Richard Olaivar

The world knew him as Richard.  We called him Rick.
He didn't want to leave.  He cherished life, fought hard and held on until he couldn't hold on any longer.  It's a fitting transition; he never gave up on what was important to him.  When he took that last breath, he turned into the arms of Jesus to the God he'd worshipped his entire life.  Cancer may have taken his body, but it couldn't take his spirit.
Richard was born on April 10, 1957.  As a child, he was a voracious reader.  That passion followed him into adulthood and served him well as he earned his diploma from Long Beach High School, his Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, and his accreditation as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Over decades of service on the Mississippi Coast, he worked with endangered children, with adolescents at Memorial Behavioral Health, and with the elderly as Director of Seasons Behavioral Health at Garden Park Hospital in Gulfport.  As a LCSW, he counseled and was a true advocate for patients and families struggling with long and short term health issues.  He admired and cared for those who shared his avocation and appreciated their guidance, friendship, and humor in a profession that often bears witness to pain and despair.
His life away from his profession was equally important to him.   As a lifelong Catholic, he attended mass until he became too weak to do so.  His beliefs shaped his life and guided his actions.  He loved his family, his community, and the beauty of the waters and marshes that shape the Mississippi Coast.
He shared traits and beliefs that link so many Coast residents.  He craved iced tea, red beans and rice, and spicy fried chicken.  Mardi Gras was the time to cut loose and celebrate life, politics could make him crazy, and he was long time New Orleans Saints fan.  He was proud when the Saints won the Super Bowl.  He said it was a reflection of the Coast and the hard work, perseverance, and progress we made after being pounded by Katrina.
When it came to his home, he was very private.  His home was his castle and the quiet space he needed.  With his cats bookending him, he'd read local newspapers then research and analyze topics that captivated him.  Through books, he traveled through history to modern times.  He had an encyclopedic knowledge of hurricanes, antebellum architecture, the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and Mardi Gras.  When not reading, he would tune the television to comedies, work on home projects, or tend his plants.  A remarkable variety of plants grew lush and beautiful under his watchful eye.  Sadly, he was at constant war with technology and his non-stop efforts at handy work could result in minor mishaps and missing parts.
Richard was preceded in death by our parents, Benny Olaivar and Bernice Olaivar Tewell (nee Moore); partner, Larry Marquez; and brother, Greg Olaivar, who also lost his battle with cancer earlier this year.
Richard is survived by six siblings - Frank (Sheryl) of Long Beach; Becky (Mark) Praznovsky of Pass Christian; Paula (Jack) Rutherford of Mobile AL; Pat Parsons of Ellerbe NC; Tiki (Rich Novak) of Arlington Heights IL, and Benny of Ocala, FL.  He also leaves nephews and nieces (including Jon, Tasha, Jason, who were all born on the Coast); Aunt Maidie Garcia (nee Moore); and numerous cousins.
We are grateful to the doctors, nurses, therapists, and aids that cared for Richard over the last years especially Dr. Purushottam Pande, the Oncology team at Gulfport Memorial Hospital, and Kare-In-Home Health Services.  He was thankful and so are we.
Our siblings are now able to return to the Coast, and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Richard at 2:00 pm, Monday December 18th at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 E Beach Boulevard in Long Beach, MS.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Cancer Research Institute (www.cancerresearch.org), a highly rated charity dedicated to cancer immunotherapy research.
We appreciate RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME'S expertise and help during this difficult time and an online obituary for Richard may be viewed and memories shared on their website at www.riemannfamily.com