Richard Kalnas, a longtime resident of Redlands, passed away August 15 at the age of 86, surrounded by family and friends, after a 6 year battle with Alzheimer's.
Richard was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey to a single mother, Margaret Kalnas. He entered the US Air Force, where he would serve thirteen years in the air traffic control center at various air bases, ending his tour of duty at Norton Air Force base in San Bernardino. He then began working for McDonald's Corporation in 1964, and worked his way up to Operations Manager in the Los Angeles and Inland Empire regions. In 1983 he was given the opportunity to purchase the Redlands McDonald's, where his organization grew to five restaurants.
Richard is survived by his wife of thirty-four years, Barbara; three children: Richard Jr. of Yucaipa; Kathy Miller and Mark Miller of Yucaipa and two grandchildren Jake Miller and Alyssa Miller; Mike Kalnas and Linda Kalnas of Yucaipa and three grandchildren Kayla Rosales, Kortney Palmer, and Kassidy Kalnas; one great grandchild Haisley Rosales.
In lieu of flowers or donations, Richard's family asks you to "Pay It Forward" and do something kind for someone.