Richard Armstrong
Richard Armstrong (8 September, 1937 - 8 March, 2005) is warmly remembered as a dedicated scientist and SBCC professor who taught in the Biological Sciences Department for three decades. He passed away in the Spring 2005 semester and is honored by his family, friends and colleagues with the Richard Armstrong Memorial Scholarship.
Read Richard's obituary in The Channels.
Richard Armstrong
Richard Allen Armstrong, born in Kokomo, Indiana, on September 8, 1937, passed away after a sudden brief
illness on March 8, 2005, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Richard was a resident of Santa Barbara since 1970.
He is survived by Sandra, his loving wife and companion of 24 years, his son Dr. Thomas
Woodbury, daughter Jayna Armstrong, and grandchildren Danny, Kelly and Tommy Woodbury, and Damien Stinson. His siblings
include Barbara, Jim, Frank and John Armstrong. His father, Dr. James R. Armstrong, resides in Santa Rosa. Richard is preceded in death by his mother Ruth and his niece Joie.
Artist, Musician, Athlete, Explorer, Educator... Richard lived his life in the romantic style of a modern Renaissance man. At an early age,
he discovered his gift of music, art, literature and poetry. He soon combined these
talents with athleticism, an appreciation for the natural outdoors, and an unquenchable
desire for adventure that knew no limits. The world was his to discover, ponder, and
explore. Richard found joy and wonderment in all he encountered, from the smallest creatures, to the
greatest mountains, to the world within the seas.
As an educator, Richard spent his entire career teaching in the Biology Department at Santa Barbara City College.
Beginning in 1972, through his final week of life, he continuously pushed himself
to provide the best spirit and environment for sharing his knowledge with those he
taught. From classes in Anatomy and Physiology to his favored Marine Biology, he thrived
in the interactions and challenges of inspiring his students to achieve, and knowing
that he had made a difference.
Richard would like to be remembered standing on a high Sierra peak, the sun in his eyes, the
wind in his face, smiling broadly as he looked to the horizon of the world he so cherished.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2005, on the Winslow
Maxwell Overlook on the campus of Santa Barbara City College. In lieu of flowers or
gifts, the family is encouraging contributions to a scholarship fund in his name.