Rick Regberg

March 2, 1947- November 17, 2023 

After living 76 healthy years —with no eyeglasses, hearing aid, or dentures, and with a full head of wavy dark hair — Rick Regberg died of complications from a fall in November 2023.

Rick Regberg lived as a beacon of inspiration. Not only was he a gifted teacher and passionate advocate for children, but Ricky excelled in the negotiations of union employee contracts, debating, campaign organizing, and conflict troubleshooting. Rick’s strength was in conversation, based on his unique and respectful listening skills. 

Ricky was born to Nathan and Irene (Kaplan) Regberg in Canton, Ohio. Because the baby was deemed “late,” the doctor advised Irene (“Reenie”) to walk long distances, even in the snow. Ricky arrived over three weeks late — with a headful of thick, wavy black hair. Reportedly, Rick’s first words were, “I’ll never be late again!” Indeed, although he never owned a watch, the adult Rick was never late. 

When Rick was seven, the family decided to move to Los Angeles (Rick recounted how his “parents sent me out ahead to get established”). They settled in Mar Vista. Rick always loved school and had perfect attendance. 

Starting at Walgrove Elementary, he was active in drama, sports, and especially, student government. He ran opposed in every election throughout his life — and yet, he always won. Very early, he honed the skill of campaigning. While president of Mark Twain Junior High, Rickey was the undefeated featherweight wrestler. Creating art was his hobby. He became the youngest winner of First Prize at the Bullock’s Wilshire Art Competiton at age 13. 

At Venice High School he was Student Body President, among other elected positions. 

He paid his own expenses as a teenager by working part-time jobs. He taught in an art studio, sold hotdogs at the Bod House on Santa Monica Pier, and made ice cream at Swenson’s Ice Cream Parlor. As a “Swenson’s Super Scooper,” he invented the Bucket Sundae (five scoops, cherries, and chocolate sauce for $2.75.) 

When he turned 16, Rick purchased his own car insurance for a small, “used” British sports car (an Austin-Healey “Bugeye Sprite”). His interest in cars continued all his life. 

Rick attended Santa Monica College and UCLA, for a bachelor’s degree in English, History minor. He earned his teaching certificate and worked for LAUSD as a substitute teacher, grades 1 through 12. Rick’s happiest work experience was in the Early Childhood Education division (created during WWII to assist low-income, working mothers). His assignments included Rosewood Children’s Center in West L.A. and Cabrillo Avenue CC in San Pedro, where he became Assistant Supervisor. 

With his devotion to helping others, Rick got involved in the labor movement. He won a position on the Board of Directors at UTLA (United Teachers Los Angeles) in a hotly contested election. As the union grew to 52,000 members, Rick was hired as an Area Representative. He referred to himself as “a professional troublemaker.” 

Rick helped form “a union within a union” for UTLA staff: Union Staff Workers (USW). He rallied his colleagues to fight for safer working conditions, improved health care, and other labor issues. Rick was chief negotiator for USW and after an unprecedented 568 days working without a contract, USW won a more equitable working environment. Then, after he retired, UTLA called Rick back to work on special projects. 

Rick Regberg had special characteristics, such as being kind, witty, and gentle. He was refined and a good listener. He walked and danced with excellent balance. 

He is survived by a nephew, Hayden Regberg, and by his loving partner of 26 years, Lydia Laurans, with whom he enjoyed watching a movie every single night. 

Rick’s ashes are interred at Hillside Memorial Park, next to the graves of his parents and younger brother Scott. A memorial service was attended by over 100 friends. 

For those who wish to honor his kindness and dedication to children, you’re invited to donate to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles here or by mail to CHLA, Ambassadors OFC-Rick Regberg, 4650 Sunset Blvd., MS #29, LA, CA 90027.