Richard J. Vane

Richard J. Vane passed away June 30, 2025, surrounded by his family in Austin. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Dick was born in Detroit on May 7, 1939. His childhood fascination with art, particularly drawing, would spur a lifelong love of architecture. He graduated in 1961 from his beloved University of Michigan with a bachelor's of architecture, eventually earning many state and board certifications. He also moved to Houston in 1961. As an advisor to Loeb AZA, he met Houston native Sue Rosenbloom. After they dated a few months, Sue asked him, "What are your intentions?" They were soon engaged, and got married in 1964, the start of more than six decades together. They had two children, Mark Vane and Jennifer Melrose. Dick launched his own practice, which later became Osborn & Vane Architects, specializing in commercial projects. He took pride in knowing that the firm he built with Al Osborn continues to operate in Houston under that same name. He taught Sunday School at Temple Emanu El, where he was also active in the Brotherhood. After retirement, he volunteered with Jewish Family Service visiting homebound people. Dick loved watching old movies and musicals, reading history and non-fiction, listening to jazz, and nurturing his many house plants. He and Sue traveled to New York several times to see Broadway plays and musicals. Dick also was a regular theatergoer in Houston. He was an avid Michigan Wolverines fan, often wearing Michigan gear when relaxing during the weekends, and was always thrilled to share a "Go Blue!" story with anyone he'd meet who was also wearing Blue and Maize. He adored his five grandchildren: Eddie and Sam Vane and Madison, Parker, and Noah Melrose. Dick happily adopted the new nickname of "Pa," and wrote them letters every week for many years. He and Sue often traveled to Austin for their grandchildren's activities while still living in Houston. His children and their spouses, Sharyn Vane and Evan Melrose, enjoyed hosting Dick and Sue during their many visits to take part in their grandchildren's birthdays, school and extracurricular events, and random weekends "just to see the kids." An early riser, Dick was game to read his grandkids books, watch their TV shows, and do art projects the minute they awoke. Sue and Dick eventually moved to Austin in 2022 to be closer to family. Dick was preceded in death by his mother Sylvia, beloved stepfather Simon Strauss, brother Dean and stepbrother Gary Strauss. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by stepsisters Davida Bilgrad (Robert, z"l) and Nadine Strauss; sisters-in-law Joanie Wyll (Gene), and Judy Arfa (Ken); aunt Elaine Polk (David, z"l); cousin Donna Lipson; and Pierre Terlinchamp. He also had many nieces, nephews, and cousins across the country. He and Sue enjoyed years of camaraderie with their many friends in Houston. His family would like to express deep appreciation to the caregivers who provided essential support during the past two years, including Glenda Mitchell, Dawn Richards, Suzanne Jambo and Erika Ruiz. A graveside funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 6, at Temple Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet St., Houston. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holocaust Museum Houston (https://hmh.org/) or Houston Habitat for Humanity (https://www.houstonhabitat.org/).

Richard J. Vane

May 7, 1939 - June 30, 2025