Supporting the Family of Richard McClinnis

I want to share the life that Richard McClinnis, Andrea (Karthas) McClinnis and their now 5-1/2 year old twins, Adaline & Dimitri had until Richard’s passing. Andrea and Richard met 15 years ago and had their first date at Universal City Walk. What was supposed to be appetizers and drinks turned into an eight hour date. It was love at first sight for both of them. They married on 11/11/11 in Danvers MA, where Andrea grew up. They settled into married life and after a few years bought a home in Sylmar CA. On 12/11/17 Dimitri and Adaline entered this world and their lives were so enriched by the addition of these much wanted children.

Life was happily busy until October of 2022, when Richard suffered acute respiratory failure, was hospitalized for a month, and was on ventilator support for 16 days. He eventually recovered and returned to work in January 2023. He was a truck driver for a biohazard company and worked long and difficult hours. The kids would be so excited when he got home, and hugs and kisses were a must, along with sharing important things from their day, like what they learned in school, and who they got to play with. In May of 2023, Richard had a four day ICU admission for severe hypoglycemia. He was able to recover from this and went back to work, but had trouble maintaining his blood sugar. On Father’s Day, Andrea found him unresponsive in bed. Paramedics came, and his blood sugar was only 36. He was transported to the ER, intubated, and had a head CT showing significant brain swelling and permanent, irreversible brain damage. He was transferred to a hospital that had a Neuro ICU. He continued to deteriorate over the next few days and was taken off of life support on 6/22/23, and passed away. He was an organ donor and his kidneys were successfully donated. Two people will have a chance at a better life because of his gift.

Andrea faces the immense task of being both Mom & Dad to Adaline and Dimitri, sharing the news to 5 year olds that they will never see their Daddy again. She is incredibly strong and we will get through this, but the emotional and financial toll of planning his memorial service is immense. Andrea has managed to keep Adaline and Dimitri in their routine, providing them with the emotional support they need, giving the the security that Mommy is there, and that she loves them “More than all the stars in the sky”.

Richard leaves behind his brother Ray, sister-in-law Jennifer, and his Mother Karen Buechs McClinnis.

Written by Richard's mother-in-law, Nancy Karthas.