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On the night of Thursday December 10, 2009 the dog world lost a true dog training legend and the world in general lost a very fine man in Thomas Vincent Riche.  Thomas, better known as “Tom,” passed away at the age of 46 from a massive heart attack while doing what he loved to do most which was work and train canines. He was well known across the country in the canine industry and his accomplishments and achievements speak for themselves.  Tom was deeply involved in the So Cal Working Dog Association as well as the Schutzhund community.  He was a founding member and President of the Working American Bulldog Association.

sharing his immense talents with countless people and impacting every life he touched. into life, Tom leaves behind a legacy for himself and his family.  Tom will truly bemissed by his dear friends, family, co-workers, clients, and all who had the privilege of every getting to know himTom was definitely one of a kind.  He possessed the necessary qualities for the makings of a good man.  He was ambitious and driven.  Even losing his eyesight at the age of 16 didn’t stop Tom from going after his dreams and making something of his life.  When others may have complained about being dealt a bad hand, Tom made light of his situation and made the best out of the hand he was dealt.  Tom was an honest man.  You were destined to get the truth from him whether you wanted to hear it or not.  He possessed pride without being prideful.  He took pride in his work, pride in his family,  and yes, pride in his appearance.  Tom also knew a lot about respect.  He had respect for others, respect for hard work, and respect for right and wrong. Although he may not have had a lot, Tom was a giving person.  He gave what he could when he could.  Rather it be his time or sharing his knowledge and skill, he was no stranger to giving and helping others.  Tom also possessed the talent to read and understand dogs and people with a true discernment that few people possesstoday.  It was this skill that made Tom loved by many both human and canine alike.  Tom Riche was so many things to so many people, but he prided himself in being a loving husband and father.  He is survived by his wife, Kristi Riche, and his two beautiful children, Kyler, age 8 and, Taylor, age 3.  Although Tom had countless achievements in his field of work, raising his children and taking care of his family was his biggest accomplishment in his eyes.  He was an amazing dad and husband.  Tom continuously put himself last to ensure that his family was happy and that Kyler and Taylor had a loving fulfilling life. He took the qualities he possessed and instilled them in his children.  Taylor’s love for dogs and caring nature is a true reflection of Tom, and Kyler’s worth ethic, determination, hard work, and love for competing came directly from his father. Making his wife happy and giving her a good life was where Tom’s truecontentment came from and he constantly went above and beyond. Because of the honest way he chose to live his life and the hard work he put into life, Tom leaves behind a legacy for himself and his family.  Tom will truly be missed by his dear friends, family, co-workers, clients, and all who had the privilege of ever getting to know him.

Tom's memorial was Thursday, December 17, 2009

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die

It was his involvement and love for the American Bulldog breed that enabled him to co-develop the Breed Suitability Test for the American Bulldog.  Tom was a member of the first team to compete and represent the American Bulldog breed at the American Working Dog Federation Schutzhund Championship.  After over 20 years of training, showing, and competing with dogs, Tom’s exceptional skills quickly became coveted and sought after by many.  Because of this, Tom became a mentor

A  fund has been created to help Kristi and the children Contact: Teresa Cowart for further details. Donations may be sent to: San Diego County Credit Union 150 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025 We ask that all checks that are being mailed to the bank, be made out to:   "Teresa Cowart in care of  Riche Family Fund" with the account number: 3733735-00 written in the memo line. Teresa Cowart   A Paypal account has been created for your convenience.

Please access the Paypal account thru the SWR website memorial  page (link above)