KAUFMAN, Richard James

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 11/25/2011 Richard James Kaufman, 71, died unexpectedly Friday, Nov. 18, 2011, at his home in Overgaard. He was born Feb. 13, 1940m in Lodi, 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 U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Though he did not serve in the actual war zone he did serve overseas 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. 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 three children: Sandy (Steve) Master of Gilbert, Lisa (Lowell) Buchanan of Mesa, Dan Kaufman of Queen Creek; his brother Robert (Barbara) Kaufman of San Rafael, Calif.; one sister Nancy (David) Church of Pierceton, Ind.; his former wife of 30-plus years, Connie Kaufman of Gilbert; seven grandchildren: Nick (Brittany) Master, Sarah (Michael) Seavey, David Buchanan, Daniel Buchanan, Jonathan Master, Joshua Kaufman, Emily Master; three great-grandchildren: Kayla Seavey, Zoey Seavey and Ryan Master. A special memorial service for Richard will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Mission Community Church, 4450 E. Elliot Road in Gilbert. 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. Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel of Show Low handled arrangements. Those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book are invited to visit website www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.