Richard G. Daniels' Obituary
Former Goodyear Senior Blimp pilot, Richard Daniels, passes away.
Richard G. Daniels
Richard Daniels, 82, of Oxnard, California, passed away September 17, 2025, after a rich life filled with many friends. He spent twenty-five years as a Senior pilot flying the Goodyear blimps based in Texas and in Florida. Before that he was a pilot for Northwest Airlines and taught private pilots.
He was born to Glen and Evelyn Daniels on September 12, 1943, in Los Angeles, California and grew up in Burbank, California. He was riding the family horses at an early age, but soon he had to have much more horsepower. He attended John Burroughs High School in Burbank. He was already captivated by anything shiny and fast. He loved hot rods. He and his Road Kings/Slowpokes buddies would cruise through Bob’s Big Boy in Toluca Lake in Burbank on Friday nights. He developed lifelong friendships during these years. He moved away from Burbank to pursue a career in aviation, but his “car buddies” from Burbank were always in his mind and often on a phone call.
After retiring, Richard made his home in Oxnard, where he returned to his roots in the hot rod community and past Sea Bees service. He took immense joy in the camaraderie and creativity that came with restoring and showcasing cars. He was surrounded by a close-knit group of friends who enriched his life.
He spent many holidays with his sister’s family and was always interested in the lives of his nephews and great nephews. He is survived by his sister, Judy Daniels White, brother-in-law, Carl White, nephews Bill and Brian, and great niece and nephew, Grayson and Logan.
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