Richard R. Kempter Ph.D., age 86, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026. He was born on June 17, 1939 in Minneapolis, MN, where he grew up.

Richard earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. He earned his Ph.D in psychology from the University of Michigan. He had a private psychotherapy practice in Ann Arbor, worked in several Michigan prisons as a clinical psychologist, and managed the psych department of Bellevue Hospital’s residential community for homeless, mentally ill, and substance abuse. These experiences heightened his awareness of racism and privilege. He worked for several years in computer programming in Southeast MI and NYC. He also taught psychology courses at NYC colleges for more than twenty years.

Richard was a hippy, participating in anti-war protests and sit-ins in the 1960s, eating tofu and doing yoga long before it was common. He was an avid exerciser throughout his life, jogging, hiking, biking and roller blading, he was always on the move.

Richard is survived by daughters, Kelly Kempter (Scott Bogard) and Erica Kempter (Mike Levine), and sons, James Whigham, Carlise Whigham (Dorthea Oakes), Juan Whigham, and Derrel Cummings and grandchildren Jahri Sow, Tyreke Whigham, Lukus Whigham, Maya Whigham, Janai Whigham, Juan Whigham Jr, Daryl Jones, Jordan Jones, and DJ Whigham. He was preceded in death by his mother, Arietta Dessolee (Prieur) Kempter and father, Richard Raymond Kempter Sr, and his sister, Karen Hoy.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to his caregiver of two and a half years, Titi, who showered him with love and added freedom and meaning to his life. We also thank the amazing staff at Chelsea Retirement Community and Arbor Hospice for the care and compassion they gave him leading up to his final days.