Richard Hargrove

Richard Oliver Hargrove Sr.

Richard Hargrove, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother, and long-time resident of Torrance/Redondo Beach passed away on March 29, 2017, two weeks shy of his 86th birthday. Richard was born and raised in Inglewood, CA. Growing up during the Depression and World War II, he raised homing pigeons and he got his first job delivering the Daily News. He was known for riding his bike and folding the papers at the same time. He also worked as a caddy at the Inglewood Country club where he learned to play golf. His Uncle promised him flying lessons if he got straight A's, so he did. He learned to fly and was passionate about aviation. He graduated from Inglewood High School (1949) and went to Cal Berkeley graduating with a degree in engineering. Shortly after college, he married his sweetheart, Eunice. They lived in Germany for 2 years, where Richard served in the Army, and started a family. After his army service, Richard and Eunice returned to southern California and Richard started a long career at Hughes Aircraft Company in the burgeoning aerospace industry. Early in his career, with 4 small children at home, and a full-time job, he pursued graduate school and was awarded a PhD from UCLA. He was devoted to his family and encouraged his children in many ways. In addition to getting his kids interested in local sports, he got the whole family into skiing, starting with a large pile of imported snow at a Torrance park. Eventually he would pack everyone in the car and head to Mammoth

Despite his hard work, he always had time to help his children with their math homework and attend their sporting events. Richard was very handy around the house doing much electrical work, plumbing, and cabinetry. He pursued many hobbies and sports throughout his life including golfing, flying, photography, skiing, bicycling, jogging, ham radio, and bridge. In his later years, he became a devout Christian and enjoyed being a member of the Journey of Faith Church and pursuing many hours of Bible study. He'll be remembered for his infinite patience and kind heart.

Richard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Eunice (Kirkberg) Hargrove; three children, Diane (William), Rick (Lisa), and Linda; his brother, John Hargrove and sister, Jean Engvall; three grandchildren, John, David, and Oliver; two great grandchildren, Isaiah and Augustine; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was sadly preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Valerie.

In honor of Richard's wishes, donations can be made to the Journey of Faith Church (Manhattan Beach, CA). A memorial service, followed by a reception, will be held on Monday, May 22 at 1 PM at Journey of Faith Church. His ashes will be interred at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego following a brief ceremony on July 3, 2017 at 2:30 PM. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits