Richard R. Willis passed away on Friday, March 10th, 2023. Many knew Rick as a longtime member of the San Diego media community, though that was just a small part of the incredible human that he was.

Rick and his family had relocated to Philadelphia to access the absolute best care possible for their six-year-old daughter, Karina, who he lived and breathed for. Now a two-time leukemia survivor, Karina was Rick’s inspiration in life. Both before her diagnosis and throughout her cancer journey, Rick became an on-air spokesperson for raising awareness of childhood cancer. During Karina’s journey Rick used his platform to promote awareness of the critical need for blood donations by hosting a number of blood drives throughout San Diego County. 

His gregarious personality and spirit instantly turned strangers into feeling like they had a new best friend. His empathic nature made those that were fortunate enough to have a close relationship with him, feel like they always had someone that actually saw and heard them.

Professionally, Rick was best known for his extensive high school football coverage throughout San Diego County, and jovial on-air demeanor. An Emmy Award winner, working at KUSI-TV from 2002 to 2018, Rick was a San Diego native, graduating from San Dieguito High School and SDSU. 

Rick was a loving Daddy to his amazing daughter, Karina Alyce; a beloved son to his parents Randall Willis and Carla Gilbert, and Barbara Gonzales, cherished brother to Kristina Freeborn (Ken) and Heather Ulz (Robert); joking uncle to Heath, Cameron, Cory and Lauren; partner in parenthood to Jessica Spiro and also survived by loving extended family and countless people who called him a friend. 

Our family will miss him tremendously, but perhaps not to the depth that his sweet Karina will. Above all, he was an amazing, devoted and doting Daddy. 

Services pending.