Richard Dwight Thornton

Richard was a man who lived by his own rules and embodied the free-spirited essence of his generation. He passed away on February 14, 2026, in Tiburon, California, at the age of 76.

Born on February 22, 1949, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Richard was the only child of Richard and Eunice. He attended school in his hometown and was a polio survivor, spending time in the long-forgotten iron lung.

Richard then moved to Washington, D.C., attending American University. His formative years were the 1960s and ’70s. Richard truly found his calling as a “hippie at heart.” Driven by a thirst for adventure, he eventually headed west, spending time in the mountains of Colorado before finding a home for his soul in Marin County, California. He ultimately landed in Tiburon, where he was a resident since 1986.

Throughout his life, Richard was an independent entrepreneur engaging in the jewelry and women’s fashion business. He also found a vocation and creative outlet designing exquisite custom craft cabinetry. All of these roles allowed him to blend his aesthetic sensibilities and a talent for engaging with clients and friends. He was a consummate “people person” through and through, possessing a keen ability to attract and connect with others from all walks of life.

A true epicurean, Richard had a deep appreciation for the finer things. He could often be found lost in a rich glass of wine and deep conversation, discussing his passions for art, history, and classic rock and roll with the remnants of a soft Southern drawl. He will be remembered for his intellect, his adventurous soul, and his unwavering commitment to living life on his own terms, spreading himself thickly over time and society.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Luanna List and two grandsons residing in Carlsbad, California, along with a wide circle of close friends, all of whom thoroughly enjoyed his presence over the decades.

Please join us in a celebration of his life and all that was Richard to be held on March 21, 2026, from 4-7pm at Sam’s Anchor Cafe, 27 Main St., Tiburon.