Richard W. "Dick" Cohee Richard W. "Dick" Cohee passed away peacefully on January 5, 2012. He was a consummate professional who was universally respected at all levels of Jacksonville City Government and as a national figure in the Public Pension industry. More importantly, Dick is remembered as a loving husband and father; as a trusted colleague who inspired those who worked with him by his tireless energy and warm and genuine smile. Dick was born in Jacksonville. He was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School and continued his education at Florida Community College and the University of North Florida where he was awarded both a Bachelors of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration. Dick began his professional career while still a student working at the Jacksonville Branch of the Federal Reserve and the Duval County School Board. Following receipt of his license as a Certified Public Accountant, Dick began his distinguished tenure with the Jacksonville City Government. After three years as Principal Internal Auditor with responsibilities for budget, accounting design and cash management system design, Dick was appointed City Treasurer in 1981 while only28 years of age. He held that post for 18 years, distinguishing himself in all levels of City asset investment and debt service management, serving the longest tenure as Treasurer under Mayors Jake Godbold, Tommy Hazouri, Ed Austin, and John Delaney. In 1998, Dick retired from City government and was named Deputy Director-Assistant Administrator of the Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund. His extraordinary skills and seemingly endless institutional knowledge earned him the universal respect of police officers and firefighters whose welfare was his daily concern. Dick had been named as Executive Director-Administrator designate to begin in July 2012. Professional life was not Dick's only passion. He regularly gave of his time for the betterment of the community he loved and its citizens. Dick was President of the Police Athletic League. He was Secretary and a trustee of the Jacksonville Retirement System. Dick brought his keen financial acumen to City Professional Services Evaluation Committee; as Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for the City and Police Federal Credit Union; as a longtime Governor of the Institute of Internal Auditors; and as Chairman of the City of Jacksonville U.S. Savings Bond Drive. Even as a retired City employee, Dick's strong sense of service to his co-workers continued in his service as President of the Retired Employees Association. The most important thing in Dick's life was his devoted family. He was married to Debra in 1980 and they shared the joy of their son, Jason, currently a student at UNF. Dick is also survived by his mother, Gloria Cohee, his sisters, Linda Faircloth, Gayle Hawkes, Joan Roberts and husband David Roberts, his brothers, John Cohee and his wife Guelda, and Mark Cohee. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family. He is predeceased by his father, Lynwood Cohee. He is also survived by countless friends, colleagues, and citizens whose lives he touched with his professionalism, high ethical standards and his unending warmth and good humor. Dick, or "Richard" as he was known to his family, was an amazing person whose quick laugh, kindness, generous and loving nature, intelligence and patience, were only surpassed by his genuine humility. He always chose to lead by example; at work, at home, and in every aspect of his life. He will be missed forever by all who loved him and were blessed enough to know him. There will be a viewing at George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home at 4140 University Boulevard S. on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church at 578 1st Avenue N. in Jacksonville Beach on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. with Father William Kelly as celebrant. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Richard Cohee Scholarship Fund, for a student who pursues a degree in finance, accounting, or business c/o Police and Fire Pension Fund, 1 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202..4140 University Blvd S Jacksonville, FL 32216 f: 904-739-81594747 Main St N Jacksonville, FL 32206 f: 904-353-0763