Richard Dean Lunde

It is with a heavy heart we let you know of Richard's unexpected passing. On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, only one day after his 63rd Birthday. He had recently spent precious laughter filled time with much of his family. As always, there were many hugs, plenty of stories, much talk of cars and as always, laughter.

Richard was an award winning "Car Guy." An enthusiast does not begin to describe his knowledge and passion for classic cars. He had an appreciation for nostalgia, a love for old cars and Gunsmoke episodes.

He enjoyed working at his frozen yogurt shoppe, Frugos Yucaipa. He always loved meeting families, little kids and seeing his favorite regulars on "date night." He would be eager to recount all the nice folks he met from the community.

Richard had a dynamic personality, and was a fun-loving jokester. He brought such joy and light to his boys, their wives, the grandbabies, his sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, friends, his dog, Bentley and his wife Sara.

Richard was adored by so many, making his loss all the more difficult.

As a father and step-father, Richard was very proud of his boys that have grown to become highly respected men. Ryan, Kyle, Troy and Matthew were able to visit often and blessed to talk on most days... mostly for advice about about cars. They referred to Richard as their "Best Friend."

He was so pleased to have such lovely and beautiful daughters-in-law, all that loved spending time with him. Samantha, Autumn, Sarah, Megan and Maylene. These women were so special and supportive, Richard would comment how blessed he felt with them in his life.

Richard's face would light up and literally glow when he talked about his grandbabies or was shown a new photo of them. He adored each one of them, Kiera, Mikayla, Lacie, Lajla and the newest, first boy, Miller Dean. He would have loved being present for graduations, weddings and great grandbabies.

Fortunately, Richard and Sara were able to recently able to spend a week in Lake Havasu, Arizona with his tight knit family of sisters and brothers-in-law. As always there was lots of laughter and many hugs. The sisters truly treasured their baby brother. Diana Berresford, Jeanette Lucas, Lorraine (Lori) Oliva, Carla Sanders and their husbands, Bob, Bobby and Tim. The guys talked about cars, went to look at cars then relaxed with a beer to talk about more cars. At the end of the visit, there was the ever famous "Lunde Goodbye," typically an hour process of hugs and kisses. They were always a positive and supportive part of Little Richie's life.

Richard always lived in Redlands or Yucaipa California. He attended Redlands High School. He became best friends with Melinda Murray Adams and Tony Hanna, then later their spouses, Russ Adams and Gaby Hanna. They have remained friends throughout the years, always there for each other, and remaining the three musketeers.

Everyone that knows Richard, knows Bentley, his faithful companion and little buddy. They loved each other very much and would play "Red Ball" or soccer. Sometimes, Bentley would let him win. He misses his Dad.

Richard said he felt complete marrying his best friend and love, Sara. They were known for constant talking and laughter. It was obvious to all that he cherished and enjoyed his wife and their special connection. Many times they were told, "I want what you two have!" Sara loved Richard with all her heart, together they planned a beautiful, memorable wedding and life together. He made it a point to work hard every day to show his love and devotion to Sara. She will forever treasure the time they had together and lament that it was so brief.

In closing, one day after his 63rd Birthday, Richard was watching Gunsmoke, Bentley on his lap and took a forever nap. Unexpected but peaceful. His loved ones and friends are all in shock and struggling with his loss. He was dearly cherished and will be profoundly missed. Richard Dean Lunde will be forever loved.