Richard Edmonson

Richard, “Rick”, Edmonson, 47, of Irvine, CA, passed away unexpectedly on June 15, 2024. Rick was born on February 16, 1977 to Cathy and Ed in Huntington Beach, CA and was a long time resident of Irvine, CA. Rick was first and foremost a police officer; he knew he wanted to be a police officer since he was 5 years old.  Rick started his career with the State of California as a Student Intern in 1998. After graduating from California State University of Fullerton, College, Rick attended the police academy at Golden West College in 2000. During his career, Rick was a member of several task forces, a Field Training Officer, an Enforcement Tactic Instructor, a Sergeant and eventually promoted to the rank of Captain in 2021. Rick excelled in his career and  especially enjoyed his assignments with TRAP and the 1050 Team. Rick’s career was more than a job, it was who he was. Rick said on more than one occasion, “If I won the lottery, I’d just do my job for free”.  Rick loved to learn new things and was always up for a challenge. Rick investigated many complex cases and served the people of California with passion. Rick was a loving husband to Carissa and father to children Ricky and Julie. Rick was dedicated to taking care of his family. He adored spending time with his two children. He valued his children's education and was supportive of their homeschooling and college. Rick cherished being with his wife, whether at home, traveling, or planning for the future. At home, Rick also loved his pets and was never above helping around the house. Rick was an old fashioned, unusual mix of a strong man but still gentle and nurturing.  Rick was a protector to everyone and truly our hero. Though Rick dedicated a lot of his time to working, which he loved, he also loved nature. He backpacked through Europe and the Sierra Nevada mountains and loved camping and fishing. Rick enjoyed fixing up his planned retirement home in Indiana and was dedicated to improving the land. Whether in a small town or big city, people loved Rick. He was a fair man who looked out for others and had a wonderful sense of humor. We will all miss his laugh, and the way he made others laugh. Rick was such a bright soul, lost far too soon. Rick is survived by his beloved, wife, Carissa, children, Ricky and Julie, and his parents, Cathy and Ed. Services will be held at Mariner's Church Irvine on Monday, July 15th at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be directed to Rick’s children in care of Carissa Edmonson.