A famous and infamous San Diegan has died less than a month before what would have been his 93rd birthday.
His name? Dion Rich, who was called the World’s Greatest Gate Crasher. His career beginning as a young teen who found a way to see car races for free. As an adult for decade after decade, Dion found ways to get into Super Bowls, World Series and dozens and dozens of sports and entertainment events.
He would pop up in live television shots and in photos on newspaper pages. He was the best at what you might call a very challenging craft.
In an interview I did with him in 20-19, Dion told me about his three most favorite all time gate crashes.
They were the Kentucky Derby where he wined and dined with celebrities, the Academy Awards, where he sat just a few rows from the stage…right behind actor Jack Nickelson…and…St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican and a brief audience with the Pope.
In my interview with him three years ago, I asked him that when it’s time for him to crash the pearly gates, how he wanted to be remembered…he said he wanted his gravestone to say "Cause of Death: Living". He told me he was thankful to have lived a colorful life. A colorful life indeed. Dion Rich will be missed by everyone who knew him and knew of him except maybe for all those security guards he managed to trick or evade. Rest in peace Dion.
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