Richard E. Frey

Jun 06, 2025 10:00 PM

Richard E. Frey (“Rick”) was born April 19, 1945, in Los Angeles, CA, to Donald and Ruth Frey along with his twin brother, John K. Frey. Rick and John were raised in Santa Clara, CA, and both graduated from the University of the Pacific (UOP) in Stockton, CA in 1967 with majors in Biology.

While at UOP, Rick met the love of his life, Janis M. Miller (“Jani”). The two were married in 1969 and remained inseparable since that day. After UOP, Rick completed Veterinary school at UC Davis in 1972. He and Jani moved to Southern California, where he began his career in veterinary medicine working on large animals, small animals, and exotic animals such as elephants, tigers, pumas, chimpanzees, and others in the Southern California movie scene.

In 1975, Rick and Jani and their then two young sons relocated to Auburn, CA to continue practicing veterinary medicine. In December of 1975, Rick and his veterinary school buddy and friend to this day, Greg Fellers, started Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic (LBVC), along with long-time employee Leslie Lohse in a small house on Taylor Road, next door to the Hardware Emporium. LBVC provided large animal, small animal, and emergency medicine.

In 1978, they broke ground and established a new location on Sierra College Boulevard, which has continued to grow since. Rick Frey and Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic became a fixture in the community, employing many, treating animals of all shapes and sizes, sponsoring local sports teams, hosting the community for summer barbecues, and working year after year to make Loomis the wonderful place it is today. Rick retired in December of 2014 and has spent the past years enjoying time with his six grandchildren, living part-time in Boise, taking road trips, exploring the Oregon Trail, and working on his never-ending projects which included continuing to serve others, including many former employees. After a cardiac arrest on March 31, 2025 and a two month battle, Rick passed away peacefully at home on May 31, 2025, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jani; his three sons Douglas (wife Amy), Greg (wife Martina), John (wife Jenny); grandsons Theo and Andrew (Douglas’ children), James, Mikey, and Ricky (John’s children); granddaughter, Helena (Greg’s child); his sister-in-law Chris (John’s wife); and his nieces through his twin brother Shelly Dini (Frey), and Julie Haas (Frey). He was a beloved uncle and grand-uncle (known as “Uncle Fuzzy” due to his ever-present mustache and beard) to his nieces and grand-nieces, Ava and Mackenzie Haas. Rick left an imprint on so many in the Loomis community and beyond. He will be sorely missed.

A closed-casket visitation service will be held at Chapel of the Hills (331 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603) on Wednesday June 11, from 3:00–7:00 PM, for any and all who wish to pay their last respects. This will be followed by a family-only burial, and then a celebration of life sometime in the months to come.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Rick’s honor to your favorite local charitable organization.