Richard McQuillan—better known to many as “Dickie Duck”—set out on his final adventure on August 25, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on January 26, 1944, Dick lived a full and colorful life that blended hard work, mischief, and plenty of laughter. He was born in Alabama, but grew up in San Francisco and Sacramento.  He lived most of his life in Southern California, including Lancaster and Tehachapi, before retiring to Glide, OR for the last couple of decades.

As a boy, Dick loved camping, scouting, boating with his parents and sister, and stirring up harmless trouble with his longtime friend Jack Gunsett. He carried that curiosity and spirit with him into adulthood, enlisting in the Navy where he discovered his knack for electronics and engineering. In the 1970s, he began a career that would span decades at Edwards Air Force Base. There, he worked closely with Air Force test pilots before eventually leading a legendary group known as The Red Hats, a highly classified team at Area 51 tasked with evaluating captured Soviet aircraft. Though much of that work is still shrouded in secrecy, Dick took great pride in knowing his efforts played a part in keeping his country safe.

Outside of work, Dick was an adventurer through and through. He raced dirt bikes across California deserts, cast lines into lakes and oceans, camped under the stars in his RV, and captained more than a few boats. He had a deep love of dogs and a reputation for hospitality, hosting his annual “Goat Roast” in Tehachapi—an event where friends, family, and neighbors would gather to eat, laugh, dance, and inevitably leave with a story or two. In his later years, he wasn't content to sit still—traveling in his RV, volunteering at his local museum, enjoying wine at local vineyards, and doting on his dogs, Katie, Abby and Max.

Dick’s proudest legacy, though, was his family. He is survived by his daughter Holly and son-in-law Jon, his son Brian and daughter-in-law Wendy, his sister Janet, nephew Michael, stepson Robert, nine grandchildren—Rhonda, Jennifer, Julia, Carly, Nicholi, Mazie, Sara, Guy, and Ruby— eight great-grandchildren—Tyler, Kyle, Payton, Lucas, Caleb, Noah, Margaux, and Lou - and wife Suzanna.

He was preceded in death by wives Sheila, Evelyn, and Jan, and by stepson John. While heaven may have just gained another Red Hat, we suspect Dick is already organizing a campout, pouring a glass of wine, or maybe even planning the next Goat Roast with those who welcomed him home.

Dickie Duck will be remembered for his work ethic, loyalty, love of adventure, humor, and the way he made life richer—and certainly more entertaining—for everyone around him.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/richard-mcquillan/obituary/

Copy