William Dexter Rich or “Bill” was born on May 18, 1928, in Riverside, California and he remembers it like it was yesterday. At the time, Riverside was a much smaller town. You could walk around town and everyone knew each other. He had two older sisters, and one younger brother, all of which were redheads. He and his mother were the only ones with black hair. During the summertime, his family would take long drives through the orange groves with the windows down. He remembers loving the smell of sulfur that would fill the air as his father lit a cigarette. His father was a strict man, but his mother was just the opposite.
Bill in high school held a paper route with the Press Enterprise. In fact, he remembers calling out the headline when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. In high school, he was part of his school’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps company. During his senior year became the captain. He later went on to join the National Guard in hopes of not getting drafted.
He graduated from Riverside Poly High School and went on to take courses at Riverside City College. During which, he dated and then married his wife, Patricia, a woman he’d grown up with all through school. They had their first daughter, Julie before he became activated and sent to Fort Ord for Non-Commission Officer Training. He then went on to Japan and Korea to fight in the Korean War.
Bill's Time in the Military
Bill was a First Sergeant in the Army and was fortunate that most of the fighting was over by the time he got there. He remembered holding
position, and as a First Sergeant he’d go up and down the lines as they sent out patrols. Being in the army was a valuable experience for Bill, it allowed him to learn more about people and he enjoyed helping young men grow and learn new experiences. While away at war, Bill missed a lot of firsts with his daughters, Julie and Vicki. However, he was able to stay up to date with what was going on back home through phone calls and corresponding with his wife through letters, which included photos of the girls and the occasional package of cookies.
A Career in Newspaper
When it was time for Bill to come home, he was asked to go to Officer Candidate School. He turned it down, eager to get back to his family. When he returned home, he went through another year of school, but ultimately, began working at the Press Enterprise once again. He originally started out as a paperboy, but over the years worked his way up through the ranks. Each position bringing more experience and responsibilities.
His career at the Press Enterprise provided him with immense opportunities for learning. Bill traveled to New York to join the Sales Executive Club of the country and rub elbows with great salesmen like Arthur H. “Red” Motley. Additionally, he attended seminars at Columbia University. He eventually went on to become the Publisher and General Manager of the Press Enterprise. After 44 years of service, Bill Rich retired.
After his wife passed away, he married his second wife, Ivory. A woman he’d had a long time friendship with.
Bill loves the people at Renaissance Village Rancho Belago, they’re all kind and nice. He shares that the staff takes really great care of everyone and keeps residents active.
