Richard Spader devoted his career to the American Angus Association until his sudden death, October 13, 2001. His career with the American Angus Association began in 1969 as the assistant director of performance programs and in 1976 was chosen to direct that department. Under his direction the Association issued its first Sire Evaluation Report and Pathfinder Report and initiated the use of estimated breeding values by Angus breeders. In 1981, he was named executive vice president. He served two terms on the Beef Improvement Federation board of directors, and served on the boards of the Beef Industry Council of the National Livestock & Meat Board and the National Pedigreed Livestock Council. He was past president of the U.S. Beef Breeds Council.