Richard Joseph Coanda
Scientology Sea OrgAbbreviation for Sea Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). member
Born	Richard Joseph Coanda October 2, 1931 Wisconsin
Died	January 6, 2014 (aged 82) Losa Angeles, California, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	Scientologist
Years active	1968-2014
Spouse	Lori (m. 1955-2014)
Children	Five children

Richard (Dick) Coanda, (October 2, 1931 - January 6, 2014) an educator with a PhD in English, is best remembered as ASHOAbbreviation for American Saint Hill Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976).'s Saint HillThe name of LRH's home in East Grinstead, Sussex, England. (BTB 12 Apr 72R) Special Briefing Course supervisor and word clearer. He was a member of the Sea OrgAbbreviation for Sea Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). for twenty seven years and was on the RPFAbbreviation for 1. Rehabilitation Project Force. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). The Rehabilitation Project Force has been created by the Commodore so that redemption can occur. (FO 3434) three times. Dick and Lori Coanda were married for over fifty-eight years, a novelty within the Church of Scientology.

Early Years

Richard Joseph Coanda was born October 2, 1931, to Joseph (1910-1970) and Victoria (1908-1979) Coanda.

A young Dick Coanda

South Milwaukee High

While his hometown was Cudahy, Wisconsin, Dick graduated from South Milwaukee High School, class of 1949. When Dick was eighteen years old his mother ran way from home and met a handsome tattooed man who told her he had a job and a car and owned his own home, none of which was true, as she learned after marrying him. She moved in with his parents, who lived in a Rumanian neighborhood.

Dick attended Marquette University as an English Major. In 1955 Dick married Loraine, a marriage that would last fifty-eight years. He graduated with a PhD in Literature at the University of Wisconsin. During this time period Dick was active in the Cursillo Movement in the Catholic Church and served as editor of a small Cursillo newsletter called Ultreya. He was a copyreader for the Milwaukee Sentinel, junior editor of Renascence: A Critical Journal of Letters, editor of the Newman Review, author of more than a dozen articles and reviews for learned journals.

He moved his family to Los Angeles where he accepted a teaching position at the University of Southern California.

Scientology Years

Dick found out about Scientology in 1968 and started attending evening classes at the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles, 2005 West 9th Street. In 1969 Dick moved his family to San Diego where he went to work at the University of San Diego. He gave intro lectures at the Scientology College Avenue Org. On April 17, 1970, Dick, as an associate professor of English at the University of San Diego and a devout Roman Catholic, wrote a letter of support for Scientology (see copy of letter to the right). This letter was eventually reprinted in Scientology's 1974 publication of the book - "Scientology: A World Religion Emerges in the Space Age". The reprint of his letter can be found on page twenty-one of the appendices section of the book.

After 3 years Dick quit his job at the University and joined the Sea OrgAbbreviation for Sea Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). at AOAbbreviation for Advanced Org. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). Organization whose function is to run the Clearing and OT Courses. (FO 1151). He was all ready to move back to LA with his wife and children when the position was cancelled. Dick had everything ready for the move including the cutting off of his phone. His phone was cancelled during his conversation about his move to LA. He took a job at the Church of Scientology of La Jolla (incorporated April 8, 1971) but was off loaded. He held various jobs, one as a manager of an “out of town” newspaper store and one as a short order cook at the cafeteria for mechanics at PSA Airlines. Dick was also the HQSAbbreviation for Hubbard Qualified Scientologist. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976) Course supervisor at Carl Barney’s Scientology Coordinated Services mission on 10th Street. When the mission and the Church of Scientology of La Jolla merged, in February 1973, Dick moved his family to LA where he worked as a Sea OrgAbbreviation for Sea Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). member at ASHOAbbreviation for American Saint Hill Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). as the Briefing Course supervisor. In a Scientology publication of 1973 Dick was featured as a supervisor of the Saint HillThe name of LRH's home in East Grinstead, Sussex, England. (BTB 12 Apr 72R) Special Briefing Course at ASHOAbbreviation for American Saint Hill Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). (see two pictures in the picture gallery).

Dick's first RPFAbbreviation for 1. Rehabilitation Project Force. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). The Rehabilitation Project Force has been created by the Commodore so that redemption can occur. (FO 3434)

In early 1974 Dick was assigned to the 's RPF aboard the Excalibur. In August the was pulled off of the ship to make the newly acquired Chateau Elysee ready for . For days they hauled a bunch of trash out of the basement, after which the scraped and painted. Per FLWUS # 320, dated August 15, 1974, the following RPFer’s were commended for their work;

Coanda's 1970 letter

members, Fall of 1974

Nick Maminakis, Beth MacRae, Ron Stone, Pat Hunter, Doug Nopson, Steve Ambrose, David Holmes, Dick Coanda, Howard Dickman, Sara Reyes, Tom Cochran and Linda Hodge.

