Richard Fazon Alvord

Richard Fazon Alvord, passed away peacefully at home on July 23, 2026, at the age of 90 in Alexandria, Virginia. Born on June 12, 1936, in Bellingham, Washington, he was the son of Herbert E. Alvord and Jessie Fazon Alvord.

After Richard graduated from Alhambra High School in Alhambra, California he attended Pasadena City College and transferred to UCLA and graduated with a BA degree in business.

Following college, Richard completed a six-month stint with the California National Guard. In 1962, he began employment with the US Rural Electrification Administration Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.

Richard's career with the US Rural Electrification Administration took him across the country. His first assignment with his mentor was in Texas with Nueces Electric Coop in Robstown, Texas. During that visit Richard saw Doris, who worked for Nueces Electric Cooperative, and asked her out on a date and the rest was history. Their courtship blossomed into lifelong love, and they were married on December 29, 1962. They shared 63 wonderful years of marriage.

Richard and Doris' greatest joy came with the birth of their son, Craig Alan Alvord, on December 14, 1965. Richard often said that "Craig was the sunshine of his life". Richard and Doris considered Robstown their home until 2014, then moved to Alexandria, Virginia to be near Craig, who was employed with the US Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC. Richard and Doris spent their retirement years together in Alexandria, Virginia, cherishing the time they shared with their beloved son and creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Richard was a lifelong sports enthusiast who excelled at tennis. He found great joy in sharing his love of the game with his son, Craig, passing along not only his knowledge and skills but also treasured memories spent together on the court.

In 1961, while briefly working for Bonneville Power in Portland, Oregon, Richard accepted an invitation to join a mountain climbing group on an expedition to Mount Hood, a rough elevation of 11, 250 feet. During the mountain climb, he began questioning, as well as the group, their sanity for ever agreeing to the adventure. Despite his doubts, Richard persevered and proudly reached the summit of Mount Hood—a remarkable accomplishment that remained both his first and last mountain-climbing adventure.

Affectionately nicknamed "Cookie Monster" by close friends, Richard had a special fondness for his mother-in-law, Elsie Carlson's, homemade cookies- a simple joy that brought him great happiness. He was also known for his quick wit, playful sense of humor, and facetious one-liners that could bring a smile to those around him. His ability to laugh, tease, and find humor in everyday moments was one of the many qualities that made him so endearing. 

Richard will be remembered as a kind, generous, soft-spoken, and compassionate man with strong christian values. He was known for his gentle spirit, quiet strength, and unwavering willingness to help others. Above all, he deeply loved his family and treasured every moment spent with them.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert E. Alvord and Jessie Fazon Alvord of Carmichael, California; his beloved son, Craig Alan Alvord of Alexandria, Virginia; father and mother-in-law, Alvin and Elsie Carlson of Robstown, Texas; and nephew, Kyle Reed Carlson of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Doris Alvord of Alexandria, Virginia; his brother, Robert G. (Betty) Alvord of Citrus Heights, California; his brothers-in-laws, Alton (Tommye) Carlson of Hemphill, Texas; Kent (Carole) Carlson of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Surviving nieces are Bonnie Redding and Barbara Zavala of Rocklin, California, and Jane (Tom) Ponder of Chandler, Texas; numerous great-nieces and nephews and dear family friend, Beverly Denkeler Matthews of Forney, Texas.

Richard's legacy is one of steadfast devotion to his family, faithful public service, quiet humility, and genuine compassion. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his family finds comfort in the memories they shared and in the enduring examples of kindness and generosity that he leaves behind.

The family of Richard Fazon Alvord thanks the staff of Goodwin Hospice in Falls Church, Virginia, and Chris Choice, Richard's caregiver, whose dedication, and caregiving brought comfort and dignity to Richard throughout his journey.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Richard Alvord to your charity of choice or to:

St. John Lutheran Church 3316 Hummingbird Lane Robstown, Texas 78380