A Great Life, Well Lived The world is a little more empty with the passing of Richard Alfred Church. He was a great, yet humble man. Loved by all, and he loved all. Born July 17, 1924 to Robert and Virginia Church at the Presidio in San Francisco California, he was one of three brothers and a sister. Richard moved to San Diego as a young child and it became his home town for the majority of his 92 years. Attending San Diego High School he soon heard the call of war and defending his country. He enlisted in 1942 in the Navy, a natural for a San Diegan. He completed his basic and then advanced training as a Torpedoman's mate with specialized training in the critical technology of batteries. He quickly went to sea. First stop Hawaii, the jumping off point for the war in the Pacific. While his stay in Hawaii was filled with anxious anticipation of the fight to come, Richard made the most of his time in the islands. Richard knew how to make the best of any situation, and he made us laugh with his wonderful, detailed stories of the adventures he had as a young man in the service. The following years until his honorable discharge in October, 1945 were filled with excitement, risk, travel, time in Australia, and satisfaction of doing his duty for his country. Returning to San Diego he reconnected with his junior high school sweetheart, Afton Lee. Kicking off the greatest journey of his life with his true love, Richard and Afton married in February of 1946 and started their family. First Karen Lee was born followed four years later by Richard Allen. Their family lives focused on children, the sea, friends and playing and working together. He loved road trips, boating, dancing, and living life to it's fullest. Richard's career lead him to management roles with Ryan Aeronautics, advancement and relocation to Wisconsin and another great chapter in Richard and Afton love and adventure together. After successfully living the corporate life, Richard's desire to be his own boss and return to San Diego caused him to develop his own pool service and repair business, expanding his relationship to a whole new group of associates and friends. He quickly built a successful business and moved into a leadership position with the International Pool Service Association (IPSA). He was one of three businessmen who established the San Diego chapter of this organization, and Richard was a prominent member, leader, and president of this chapter. While career achievements were important, Richard always kept his focus on what was important, family and friends. His friends spanned generations as he was just as likely to be found working on a car of one of Karen or Rick's friends as going boating with one of his generational peers. These relationships lasted a lifetime. The family says "He never met a person he did not like, or did not like him". A rare accomplishment in this world. His home in La Mesa for forty-five years continued to build and deepen his friendships. His neighbors loved him and he loved them. They became like family and in his later years great providers of love and companionship. Rick and Sara blessed Richard and Afton with their wonderful granddaughter Ashley Danielle in July of 1991. She quickly became the love of their life and a focus with whom to share their life lessons. The family, and the large extended family of friends mourned the loss of Afton Lee Church in 2006. The loss left a large hole in Richard's heart, but the loving memories, family and friends and the multiple pictures and memorabilia kept her alive and provided constant company. The challenges of his health never daunted his spirit nor his love for life. He was blessed with a sharp mind until the very end. On January 1, 2017 the Lord took him home after a continual struggle with Congestive Heart Failure for the two years. Richard is survived by his loving children, Karen and Rick, his beloved granddaughter Ashley and his daughter in law and son in law Sara Church and Dale Tyerman. In remembering Richard we remember the love he gave and got. The impact he had on the lives of those who knew him, or even just met him. He was a caring and loving man, who loved to give of himself to others. The family also wants to express their gratitude for the care he received from the Veterans Administration Hospital in La Jolla and the many home care providers who met his every need. Richard with be interred with his loving wife and lifelong best friend Afton at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery with military honors. A Celebration of Life will be held at his home in La Mesa, California on February 25th from 1-4 PM. Please sign the guest registry so that the family can invite your participation in his Celebration of Life. May God bless Richard Alfred Church and all who knew and loved him.