Richard Anthony Herren, 31, of Dublin died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 after living with muscular dystrophy for many years.

He was born in Walnut Creek and lived in Oakdale from the age of five until 2001, when he moved with his mother to Modesto. He attended Cloverland Elementary School, Foothill (Oakdale) Junior High, and received his diploma from Oakdale High School in 1997, though he was not able to attend the commencement ceremony.

He was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was six years old. At one point he attended Sonoma School in Modesto and received his first wheelchair at that time. Later, he returned to Cloverland in the sixth grade and had a power chair by then. He was home schooled for part of his high school career due to his medical condition.

Mr. Herren enjoyed computers and kept up with technology, he also had a talent for fixing them. He also enjoyed fixing up his van with special rims, limo tint windows, and head and taillights. He enjoyed going for a ride in his van daily, traveling on back roads finding places, parks, and wild animals.

The humidity of the Bay Area improved his health when he moved there in 2008.

He lived a difficult life but kept a positive attitude and outlook. He was only expected to live to the age of 12. He touched the lives of many.

He is survived by his mother, Louise Watson; siblings, Rebecca Herren, Denise Glover, David and Mary Glover; stepsiblings, Wendy and Carol Watson, Ronald and Helen Watson, Nikki and Brent Collier, Juilitta and Dion Elliott; grandmother, Fannie Lovett-Myers; and aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Earl Herren, stepfather, Wendell A. Watson; grandparents, Earl and Tommie Herren, and Clarence Lovett.

A private interment was held Nov. 19, 2009 at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Gustine, where he was laid to rest with his father. A celebration of his life was held on Dec. 11, 2009 in Dublin.

Remembrances may be made in his name to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.