Dr. Richard A. Blak, PhD, passed away on May 18, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on March 5, 1940, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, to Alfonse Blak and Edith Kelly, Richard lived a life defined by service, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others. He had a remarkable way of making people feel at ease, and those who knew him will remember his steady presence, his kind heart, and his genuine care for everyone around him.

After the loss of his father when he was just seventeen, Richard joined the Marines in 1957. Following his tour of duty, he went on to complete both his high school and college education, ultimately earning his PhD from Wayne State University. His perseverance and determination reflected the strength of character that would guide him throughout the rest of his life.

As a licensed clinical psychologist in Fresno, Richard devoted his professional life to supporting individuals, families, and the broader community through his work in psychological evaluation, trauma therapy, and forensic psychology. He provided expert psychological and forensic evaluations for the California judicial system, and his thoughtful clinical assessments were relied upon in complex legal and competency hearings. In his practice, he helped people navigate trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and personal growth with warmth, wisdom, and care.

Richard's work was more than a profession—it was truly his passion, and that passion extended well beyond his practice. He found special joy and peace in Tai Chi, both as a student of the discipline and as a teacher. He served on the board of the Tai Chi Center of Fresno, a nonprofit that has shared the practice with the Central Valley for more than fifty years, and through certified classes and wellness instruction he encouraged physical and mental well-being across the region, especially in local wellness and senior center communities. Even after retiring three years ago to focus on his battle with cancer, the impact of his life's work continued to be felt by the many people he had guided, taught, and comforted over the years.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Alfonse Blak and Edith Kelly Stinson, and by his brother, Bill Blak. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Blak; his children, Tricia Blak Harman (Jeff) and RJ Blak (Robyn); his grandchildren, Ashley Smeder (Chris) and Ranger Blak; and his great-grandchildren, Leo and Isla Smeder. He is also survived by his brothers, Jim Blak (Marj), Fred Stinson (Cynthia), and Kevin Stinson (Karan); and his sister, Mary Taylor (Mark). He also shared a special bond with his cousins, Anthony (Stella) Blak and Victoria Corken. He was deeply loved by his family and will be missed beyond measure.

Richard leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and healing. Whether in the courtroom, in the therapy room, or leading Tai Chi with quiet grace, he gave others comfort, clarity, and hope. His memory will live on in the lives he touched and in the family and community who carry him forward with love.