In Memory of Richard “Rich” Coles (1949–2025)
Richard Ray Coles — known to colleagues and friends as Rich — brought more than 40 years of expertise, integrity, and dedication to his work in national and international engineering, construction management, and construction projects. As a Program Manager, Rich led the delivery of large-scale design/build projects with remarkable skill, overseeing multiple design and construction teams simultaneously while managing risk assessments, constructibility reviews, environmental mitigation, and value engineering.
Rich’s contributions to water conveyance, pumping systems, and treatment systems — along with his work in groundwater evaluations, feasibility studies, and design plans across the United States and abroad — left a lasting mark on the communities and environments he served.
His professional accomplishments were matched by an extraordinary life beyond the office. A true patriot, Rich served with distinction as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army 5th Special Forces Group. He earned a BS in Chemistry from Cal State San Bernardino, an MS from Loyola Marymount, and an Executive MBA from the University of Michigan. He also held a US Merchant Marine Master License for all ships and all oceans — one of his proudest achievements.
Rich was a devoted family man, an avid fisherman, traveler, and outdoorsman who approached everything in life with the same grit and generosity he brought to his work. He is deeply missed by his colleagues, his clients, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
He will be remembered for his indomitable spirit and the indelible mark he left on all who knew him.