By Bill Rogers
To turn 100 is an achievement. Meet Dick Joyce, Seal Beach’s latest member of the century club.
In the vast expanse of time, some stories shine brighter than others, and the life ’of Dick Joyce, born on Dec. 10, 1923, in Parkville, Missouri, is one such radiant tale. His journey through the 20th century weaves through the fabric of history, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, service, love, and a thirst for adventure that defined his extraordinary life.
Early Years in Missouri:
Dick’s life began on a snowy day in Parkville, Missouri, where the Kansas City International Airport now stands. He grew up with his two brothers Bryan and George, and walked two miles to school, in the snow uphill both ways, He began each day milking the family cow.
Service in World War II:
Answering the call of duty, Dick enlisted in the Army in December 1942. His military journey took him from the heartland of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to the California desert near Indio, where he prepared for the North African campaign at Chiriaco summit—an area now honored by the Patton Museum.
Shipped to the south coast of England, Dick played a vital role in the preparations for the Normandy invasion. On D-Day, he found himself on Utah Beach, unloading supplies as a company clerk and supply sergeant in Patton’s Army. His service, marked by dedication and bravery, concluded in December 1945 as Staff Sergeant earning 4 bronze stars in the process.
Post-War Pursuits and Love Story:
With the support of the GI Bill, Dick pursued a higher education at Baker University in Kansas, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Economics. He joined Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he earned the affectionate nickname “Frisbi” for being the “old man” of the group.
In 1951, Dick married Alene Allen in a ceremony at his grandparents’ home, officiated by his grandfather, a Baptist minister. Their enduring love spanned three decades until Alene’s passing in 1981.
Dick’s professional career led him into the world of sales, first specializing in ladies’ ready-to-wear. Dick’s journey continued to unfold as he moved to Los Angeles, where his son Jim was born in 1954. Subsequent relocations took him to Long Beach and finally to Seal Beach in 1959 where his son Jeff joined the family, marking a new chapter in Richard’s life. His career path evolved into printing sales, culminating in the purchase of Dual Graphics then the subsequent purchase of Record Printing.
1983, Dick married Barbara Plumleigh and started the next chapter in his life. This year they celebrated their 40 year anniversary.
Retirement and Adventures:
Retiring in 1991, Dick and Barbara embraced leisure, community, and travel. A 25-year member of the Masons and a Shriner at El Bekal in Anaheim, Dick dedicated his retirement to the joys of golf and extensive RV travels traversing the US 4 times and visiting Alaska and Canada extensively
Beyond North America, Dick’s wanderlust led him to explore the world—China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Russia, the Netherlands, Mexico, Hawaii, and the Panama Canal. His passport became a tapestry of memories from lands near and far.
In celebrating Dick’s 100 years, we honor a life that spanned continents and decades, marked by resilience, service, love, and a thirst for adventure. His journey is a beacon, reminding us to embrace each chapter of life with courage and curiosity.
Here’s to a life well-lived, and to many more chapters yet to be written.
His family consisting of his wife Barbara, son Jim and his wife Marina, son Jeff and husband Bill, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and family friends will celebrate Dick’s 100th Birthday in Seal Beach on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023.
