Richard Holt Bullock

December 15, 1942 - November 24, 2019

Richard Holt Bullock, 76, of Upland California, passed away in his sleep and surrounded by his family on November 24th 2019. He was well respected and admired by those that knew him. A compassionate and caring man to those he loved. Richard (Rick) was born on December 15th 1942, and grew up in McArthur Ohio where he was the son of Dr. Richard E. Bullock and Francis Newman. Rick had four brothers, Bill, Bob, Mark, and David. Rick was a three-sport athlete in high school, and eventually earned a baseball scholarship to Ohio University where he played shortstop under head coach Bob Wren. Rick was elected Captain of the team in 1964. The Bobcats went on to win the Mid-American Conference championship that year. Rick ultimately earned his Bachelors Degree and was an avid supporter of the Ohio University athletic department throughout his life. Rick said, “Of all my accomplishments in life, playing baseball at Ohio U. was my greatest. It’s what I want to be remembered for.” After becoming a high school teacher and coach for a short time, Rick joined the United States Marine Corps in 1966 and rose to the rank of Captain. He served as a Radar Intercept Officer on the F-4 Phantom, and a Forward Air Controller during the Vietnam War. He later became a flight instructor while stationed in the U.S. He was the recipient of various awards including the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon for his dedicated military service to country. Rick got his start in the tool business shortly after being honorably discharged from the Marines. Later, Rick and his family moved to Glendora California and he became Vice President, then eventually President of Circle Machine Company in Monrovia. After a short retirement, he opened up Bullock Tooling and Accessories, and was actively working before he passed. Rick was known as a great leader, friend and mentor. With almost 50 years of experience he was considered an industry expert within the precision tool cutting business. Rick met and later married Wendy Swenson. Together they travelled the world, laughed, fine dined, enjoyed sporting events, loved and supported each other’s children and raised loving pets. Their love was special, and together they described their relationship as “quite the love affair.” They always operated as one unit - they were utterly devoted and adored each other.  These two displayed an astonishing example of team work in a marriage. Rick was preceded in death by his “Gwen” and since has said, “no offense to anyone else, but when I go to heaven, I’ll be looking for Wendy first.” Rick was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend. Rick is survived by his daughters Kristin E. Bradford, Sara E. Bullock, and son Richard M. Bullock. Grandchildren Joseph Bullock, Marisa Bullock, Marina Bullock, Eli Wakeley, Will Eddy, and Ava Eddy, as well as Son-in-law Darien Bradford. Rick’s son Richard will miss his sound advice during difficult times, dinner at Sycamore, attending sporting events, his laugh, strong opinions, willingness to help, loving support, firm but fair approach, integrity, Thanksgiving Day stories, March Madness, car rides, handshakes & hugs, playing catch, and talking sports. Sara expressed that “Dad valued LOYALTY. My dad’s loyalty kept the relationships in our family together. His words and actions could be trusted today, tomorrow and forever. He was committed to his family and friends and always worked so hard to take care of those he loved, no matter the cost, right or wrong. He stood by me. He gave me strength. He always believed in me.”  Kristin said, “I will miss the smile on dad’s face whenever we saw each other and just the way he said “hi” to me. Like it made him so happy just to see my face or hear my voice. He always remembered everything I had going on and never forgot to inquire, ever. He always had a way of making me feel so special. Lessons I learned from examples he set are principles I apply today both in my marriage and raising my own children. I know he loved me and was very proud of me. I pray he left knowing what a profound impact he made in all of our lives, how much we all loved him and how proud we are to be his children. He will forever be missed. I love you Dad.”  In lieu of flowers or gifts please donate in Rick’s memory to the “Semper Fi Fund” in order to assist disabled veterans. Please visit https://semperfifund.org/ No formal service is planned at this time.