Richard Wendall Karn
July 19, 1927-March 2, 2025
Fairfield, California

Richard Wendall "Dick" Karn, a distinguished civil engineer and devoted family man, passed away on March 2, 2025, in Fairfield, California, at the age of 97.

Born on July 19, 1927, in Oakland, California, Dick grew up in the Bay Area and attended public schools in Oakland. A dedicated student, he graduated with honors in 1945 before pursuing higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

Dick served his country with honor as a member of the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet on active duty from 1945 to 1946. Following his military service, he embarked on a career that would shape the field of civil engineering for decades. In 1957, Dick was appointed as Water Resources Engineer at Alameda County Flood and Water Conservation District and played a leading role in establishing Zone 7, which provided water to a land area of more than half of Alameda County. In 1962, he became Engineer-Manager of the entire countywide District. In 1966, he co-founded Bissell & Karn alongside Don Bissell. Under their leadership, the firm flourished, growing to employ 315 people by 1990 before being acquired by Greiner Engineering. Dick continued to excel in his field and was appointed as a Senior Vice President and member of the Office of the Chairman at Greiner in 1992.

A leader among his peers, Dick served as national president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) from 1984 to 1985, representing over 110,000 members nationwide. His contributions to civil engineering were widely recognized through numerous honors and awards throughout his career. Beyond his professional achievements, Dick was known for sharing insightful stories from his experiences-memories that will be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Outside of work, Dick found joy in boating and spending time on the water. During his tenure as ASCE president, he and his wife Peggy traveled extensively around the world, embracing new cultures and experiences together.

Dick is survived by his sister Marilyn Young; his daughter Pam Karn and son Bob Karn and wife Diane; He was a proud grandfather to Shawn; Matt and wife Tab; Rachelle; Lisa and husband Donald; and Tom. He also delighted when his two great-grandchildren, Wesley and Lena, visited from Texas. Additionally, he leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Agnes, the love of his life, wife Peggy, as well as his sisters Jean and Carol.

For many years, Dick attended worship services in Pleasanton before relocating to Vacaville in 2022 and moving in with his son Bob and wife Diane. Through the grace of God, Rock Fernandez, the best Caregiver ever, was able to take care of Dick 24 hours per day. Though transportation became more challenging later in life, faith remained an important part of his journey.

Dick's intelligence, leadership, and warmth touched many lives both professionally and personally. His legacy will live on through the countless individuals he mentored and inspired throughout his lifetime. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Tags: veteran