Dick Tharp, 76, of Lompoc, passed away February 25, 2019, at his home in Lompoc.

Dick was born in Castle Dale, Utah, to Leo and Neva Tharp on November 15, 1942. He grew up and attended school in East Carbon, Utah. He joined the Air Force and was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base. While stationed at Vandenberg, he met his wife, Vickie DalPorto, on a blind date, and a few months later, they married. They would have celebrated their 54 ^th wedding anniversary May 13 ^th .

Dick worked for Celite many years before retiring in 2005. He was a friendly, outgoing person. He knew no strangers. He had a soft heart for kids and dogs. He was often referred to as "The Candy Man" - his pockets always filled with candy, giving it to anyone and everyone. He loved fishing and could often be found out in the garage melting lead and pouring fishing sinkers and enjoyed making them for other people as well. He was a collector (not to be confused with a hoarder), a collector of many things, and to him, all his things were of great value.

Dick is survived by his daughters Donna (David) Rainwater and Cristina Newby, his brothers Willard (Jeanette) Tharp, Leroy (Karen) Tharp, Jay Tharp and his sister LouAnn Miller, his grandchildren Amanda (Tom) French, Paul (Nicole) Rainwater, and Anthony Newby, his great-grandchildren Dylan, Olivia, Evan, Jacob, Violet and Wyatt. He also had many nieces and nephews that all loved their "Uncle Bird Legs." He is preceded in death by his son Tony Tharp (08/13/2007) and his wife of 53 years, Vickie Tharp (12/23/2018).

There will be no services, per his request. Cremation arrangements are in the care of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.