Richard Douglas Ham, affectionately known as "Rich," was born in Vallejo, CA, on May 23, 1952, and passed away on January 25, 2026, in Tucson, AZ, due to complications from influenza A. A graduate of Armijo High School in Fairfield, CA, and later a student at Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ, Rich led a life characterized by laughter and love. He served in the Air Force and received an honorable discharge in 1970.

Rich later enjoyed a fulfilling career in long haul trucking, where he fostered connections with many people along the way and got to see different parts of the country. He had a natural talent for bringing joy and warmth to those around him, earning a reputation as a lovable goofball and class clown. He had a generous spirit and took a genuine interest in others wherever he went.

Rich enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including golf, golf, and more golf! He could usually be found practicing his swing at the golf course or watching a DVD movie from his collection.

Rich's love for family was at the forefront of his life. He is survived by his girlfriend Alice Lyle, twin sister Sharon Rojhiransakool, older sister Gayle Dunlap, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom cherished moments spent with him:

Alice Lyle (Girlfriend) - I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and guidance he gave to me over the years. We had an exceptional relationship not everyone gets the chance to have, making me one fortunate woman who will be forever in his debt. I loved and cherished him very much.

Sharon Rojiransakool (Twin Sister) - My twin brother 'Rich' was a gentle giant of kindness and spirit that will never be forgotten. My children, Jay Douglas and Jennifer Lee always thought of Uncle Rich as a kindhearted and nice uncle. Jay still has a picture of Uncle Rich and him when we visited years ago. I remember, he and I would always sit and watch the old sitcoms on TV reliving the early years. I couldn't remember them, but he could! When I was there on a visit, he would take me anywhere and everywhere. He was always there for me as he knew why I returned to Asia. I remember once he took me to his favorite golf course to practice hitting some balls. I had never hit a golf ball really! He came up to me and said 'sis' you have a natural golf swing, Wow! He was proud of me and me for being his twin! I felt like I could hit that ball to no man's land! I remember one time when we played tag with the neighborhood kids over at Tommy's house, he was chasing me and accidentally shut the door on my finger! Well, he ran home as quickly as possible yelling Mommy Mommy! sherry cut her finger off! I showed Mom my finger! and she gasped... Rich and I grew apart after leaving to live in Thailand. He maintained correspondence throughout the years though telling me his struggles, always encouraging me onward. That life is strange and you never know when somethings happen. Through his strength, he was a true TWIN brother who I loved deeply and admired, He had a gentle kindness and spirit that will never be forgotten.

Gayle Dunlap (Older Sister) - He was generous to a fault. I loved his humor. He would tell the same jokes over and over, and somehow they never lost their charm. He would guide me around the grocery store on shopping trips before I had cataract surgery. He called himself my "seeing eye dog" to other customers as we passed.

Bryan Dunlap (Nephew) - He used to play basketball with me when I was growing up. We would go and see movies, play video games and pool at arcades. I have a memory of him standing up for me against a bully. We used to go to Dairy Queen and get Dilly Bars. The best uncle ever.

Kristi Harmon (Niece) - Rich will be so deeply missed. The quintessential ‘cool uncle’, Rich was silly & fun & truly loved his family. There are so many great memories that I’ll cherish forever. The Dairy Queen runs, which always included more Dilly Bars than we could eat. The Root Beer Barrels he would hand out to us kids after pulling quarters from behind our ears in a display of ‘magic’. Interjecting myself into the WWF style wrestling matches in the living room, swearing I wouldn’t cry this time when I got pinned for the countdown (I cried every time). Showing us how all the stuff in his Semi worked. The purple push button phone I wanted so bad, that he bought from my Christmas list, even though he knew I didn’t have a phone jack in my room. Rich was the best uncle, a genuinely happy person who made the best of everything, and I feel lucky & honored to be his niece. He was silly and thoughtful and caring and he showed us often (even in dark times) how fun life can be if you just choose to have fun with it. We love you and miss you so, so much Rich.

Katie Wirtz (Niece) - Richard was the definition of the fun uncle. As a kid, I always felt a rush of excitement when I knew he was coming to visit. I remember him parking his 18-wheeler across the street, picking me up, and letting me sit in the cab, feeling so grown up. The late afternoon Dairy Queen runs, cherry Dilly Bars, and fast truck rides with the windows down are some of my favorite core memories. He had a way of making everyday moments feel special and never took life too seriously. As an adult, I think about him surviving so many hardships and health issues, his life was truly a miracle. I love you Uncle Rich. You are deeply missed.

Jodi Parsons-Dunlap (Niece In Law) - He was a happy goofball.

Skip Williamson (Cousin) - Richard D. Ham…”Little Ricky”…that’s who he was to me. Little Ricky…even after he grew so BIG! He was like my little brother…4 years younger, smaller and energetic. I haven’t seen him in over 50 years, so, it’s surprising how deeply his passing has affected me. It’s as if I have lost a friend and some family history, too. Aunt Emily is gone. Uncle Glenn, the closest thing to a father I ever had, gone. And, now, Little Ricky. I truly regret not keeping in closer contact over the years. I remember sleep-overs at the Vallejo house and quite a few family vacation trips…places like Yosemite and Santa Cruz. I don’t remember all the places we went. I just remember how great if felt to be together and how much Glenn and Emily seemed to love each other and everyone in the car! That’s Gayle, Me, Ricky and Sharon! Uncle Glenn would cook Saturday breakfast for us kids so that Aunt Emily could sleep late. And all the while, Emily’s big old Dalmatian dogs would be wagging their boney tails so much we had to leave the kitchen to avoid bruises. And I remember hiking up the hill behind the house…it was a challenge to reach the big tree on top…and then we were terrified of “Sherwood Forest” on the other side. It’s all houses up there now. The tree and forest…gone. My most prominent Little Ricky memory involves one of our 2 trips to Wawona in Yosemite. We were teens and old enough to go ourselves. Ricky was a little headstrong in those days. We were off the Chilnualna Falls trail poking around the ledges and pools where the polished dry granite is very slippery. And typically, my little bro ignored my warnings about the sloping ledge. So, of course, he started for the edge. He began slipping just a little at first and then faster till it seemed inevitable he would be going over…a 20-30 foot fall to boulders and rocks. It was terrifying and I had no idea how to help him if he went over. It must have been the family guardian angel that stopped his slide and let him inch his way back to safety. A truely amazing memory. Back on the trail we stared at each other while our pulses return to normal…and then laughed and laughed…I guess to release the stress. I hold these memories close. So, little bro, I thank you for being a fun part of my life. I’m wishing you heavenly rest and and reunion with those who have gone before.

Richard faced many challenges, including overcoming a serious heart condition, demonstrating remarkable strength that inspired those who knew him. He joins his beloved parents, Glenn and Emily Ham; grandparents, Richard and Lila Ham, Louis and Jenny Christensen; and aunts Betty and Freda, among others, in eternal rest.

Rich's vibrant spirit and loving memory live on through the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him. We love you Rich.