Richard Welton Jones died May 19, 2014 at the Silverado Huntington in Alhambra after a lengthy struggle with numerous strokes and advancing arthritis. Known to his friends as Dick (Jonesy, Dickie, C-Note, etc) and to his family as Poppy, he had just celebrated his 89th birthday. A lifelong resident of the Pasadena area, his death marks the end of an era. Poppy was born May 2, 1925, the son of Frances Petersen and George E Jones in Oakland, California. He had three brothers: William T Jones, John F Jones and George E Jones, Jr. The family moved to Arroyo Square in South Pasadena and built their family home. He attended South Pasadena High School and went on to UCLA.

In World War II he served in the Navy's V-12 program. After the war he went on to get his MBA at UC Berkeley. He began his career in finance selling stocks door-to-door in Long Beach. Later he joined Mitchum, Jones, and Templeton, a brokerage co-founded by his father. He became CEO of that firm, and was elected president of the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange. In the mid-70s, MJT was sold and Poppy went on to work for Paine Webber, EF Hutton and served as a member of the Board of Directors for GTE/Verizon. His most rewarding work was with Bill Lupien on a series of investment projects over the years.

The best decision Poppy ever made was to propose to Cynthia Cronkhite on the pier in Oceanside, California. They made their home in Pasadena and raised three children. Poppy loved all aspects of sport. He loved the ponies and was a fixture at the turf clubs at Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Hollywood Park. He was a member of the California Club, Bohemian Club, Annandale Golf Club and others.

His death marks the end of an era. Poppy understood that life is precious and he dedicated himself to the relentless pursuit of joy, pleasure and happiness with friends and family the world over. As one friend observed, "His love of life, living, and singular generosity made a real impact on everyone. As said on many occasions - he lived life in a lavishly enthusiastic mode - there is definitely an absence of his manifest energy."

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia C Jones; his three children, Michael G Jones and his wife, Joyce R Shimizu, Georgina J Smith, Cynthia Dudley Thacher; and seven grandchildren; and his brother John Jones.

Los Angeles Times, May 23, 2014