CLEARLAKE OAKS, CA - Richard J. Sustachek, 84, passed away on January 16, 2016 while surrounded by family at his home in Clearlake Oaks, CA. He was born on October 12, 1931 in Racine, WI to Richard F. and Abbie (Heinisch) Sustachek. Richard grew up in Racine, WI and graduated from St. Catherine's High School in 1949. After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force, working as an Aircraft and Engine Mechanic. He became an Advanced Technical Instructor and during the Korean War he worked on and tested B-29's, which he enjoyed immensly until given an Honorable Discharge upon the death of his father. Rich returned home and worked for John Oster Manufacturing Co. in Racine as a General Forman where he worked for five years, then continued in the manufacturing field in Milwaukee before moving out to Granada Hills, CA in 1969 to work for a company in Vernon, CA. Rich was also a licensed Real Estate Broker for many years. He owned and operated two restaurants in Burbank, CA, drove semi-trucks for Guthmiller Trucking, Inc., prior to owning and operating his own trucking company. Rich then worked at Sabina Electric and Engineering in Anaheim, CA. At the same time, he also worked as the night shift security guard for Mr. Bob Hope, which he entirely enjoyed, in spite of working two jobs simultaneously. Rich decided it was time to retire in 1989 and moved to Clearlake Oaks, CA with his wife. Rich married Beverly in 1983 in Burbank, CA and they were happily married for 32 wonderful years. Rich enjoyed ham radios and held his Amateur Radio Operator License since he was a young man. He was a pilot and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for years and loved flying his small plane often. Rich enjoyed traveling by R.V. to WI to visit family and the Osh-Kosh Fly-In, and numerous camping trips at various lakes. He especially loved feeding and watching all types of birds and ducks who frequented their yards. Rich was easy going, could still play the harmonica, had an entrepreneurial spirit and a fun sense of humor. Rich is survived by his spouse, Beverly Sustachek, of Clearlake Oaks, CA; his children, Karen (Mike) LePine, Gretchen (John Chong) Sustachek, William (Hongcha) Sustachek, Elizabeth Doty, David (Laureen) Sustachek, Sue Hintz, Sally (Chris) Galewski, Paul (Dina) Sustachek, and Natasha (Cindi Herrera) Sustachek; step-children, Daniel (Rose) Oliver, Susan (Don) Rosenberry, Mary (Ray) Friedrich, Mark (Sue) Oliver, and Jane (Alex) Gonzalez; 18 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; 11 step-great grandchildren; sister, Dolores Sorenson; brother, Kenneth Sustachek; other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, and a baby boy, Joseph Sustachek. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Clearlake Oaks, 12821 First St., Clearlake Oaks, CA at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 30th, 2016. Pastor Greg Holmes officiating. The children would like to express their deepest appreciation to Dr. Marc Shapiro for his years of care, to Brook at DaVita Lakeport Dialysis for his love and support, and to the staff at Hospice Services of Lake County, especially David, Annina, Sabrina, Bess, and Laurie. We are blessed by all their authentic, loving care given to Rich "Pops" and the support they showed to our entire family. For further information contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 994-5611 or visit chapelofthelakes.com