June 8, 1920-January 26, 2008
My father died today. He was 87. He was diagnosed with cancer in early January. The picture above is of my mother and father on their wedding day. They were divorced some 38 years ago. Richard Mangan was born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and went to Whitefish Bay High School. He was in the Army Air Force from 1940/41-1945/46 during WWII. He was an instructor pilot who taught young men how to fly B24s. When the war was over, he attended Marquette University Medical School and after that he started a private practice in Corona, California around 1954. He retired in the 1980's and there's no doubt that he helped thousands of patients.
He is survived by his wife Marti, six children, three stepchildren and many grandkids.
My dad and I were not very close. I was adopted at four months and my parents divorced soon after this. I really only saw him at Christmas. It's hard to deal with death especially when your relationship with the person who passed on is rather confusing. However, I am glad that I was able to stay in contact somewhat with him especially in the last couple of years through letters and phone calls. I will think about him often.
