Richard Louis Stein, aka Cactus Dick, 85, died Jan. 10, 2021.
Born in Detroit, Dick spent close to 80 years in Tucson. A Tucson High School Badger, class of 1953, Dick served in the United States Army before returning home to work in the family businesses, Campbell Avenue Hardware and Midway Pipe and Supply. Dick’s charm and personality enabled him to venture off into a series of successful sales positions. He was a commodities broker, the proprietor of Lee’s Drive in Liquors, and the Western sales representative for Allied Tube and Conduit before establishing his own company, Sun Belt Sales. Dick was a member of the VIP Breakfast Club and Catalina Rotary. He volunteered for Sun Sounds, reading the newspaper for the visually impaired, and more recently at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was a lifetime supporter of the Arizona Wildcats football and basketball programs.
Dick is predeceased by his parents, Alex and Irene Stein, and his older sister Helen Stein.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Johanna; son, Tony (Christy) Stein of Albuquerque, New Mexico, daughters, Julie Szerina Stein of Tucson, Amy Ilona Stein (Howie Usher) of Clarkdale, Arizona, and Nancy Laughlin (Fran) of Bozeman, Montana; granddaughters, Ariela Edelman and Ilana Edelman (Adam Strong); great grandson Vincent Smith; beloved cousin Freddie (Liz) Adelberg of Tucson; and the gang from Tucson High.
Dick’s sense of humor was notorious, but he is remembered best by friends and family for his loyalty and optimism. The man lived his life like a day at the beach. He never complained. The family hopes to host a celebration of his life the last week of March when people can be together.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tucson High Badger Foundation.