In the fall of 1974 Beth MacRae took a picture of the RPFAbbreviation for 1. Rehabilitation Project Force. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). The Rehabilitation Project Force has been created by the Commodore so that redemption can occur. (FO 3434), during breakfast, on the bow of the Excalibur. Dick is pictured with his back to the camera. In January 1975, Dick wrote a commendation (see below) to Howard Dickman, which was used in Howard's RPFAbbreviation for 1. Rehabilitation Project Force. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). The Rehabilitation Project Force has been created by the Commodore so that redemption can occur. (FO 3434) graduation CSWAbbreviation for "Completed Staff Work". An assembled package of information on any given situation, plan or emergency forwarded to me sufficiently complete to require from me only an "approved" or "disapproved". (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976).. Dick graduated from the RPFAbbreviation for 1. Rehabilitation Project Force. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). The Rehabilitation Project Force has been created by the Commodore so that redemption can occur. (FO 3434) and returned to ASHOAbbreviation for American Saint Hill Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976)..

On July 4, 2010, Dick was interviewed by David Thomas about his time on the Excalibur's RPFAbbreviation for 1. Rehabilitation Project Force. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). The Rehabilitation Project Force has been created by the Commodore so that redemption can occur. (FO 3434). At time stamp 6:19 to 6:30 Dick had this to say about his Excalibur RPFAbbreviation for 1. Rehabilitation Project Force. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). The Rehabilitation Project Force has been created by the Commodore so that redemption can occur. (FO 3434) experience - "The first time I was gone for eleven months. I was aboard the Excalibur, that was a lot of fun actually. I lost thirty pounds. They didn't feed us well, didn't feed us well at all". His full interview can be viewed here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NjAyuVLdQ4

In January 2011, after the publication of Howard Dickman's story of the Excalibur's RPFAbbreviation for 1. Rehabilitation Project Force. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). The Rehabilitation Project Force has been created by the Commodore so that redemption can occur. (FO 3434), Dick wrote the following message -

Quote from Dick Coanda, January 31, 2011 at 5:41 pm;

Hi Howard, Thanks for this positive report on the RPFAbbreviation for 1. Rehabilitation Project Force. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). The Rehabilitation Project Force has been created by the Commodore so that redemption can occur. (FO 3434) you and I both served on. What you say is true, but the meals were skimpy — I lost 30 lbs. while there. Others suffered from malnutrition. There was no excuse for that. But we did have good times there. Best, Dick^[1]

Back to ASHOAbbreviation for American Saint Hill Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976).

At ASHOAbbreviation for American Saint Hill Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). Dick held various postsA position from which a terminal operates in an org, where one knows that somebody is at. (FO 2200); SHSBCSaint Hill Special Briefing Course. A complete study of all the auditing materials and lectures up to the OT levels. Certification is a "Class VI" auditor. Supervisor, SHSBCSaint Hill Special Briefing Course. A complete study of all the auditing materials and lectures up to the OT levels. Certification is a "Class VI" auditor. word clearer, D of T, Staff Section Officer, and folder administrator.

LRHL. Ron Hubbard Public Relations

Towards the end of his time with the Church Dick transferred over to LRHL. Ron Hubbard Public Relations as the chief LRHL. Ron Hubbard writer. He wrote for LRHL. Ron Hubbard internal and external PRAbbreviation for public relations. The art of making good works well known. (HCO PL 21 Nov 72 I) and a weekly LRHL. Ron Hubbard briefing. During his time there he penned about 50 LRHL. Ron Hubbard press releases. Finally he was forced to leave SOAbbreviation for Sea Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). Staff at LRHL. Ron Hubbard Public Relations. He had not been doing well, getting into long word chains. He caved in and was sent to his third RPFAbbreviation for 1. Rehabilitation Project Force. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). The Rehabilitation Project Force has been created by the Commodore so that redemption can occur. (FO 3434), which he was in for over a year. In 2000, after a twenty-seven year career with the Church Dick was offloaded.

Life after the Church of Scientology

Dick lived in the apartments right across from Celebrity Centre International. He spent six years running a TV show that promoted Scientology. Dick was an officer of four different Scientology Gung-Ho Groups; a writers club, a poetry club. He was part of a Celebrity Centre poetry club and was invited to give a poetry seminar. Ten minutes before his scheduled time he was informed by the Church that he was not allowed to be on CCAbbreviation for 1. Celebrity Centre, 2. Clearing Course. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976).'s premises. After twenty-seven years of service with the Sea OrgAbbreviation for Sea Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). he wasn't even allowed to get a cup of coffee at the Scientology Church right across the road from where he lived. When Dick found out that David and Aida Thomas were part of the Free Zone he came over but had never officially left the Church of Scientology. In 2010 when he was interviewed he was in the process of writing his eighth volume in a series of hilarious sci-fantasy novels, each about sixty thousand words long. He still strongly considered himself a Scientologist and was living according to the principals of his religion. His full interview can be viewed here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0BSQ1OvYvI

Richard Coanda passed away on Monday, January 6, 2014 around 10:00 am.

