Richard James Kaufman

Richard James Kaufman died unexpectedly on Friday, November 18, 2011 at his home in Overgaard, Navajo County, Arizona. He was 71 years old. Richard was born on February 13, 1940 in Lodi, Medina County, Ohio to the late Leonard and Dorothy Mae (Miller) Kaufman. Following his high school graduation, Richard attended a year, or so, of trade school. As a young man, Richard was drafted into The United States Army during the Vietnam War. Though he did not serve in the actual "war zone" he did serve over seas and was stationed in Germany. Richard served faithfully during the Vietnam War and received his honorable discharge after a couple of years of dedicated service. In the eyes of his family he was a true hero. In his early years, Richard learned the value of hard work. He literally worked by the sweat of his brow and was a master brick mason. Countless are the number of buildings and homes that he helped construct. He truly was expert in his profession. Richard moved to Arizona in 1979 from his native Ohio and lived the last several years at his "little spot of heaven' in Overgaard, Arizona. Socially, Richard was a very quiet man and truly appreciated the peace and solace he felt while in nature. He was an avid fisherman and loved to spend any free time fishing. His favorite place to fish was at Black Canyon Lake. There he was able to really appreciate the beauty of nature and was always grateful for the time he was able to spend there. Though he was known by many, none will miss him more than his family. Richard is survived by his 3 children: Sandy (Steve) Master of Gilbert, Arizona, Lisa (Lowell) Buchanan of Mesa, Arizona, Dan Kaufman of Queen Creek, Arizona; his brother, Robert (Barbara) Kaufman of San Rafael, California; 1 sister, Nancy (David) Church of Pierceton, Indiana; his former wife of 30+ years, Connie Kaufman of Gilbert, Arizona; 7 grandchildren: Nick (Brittany) Master, Sarah (Michael) Seavey, David Buchanan, Daniel Buchanan, Jonathan Master, Joshua Kaufman, Emily Master; 3 great-grandchildren: Kayla Seavey, Zoey Seavey and Ryan Master. A special memorial service for Richard will begin 10:00 A.M., December 1, 2011 at the Mission Community Church, 4450 E. Elliot Road in Gilbert, Arizona. Richard's family is truly thankful for everyone's expression of sympathies through both thought and deed and are extremely grateful for all the prayers offered up in their behalf.