Richard D. Base

RICHARD D. BASE passed away peacefully from this life on Friday, July 31, 2009. He was born November 7th, 1931 to Chet and Mary Base, in San Dimas, California. He attended elementary schools in Pomona, Ontario and Chino, moving with his enterprising father and artistic mother. He enjoyed a childhood of exploration and adventure with his younger siblings, Ron and Patricia Schlabach Davis. He graduated from Pomona High School, Class of 1949, and has been instrumental in keeping the class connected. He has served on th e Reunion Planning Committee, and has coordinated countless quarterly luncheons. Rich married Eleanor R. Hinds in 1950, then enlisted in the Navy in 1951. He served on the Genesee for 2-1/2 years, based in Pearl Harbor. Elly kept the home fires burning, welcoming their first born son, Ryan Dean, while Rich was out to sea. Rich completed his naval career on a sub chaser in San Diego, and was honorably discharged as a Second Class Petty Officer in 1954. Rich and Elly returned to Pomona to work for h is father at Base Transportation and pursue his college education. He received an A.A. in Transportation from Mount San Antonio College, then a B.A. in Speech from La Verne College in 1961. By this time, son Dana Lee and daughter Dena Kay joined the family. Upon graduating, Rich taught 6th, then 5th grade in La Puente, while he and Elly both worked on M.A.s at Redlands College. In 1963, Rich began a 17-year career with the California Elks Major Project as a Speech Pathologist. In 1972, Rich started making capital investments, which would eventually lead to a portfolio of properties in Minnesota, Idaho, Missouri, Washington, Wisconsin and California. His donation of property in Montana to the University of La Verne led to the development of a field research station there for the University. Rich worked for Carl Hertz from 1980 to 1985, building the Desert Pacific Charter bus line. He led his first travel tour in 1980 to Baja, California for the Audubon Society. He also led numerous fishing excursions to Baja , Canada and Alaska, a state that held a special allure for both Rich and Elly. A gregarious adventurer, Rich loved to share his passions with others. From 1985 on, Rich managed his personal property investments. From 1988-92 he worked with his son-in-law, Doug Carter, with summer harvest trucking in Kern County. Rich and Elly both have been rolling stones, traveling to all 50 states during their 59 years of marriage. "I was always a student of the Westward movement" Rich explained of his love for explori ng the U.S. His children observe that there isn't a highway in the U.S. that he hasn't been on. He seemed to have a virtual map of the entire country in his mind. Rich's many interests also embraced train travel, animal husbandry, antiques, rock hounding, lapidary design, business development and a voracious pursuit of knowledge. He was involved with son Ryan and wife, Anne, in investments and orcharding. He shared an environmental kinship with son, Dana and wife, Chris and their children, Cari and Caitli n of the state of Washington. He and Elly both were devoted volleyball fans of daughter, Dena Carter. In recent years they faithfully followed granddaughter Mackenzie Carter's volleyball pursuits. Rich loved family, and genealogy and he maintained a network of friendships nationwide. His jovial smile, twinkling eyes, mountain man beard and eternal sense of optimism were his trademarks. (It tickled him to be mistaken for Santa Claus!) With a unique set of talents and diversity of life experiences, Rich was i nimitable. In later years his heart weakened, his indomitable spirit did not. He lived life fully and with determination. We celebrate his life; take comfort in his salvation; yet will miss beyond measure his dynamic presence. A Celebration Service of Richard's life will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 2:00PM at Pomona First Baptist Church, Room B100. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.