Rich Bison, BHS '66 (1947-2026)

Richard Allan Bison

October 15, 1947 - February 12, 2026

Sad news... we just learned that Rich Bison, BHS '66, passed away this week. His daughter, Heather Bison Lewis, posted on Facebook this touching note...

It is with the heaviest heart that we share that the world lost a true hero. My dad passed away on February 12th at 11:53pm.

He went in for surgery on Tuesday and fought so incredibly hard since September. If there’s one thing that defined him, it was that he was a fighter. Strong, determined, and never one to give up.

He was a proud veteran who loved his country deeply. His patriotism was part of who he was. He believed in service, loyalty, and standing up for what mattered.

He was the BEST husband, dad, Grampa, father-in-law, and friend anyone could ever ask for. Larger than life. The kind of man who filled a room with his presence, his strength, his humor, and his love. Our hearts are shattered and we are still trying to process this unimaginable loss.

Please keep my mom in your thoughts and prayers as she navigates the days ahead. She will be staying with me for a while as we lean on each other and take this one day at a time.

We will be planning a celebration of life at a later date and will share details once they are arranged.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out, prayed, and supported our family. It truly means more than we can say.

We love you forever, Dad. ❤️

-------

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Joe Dahlia

I meet Rich my last year in High School. I had become a Burbank Police Explorer Cadet. I enlisted & spent 4 years in the Marines. As soon as I came home I was selected to be a reserve police officer at BPD and worked alongside of Rich. He had American Indian in family blood line & I referred to him as Chief Bison, he loved it. In 1976 i was hired as a police officer & for 15yrs I worked alongside of Rich. His love of his country, our community was unwavering, and was he a joker. The only thing he loved more was his wife Diana, his daughter, nick named "BING PONG" his mom & dad! You couldn't ask for a more genuine friend. Compassionate human being, outstanding cop.

His loss has left an empty place in our hearts. Diana, Heather & Bart, I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers ♥️ ❤️ 🙏

Julie Guttridge

Sending love to Rich’s family at this time . Has to be so hard 😢

Mickey DePalo

Rest In Peace, my brother. 🙏🙏

Deb Helsley Bush

Rest in Peace 🪽

Jaydean Gordon Dyer

RIP dear patriot.

You will be deeply missed.

Blessings and condolences to the family and all who knew him.

Bruce Fossler

R.I.P. Bulldog

I do remember you..

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux

🙏

Patsy Raymundi

Rip Bulldog

Karra Blackburn Merritt

May he rest in Peace to Eternity 🌹

Brian Keiser

RIP Bulldog 🙏

Bill Oxley

Rich was a great guy. Knew him in high school. I'm sorry for your loss.

Vicki Herrin Fields

Rest in Peace ⚘️

Bob Burdette

Rest in Peace Rich.

Condolences and prayers for comfort to your family!

🙏🏻🙏🏻

Peggy Peters

RIP Rich. You were truly one of the best.

Martin Lillibridge

RIP Bulldog 🙏

Don Meredith

Damn, this caught me off guard. Rich was a great guy. I enjoyed his friendship and those occasional opportunities we worked together. God Bless Rich and family. 🙏

Fred Pastor

🙏💙🙏

Scott Moody

What a great man. Loved working with him. RIP Rich.

JD Dbert

Great guy to work with. Helped me as s young detective, with fishing, ran for the team i Co-Captained for Baker to Vegas, and i enjoyed being his Sgt in Training.

One of the great men in and out of work!  

RIP Chief