John Richard Tawes, 82

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - John Richard Tawes, 82, passed away on Aug. 21, 2007, following a brief illness.

Known to family and friends as Dick or Richard, he was born on the Chesapeake Bay in Crisfield, Md., on Sept. 1, 1924.

He grew up in Panama Canal Zone where his father was captain of the Panama Canal Locks in the 1940s. Richard was graduated from Cristobal High School, Canal Zone, in 1942. He followed in his father"s footsteps, serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

In 1949, Richard graduated from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., with a bachelor"s degree in business administration. He was a long-time salesman for National Cash Register before forming The J. Richard Tawes Co. in the 1980s.

His great loves in life were his family, his many friends, tennis, traveling and his beloved Virginia Tech. Richard was grateful for the loving care given by special friends, doctors and nurses at UCI Medical Center.

He is survived by sister-in-law Eva Tawes, nephew George M. Tawes Jr., nieces Evon T. Glasgow and Sandra T. Daniels, and their spouses. He is also survived by his extended family, Susan and Brittany Brydon, and Chuck and Ana Maria Betts.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Capt. George Vernon and Ruth Tawes, and brother George M. Tawes Sr.

Memorial services were held on Aug. 26 at the Balboa Bay Club Racquet Club, Newport Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 2020 E. 1st St., Suite 120, Santa Ana, CA 92705