Richard Leroy Lovaas

The world lost one of its kindest men on August 10, 2021, when Richard “Dick” Lovaas passed away. He was born May 31, 1936 in Fosston, Minnesota to Lawrence and Pearl Lovaas. They soon drove in a Model T with baby Richard in his mom’s lap to Applegate, Oregon and spent time in Grants Pass before settling in Ashland, Oregon.

A new chapter in his life began after graduating from Southern Oregon College with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1967. He moved to the Bay Area where he started his 31-year career as an Auditor with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), earning many performance awards. There he met the love of his life, Beverly Abe, and after a 9-month courtship they married on August 19, 1972.

Richard enjoyed reading up on current and past events and watching documentaries. He amazed many with his knowledge of historical events and dates. Spending time with his family brought him the most joy in life.

Richard was preceded in death by his sister Mildred Harding of Paradise, CA. He is survived by his wife Beverly Lovaas of San Jose; twin daughters Michele Cruz and her husband Bobby of Campbell, Karen Mikami and her husband Trent of San Jose; and grandchildren Malia Mikami and Natalie Cruz.