Dick Coanda

His obituary read;

Coanda, Richard died on Jan. 6, 2014, age 82. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lori, 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 4 great- grandchildren. He attended Marquette University and earned his PhD in Literature at the University of Wisconsin. Former English professor (Ph.D.) and experienced writer and editor. and 50 press releases as personal public relationsThe art of making good works well known. (HCO PL 21 Nov 72 I) ''Abbr.'' PR officer for L. Ron Hubbard, author or 300 poems and a 10-volume series of satirical science fantasy novels entitled "The Ladder of Love." He was a teacher, writer and poet. Richard's life will be celebrated at Our Mother of Good Counsel, at 2060 N. Vermont, Los Angeles, CA, at 4PM on Jan. 24.

Remembrances of Dick Coanda

News of Dick's passing spread quickly and many who knew him posted their remembrances of him. I have taken the liberty of reporting those comments here;

Dick Coanda

Quote from Aida De Thomas, January 7, 2014;

I have just learned that our dear friend Richard Coanda passed away on Monday, January 6, 2014 around 10:00 am. He was a dedicated Sea OrgAbbreviation for Sea Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). member for many years at ASHOAbbreviation for American Saint Hill Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). D and FDN he was a Word Clearer for the SHSBCSaint Hill Special Briefing Course. A complete study of all the auditing materials and lectures up to the OT levels. Certification is a "Class VI" auditor.. In the earlier years he was an LRHL. Ron Hubbard writer, he wrote articles for the LRHL. Ron Hubbard Unit. He was also a College Professor from San Diego University, where he taught English. He was the best word clearer Scientology has ever seen and he was very good at FDSing too. He helped my husband and me as well as many students to get through our training at ASHOAbbreviation for American Saint Hill Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976).. He was a good father to his children and loved his wife Lori very much. Just last week we got a letter from him; he wanted to participate in a literary group which I am part of, because he loved writing and reading books. He will certainly be missed.

Quotes from Dan Locke, January 9, 2014;

Dick is a good representative of the parts of Scientology that we all love: the best stuff: the "Scientology Zero" stuff of openness, honesty, clarity, humor, ease, "postulates2. a postulate is, of course, that thing which is a directed desire or order, or inhibition, or enforcement, on the part of the individual in the form of an idea. (2ACC 23A, 5312CM14) 3. that self-determined thought which starts, stops or changes past, present or future efforts. (APIA, p. 33) 4. is actually a prediction. (5112CM30B)-v...MORE make things happen, not effort, right?", light-heartedness and ongoing commitment and sincerity. These lovely things I have seen over and over again in all who have ever been in that group. So, I am making some effort to send this tribute out to all I know who were and are a lot like Dick in their character. If you are reading this, either me or someone like me thinks that you are "a real Dick". (Pardon me for that one, but I think Dick might laugh at that. I'll take my chances!)

Quote from Chris Black, January 10, 2014;

"I'd love to see people still "in" the Church and those who are not kind of come together to validate this guy. No one likes the schisms amongst Scientologists." Very true. There are no lines in the sand, no segregated bus seats, when it comes to acknowledging the common affinity1. the feeling of love or liking for something or someone. Affinity is a phenomena of space in that it expresses the willingness to occupy the same place as the thing which is loved or liked...more for one's fellows, especially those who changed so many lives like Richard. Good work was done; just say so.

Quote from Elizabeth Navi, January 15, 2014;

I have a great many originals of his poems. Don't know if they were ever published? If I recall correctly, they were to be published under the title, The Duck Made Me Do It.

Quote from Michael Finely, January 16, 2014;

It's guys like Dick who applied the Standard Tech of LRHL. Ron Hubbard the way that Ron wrote it because he knew in his heart that was what he was meant to do and he did to his last breath. He stuck it out with dedication that only a true Scientologist could.

Quote from Dave Soroka, January

I never knew Dick Coanda well, but I knew him. He was at ASHOAbbreviation for American Saint Hill Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976). during my brief time there in the mid-'80s. Of course I liked him, and from what else I've heard he was an example to us all. And I think if a man's passing can be well used by his friends, this is a way to do it.

Picture Gallery

Lori and Dick Coanda
Dick and Lori Coanda
Dick and Lori Coanda's wedding picture
Dick Coanda and family
Promotional piece for Carl Barney's SCSStart-Change-Stop. An Objective Process...more Missions, 1972
Dick supervising the SHSBCSaint Hill Special Briefing Course. A complete study of all the auditing materials and lectures up to the OT levels. Certification is a "Class VI" auditor. at ASHOAbbreviation for American Saint Hill Organization. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976).
Dick's success story as supervisor of the SHSBCSaint Hill Special Briefing Course. A complete study of all the auditing materials and lectures up to the OT levels. Certification is a "Class VI" auditor.
Scientology: A World Religion Emerges in the Space Age
FLWUS EDAbbreviation for Executive Director. The head of the org. (Modern Management Technology Defined (C) 1976).# 320, August 15, 1974
Commendation from Dick Coanda, January 7, 1975
Dick and Lori Coanda
Dick Coanda and family