It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Richard "Rick" Dean Royer of Sebastopol, CA — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Behind every name is a life, and behind every life are the people who loved it.
Service is one chapter of a life, but for those who serve, it shapes every other.
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our father, Rick Royer, on Friday, April 17, 2026, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed away at home, surrounded by family and friends.Richard “Rick” Dean Royer was born on May 1, 1950, in Fresno, California, to Robert Lee Royer and Alta Mae Royer (Oakley). He spent his early years moving throughout California as his father worked on various projects with the USDA and Job Corps, before graduating from Sonora High School at the age of 17.Shortly after graduation, Rick enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968. Just before his deployment to Vietnam, he met the love of his life, Pamela Marie Dossetti. The two were married on December 6, 1969, while he was home on leave. Rick proudly served two tours in Vietnam before being honorably discharged in 1972.Following his military service, Rick attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where he earned a degree in Natural Resources. He went on to build a long and meaningful career with California State Parks, serving along the coast until his retirement in 2012.Rick and Pamela shared 43 wonderful years of marriage until her passing. She remained the love of his life.A devoted father and grandfather, Rick found his greatest joy on the sidelines, watching his children and grandchildren play sports and grow into their own lives.He is survived by his three children, Kristin, Rob (Debbie), and Nick (Stacy); seven grandchildren: Jake, Bryce, Mikayla, Abby, Colette, Evelyn, and Casen; and three great-grandchildren, Amelia, Hope, and Paisley.Rick will be remembered for his deep love of family, his years of dedicated public service, and his steady, supportive presence in the lives of those who knew and loved him.A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Petaluma Golf and Country Club, 1500 Country Club Dr, Petaluma, CA 94952
