Richard Lee Summers

Richard L. Summers, 89, of Cambria, CA passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025. Born in Hollywood, CA, to Vera and James Summers, Richard graduated from Santa Barbara High School and later attended Cal Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he received a degree in Education and ultimately a Master’s in Education. Like his parents, Richard was a devoted public school teacher who spent his 35-year-career as an educator, Principal and then Superintendent of Shandon Unified School District. A lifelong learner and scholar, he was a voracious reader of classic and contemporary literature and poetry. At his core, Richard was an artist and philosopher. He was also a writer, musician, craftsman, engineer and designer, and he approached these skills and others with an artful eye and in reflective contemplation. An avid camper, hiker and walker, Richard had great appreciation for nature and especially enjoyed traveling to outdoor destinations including camping and hiking in the Sierras and on the beaches of San Felipe, Mexico, climbing the “great pyramids” at Chichén Itzá, Mexico and walking The Great Wall of China. But it was the beauty of the California Central Coast that left the deepest impression upon him as he lived the majority of his life in the north county of San Luis Obispo, finally settling in the remarkably beautiful and welcoming community of Cambria. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Julie Summers and son Patrick Summers. He is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Dinah Lundbeck and a large blended family of step-children and grandchildren including son Jacob (Deborah) Atkinson, and grandchildren, Contessa, Isis and Trace Atkinson; daughters, Jennifer Atkinson (Michael Casey McGarity and sister Shannon McGarity) Amanda Atkinson-Fritzsche (Brian Fotinakes) and grandchildren Lucca and Daisy Fritzsche and their father Brendan Fritzsche; sisters-in-law Holly Lundbeck (John) Dunkle, Gretchen (Norton) Sloan. Richard is also survived by his daughter Jennifer (Michael) Hudson and family and his dear friend of 72 years, and mother of his children, Judith Summers. He will be deeply missed and remembered forever by his entire loving family, extended family members and the many friends he made throughout his life. You're Invited to a Celebration of Life Please join us on May 3 for a casual, open-house style gathering as we remember and celebrate the life of Rich Summers (1935-2025). We'll be at home sharing memories, laughter and hugs over coffee and pastries — nothing formal, just a space to drop by and honor a life well-lived. Date: Saturday, May 3 Time: Drop in anytime between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM Location: 2620 Windsor Blvd. Cambria, CA 93428 (our home) Dress: Just like Rich, this event is casual & unassuming. Feel free to leave your ties and pearls at home! (Rich might actually prefer visitors in their workout clothes). ☺️ We hope you can stop by, even for a little while. Your presence and memories are truly appreciated. Please forward this to anyone I may have forgotten. With love, Dinah & family https://gofund.me/da09596a

Richard Lee Summers

October 3, 1935 - April 17, 2025