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Artesia City Hall
18747 Clarkdale Avenue
Artesia, California 90701
562-865-6262
Artesia News
"Service Builds Tomorrow's Progress"
Author of City Motto passes away at 67
Richard Salisbury, 67, lived in Las Vegas as a material expediter for a construction company, when he was diagnosed with a terminal lung condition.
At the request of his family, he moved to Carlsbad, California to be with them; where he died on July 11, 2007.
One may wonder why they’re reading the obituary of a resident of Las Vegas. The thread that connects Richard to the Artesia-Cerritos region is something he did approximately 40 years ago when he was an Artesia resident; he won $50 in a contest.
The contest was to be the author of the City of Artesia’s motto, “Service builds tomorrow’s progress.” This motto is still in use 40 years later.
His sister-in-law, Darlene Lennon, said Richard was always a remarkable man, and at 6’5, “a gentle giant.”
“He would work out a couple hours every day, and just enjoyed keeping fit,” said Darlene. “A week before his diagnosis he had won a senior gold medal in an athletic competition.”
Richard enlisted in the Army as well, and was stationed in Germany. Always the fitness guru, he became known for his ability to shotput during his service in the military.
One of his sons played on the USC football team, and according to Darlene the team would call him “King Richard.”
Richard is survived by his wife of 51 years, Shirley; his three sons, Curt, Sean, and Brett; his daughter Darla; and seven grandchildren.
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