Richard Armstrong

Age 69 passed away peacefully at home on November 4 after a short but valiant struggle with lung cancer. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Walters; son, Geoffrey Armstrong and his wife, Michelle; his grandson Ross; step-son, Dr. Michael Deutsch and wife, Dr. Melanie Deutsch and son, Brandon; brothers Dr. Bob Armstrong and his wife, Carol, Bill Armstrong and his wife, Rejan; and sister, Cynthia Graham and her husband, Dr. Walter Graham; along with numerous nephews, cousins and a host of wonderful friends. Richard was born in Rochester, New York and spent most of his formative years in Charlotte, North Carolina. Richard moved to Detroit, Michigan with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Purdue University. He served as CEO of Detroit Sports Commission, and successfully created and managed numerous public/private partnerships where he worked as a grant administrator for the Parks and Recreation in Detroit for 31 years. Richard was especially proud of his involvement with the redesign and development of the Detroit Waterfront and Belle Isle Projects, which to this day are a model many other cities have emulated. Richard also taught sailing at the Detroit Yacht Club and was an avid racer. He moved to Albuquerque upon retirement in 1995, rekindled his love of playing bridge, and discovered hot air ballooning. He became crew chief who loved the chase. He was a Life Master Bridge player who took intense joy in helping others learn more about the game and winning strategies. He and his wife Deb went on cruises in the Caribbean where he played in regional tournaments. Richard also was an avid gun collector and marksman, who won numerous ribbons in various 50+ Albuquerque Olympics. He was a devoted basset hound owner and rescuer. Richard will be best remembered for his quick wit and humor. A memorial service will be held at FRENCH - University on Friday, November 9, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. Should friends desire, donations can be made to the UNM Cancer Center, 1201 Camino de Salud, One University NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106.