Help Richard's Family Navigate This Difficult Time

In the early hours of July 4, 2025, the Texas Hill Country claimed one of its best—without giving any of us a chance to say goodbye.

There will always be details we don’t know about the Guadalupe flood, but after lifetimes of knowing Richard, none of us doubted that he went out doing everything he could to survive.

Richard was a strong, resilient man who believed in consistently working hard, so he could enjoy the life he wanted to live. Whether he was flying planes, riding horses, or rebuilding homes, Richard took control in every situation he walked into.

Richard and his wife, Carol, who also passed away in the flood, were in a season of change—planning the next phase of their life together. Now, his family is left to navigate the uncertainties that come with that transition, working to ensure his wishes are honored and his life is memorialized as he deserves.

Since Richard’s passing, we’ve been deeply moved by the number of people asking how they can help or contribute in his honor. We’ve created this GoFundMe as a way to show support. Funds raised will go toward administrative costs, travel, and legal matters related to Richard’s estate.

The Pagard family is grateful for your contribution and is deeply touched by the outpouring of love from all facets of Richard’s life.