennis, and played with the intent of giving you a run for your money. Swimming was his physical therapy, but topping that was the great outdoors, camping, hiking and just going for a scenic drive for it helped him to escape from the stresses of life common to all.

Over the years Rick had managerial positions where he skillfully learned how to direct individuals to accomplish their tasks. Any of Rick’s workmates at his places of employment would attest to his high work ethics of honesty and dependability. He was also humble and secure enough in himself to take on tasks not mentioned in his job description such as: restocking the restrooms of paper goods when they were out, changing a light bulb or cleaning up the kitchen after someone else.

Rick moved to Tucson over 20 years ago to be near his children and grandchildren, and to give what support and assistance he could. During that time, he reconnected friendships that began when he was 15. Ben truly became a best ‘Bud’ again, and he became Uncle Rick to Ben’s family. He also enjoyed the friendship he had with Mario and Pam. He truly felt like he had found his place at his final employment. He knew he was appreciated and valued and never had a word of complaint for anyone. Rick is survived by his daughter Jennifer Brown, her husband Bill, grandsons Christian, Devon and Damien; son Jason, his wife Shouneyia, grandson Marcos. His older brother Peter, sister Sandra and younger brother Danny. There are too many cousins, nieces and nephews to mention. Also, all the extended family members are simply too numerous to list, however, Gracie, Ericka and family are top of the list.

Rick is resting, stress free. No more disability and the struggles that accompanied it. No more anxiety, no more cares or regrets. As he would say: "No worries!"