Services Set For Longtime Lake Forest Leader

The public is invited to celebrate the life of Richard Dixon, a member of Lake Forest's first City Council and a longtime contributor to the city's development, who .

Services are Friday, starting at at 11:30 a.m. Burial services will follow at 1 p.m. at . Dixon, a veteran, will be buried with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, his family is requesting donations go to , a local nonprofit that operates a food pantry in Lake Forest.

Below is his obituary, also posted at the O'Connor Mortuary webpage:

Richard was born in Henderson, NC on June 11, 1948 and passed away on November 25, 2011, age 63, after a long illness. He resided in Lake Forest, Ca, formerly of Phoenix, Az.

Son of Penola (Penny), and Richard F. Dixon (Deceased) of Phoenix, Az. Brother of Barbara Aikens (Deceased). Father of sons Richard (Ruth) of Hoquin, Wa., and Robert (Whitney) of Mesa. Az.

Grandfather to Michael, Michelle, and Tiffany, Jessica, Joshua, David and Noah. Great-grandfather of newborn Mason Anthony, born Nov. 20, 2011.

Richard traveled throughout the world with his military family during his childhood until moving with his family to Phoenix. After the passing of his father in 1968, he graduated from high school, entered college, married (Lynn Ridgeway) then entered the Army. Served in Vietnam 1970. He was also an Avid Golfer.

Moved to San Diego in 1975 (married his 2nd wife, Debby Gibbitt), moved in 1980 to Mission Viejo, El Toro in 1989.

Since 1975, Richard was an Insurance Broker, started his own health insurance business in 1987, He was a recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award. A member of the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce and the South Orange County Chamber of Commerce. He was elected to the Inaugural Lake Forest City Council in March 1991.

During his tenure as Council Member, he served as the Mayor Pro Tem in 1994, 1998-1999, 2001 and 2005. As Mayor during the years of 1995, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2007. Also, a member of the OCTA Board of Directors serving the citizens in many other capacities. He was also a board member of both the Crisis Assistance Program and Partners in Caring.

He will be remembered most for his love of his family, friends and the City of Lake Forest.