Richard Wharton

Written by Carolyn Kneedler

On November 13, 2007 RICHARD WHARTON, an RSVP Volunteer, was named a “LOCAL HERO” in Sacramento by the BANK OF AMERICA. We will tell you why.

An aircraft mechanic at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento when multiple sclerosis intruded on his life, Richard Wharton has never let it stop him or slow him down. The type of jobs he was able to perform at McClellan gradually had to change to activities that were directed from behind a desk, but he continued to work until his retirement in 1993 at age 62. This is when his life really became busy.

Now a typical day and week for Richard consists of getting into his adapted van from his wheelchair by about 7:30 a.m. and arriving at the Salvation Army about 8:00 where he spends about three hours. There he sorts items while he befriends and supports the men in the rehabilitation program. He never misses their graduation and does what he can to make sure that they do graduate.

When Richard leaves the Salvation Army at about 11:00 a.m. two days a week he goes to Roseville Convalescent Home. There he spends 3-4 hours visiting the residents, all of whom see him as a good friend and a “wonderful, caring, loving person they look forward to seeing.” These visits started on weekends long before Richard's retirement. In fact, Richard was also going from McClellan after work to the Children's Receiving Home to play with and give support to the children there.

On two other weekdays Richard goes from the Salvation Army to the United Cerebral Palsy Day Center where he feeds, visits, or reads to the people who have CP. Here, too, Richard's warm, loving, supportive nature gives strength.

Where does Richard's strength come from? From two things, he says. The first is his religious faith. He is a member of the Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church. The second is having been raised on a South Dakota farm where hard work was the only acceptable behavior. One of five children (four were boys), they worked from daybreak to sundown assisting with the crops and the cattle. Even school had to take a backseat to farm work. RSVP is very proud to be associated with Richard Wharton and is delighted he is the recipient of the Bank of America award.