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Richard Emil Wolf, 61, of San Antonio died on June 14 and left behind a large and loving family, a wide circle of friends, and a life well-lived to the fullest. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, he later moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated from East Texas State College in Commerce, Texas, with BS and MS degrees. In his younger days, Richard was an outstanding athlete and attended college on a full football scholarship. His business career was primarily spent in executive management and sales management for Pentax Corporation. While very successful in the corporate world, he was equally passionate about sports, and in particular, fly fishing. His hand-crafted bamboo rods were sought by expert fishermen across the country and the attention to detail he devoted to his passion of rod-making was also evident in every aspect of his life. He was featured in Texas Parks and Wildlife, discussing his expertise in hand-crafted rods and the finer points of fly fishing. He frequently spoke before sports clubs and was the subject of frequent media interviews on outdoor sports and fly fishing. Friends often commented on his obvious affection for his wife Charlotte. Whether helping her entertain at their traditional large events for friends and family or his thoughtfulness in the remembrances he brought her from his many travels, his devotion to her was evident to family and friends alike. Richard was happiest when they were together, and especially when they were fishing in his favorite spot, the San Juan River in New Mexico. In all aspects of their long and happy marriage, they were great partners as well as great friends. Richards sense of humor was one of the first traits that drew people to him. He lived life on a large scale, and loved his family in the same manner. Whether it was teaching his grandsons to fish or hunt, shooting with his brother Bob, competing in a spirited BBQ cook-off with his brother Sam or accompanying his wife on her professional travels, he exuded a passionate spirit for all aspects of life. His world travels took him to the Far East on many occasions, both business and pleasure. His generosity of spirit made him special to everyone, and his affection for his family and especially for his grandsons was a quality that made his role as Grampa Wolf a special joy. The hours he spent tying flies with his grandsons left them with memories that will last a lifetime. He led by example. He had one goal: excellence in all things. His standards were high and he never asked anyone who worked for him to do anything he would not do himself. His Christian faith was important to him, not just on a theoretical basis, but as an integral part of the life he lived. He was preceded in death by his father, Capt. Robert E. Wolf, M.D., who was killed in Europe in World War II and his stepfather, Bennett Zack Kennedy, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Charlotte Wolf of San Antonio; his mother, Catherine Wolf Kennedy of San Antonio; daughters Terri Wolf Lowe and her husband Richard L. Lowe and their sons Garrett and Karsten of San Antonio; Connie Thompson and husband Stuart and their sons Matthew and Caven of Burnet, Texas; Ginger Tanagho and husband Alfred of LaHavre, France; son Richard E.Rick Wolf, Jr. and his son, Seth Parker of Banner Elk, North Carolina; brothers Dr. Robert H. Wolf and wife Judy of San Antonio and Dr. Samuel W. Kennedy and wife Patricia Cunningham of Boston; nieces Ashley Wolf of Covington, Louisiana and Lissa Kennedy McBurney of Boston; nephews Robert S. Wolf of New Orleans and Caleb W. Kennedy of Boston. Richard Wolf was the consummate family man, business man, sports enthusiast, man of great faith, great humor and spirit and he will be missed beyond description but will live forever in the hearts of all who loved him. It is said that what is important is not how long a man lives, but how well. Richard Wolfs life was well-lived, and all his friends and family are the better for having him in their lives. Pallbearers are Richard E Rick Wolf, Jr., Dr. Robert H. Wolf, Dr. Samuel E. Kennedy, Richard L. Lowe, Stuart Thompson, and Matthew Thompson. Honorary pallbearers are Holly Barlage, George Brooks, Robert S. Wolf, Seth Wolf, Garrett Lowe, Karsten Lowe, Caven Thompson and Caleb W. Kennedy. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. The Funeral Service will be held at Oak Hills Church on Saturday, June 18 at 10:30 a.m., with Dennis McDonald officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Richard E. Wolf to the American Heart Association, 8415 Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX 78229

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Richard Emil Wolf

February 16, 1944 - June 14, 2005