Richard Darrell Losee

1932 ~ 2012
Richard D. Losee (Dick), 79, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2012 at home with his family. He suffered with kidney failure, diabetes, and various other health complications. Dick was born to Isaac Addison and Evelyn Harriet Wright Losee in Los Angeles, California on December 25, 1932. At the age of 10, his parents returned to Salt Lake City where he continued his schooling and graduated from Jordan High School in 1950.
He was multi-talented. From the time he was eight years old he played the saxophone, formed his own band, performed at Lagoon, Saltair, weddings, celebrations for the community, schools and numerous functions. He was invited to be the guest soloist for the Utah Valley Symphony in the Provo LDS Tabernacle on April 15, 1987 to a two night packed audience and also soloed at the Sundance Outdoor Theatre. His beloved wife, JoAnn, who loved him beyond measure, was his greatest applauder wherever he performed. It was music that brought them together. He met JoAnn Bullock because she was looking for a dance band, and their dear friend Kaye Burgen mentioned to JoAnn, "I know a terrific band" and they met. It was love at first sight. Because of his music and great salesmanship, Daynes Music Company of Salt Lake City, asked him to open the Daynes Music Company in Provo on University Avenue, which he did at age 19.
He was drafted into the Korean War on Valentine's Day 1954 and reported to Fort Ord in Monterey, California for basic training on February 15, 1954. He was in the 6th Infantry Division Band and honored with a service award on July 24, 1954. While in basic training, JoAnn called him at Fort Ord. It is almost impossible for a Private in the Army with 30,000 troops to be called to the phone; however, JoAnn can be very persuasive, she said, "Honey, do you still want to marry me? Of course he said yes. So she said, "I'll be down on the next plane." She got a day off of work and he got an overnight pass. They drove to Carson City, Nevada and were married on July 4, 1954 at 10 minutes after midnight on Sunday morning. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 21, 1958. This was only the beginning. His orders came down and a miracle happened. He was to be stationed in Germany; the only one of two in his company, the rest all went to Korea. He was put in charge of the Army Dance Band there. Eight long months later, JoAnn joined him in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. He was attached to a tank division in the 2nd Armored Division. They also had a fabulous concert and marching band that performed all over Europe for Army functions and community concerts. They lived in a one room apartment on the Nahe River. They had a bicycle and JoAnn rode on the handle bars as Dick peddled them over the cobblestone streets.
They came home January 17, 1956, and Dick attended Brigham Young University. They had their little boy on July 17, 1956.
Dick, along with JoAnn and her parents, opened Bullock & Losee Jewelers on November 11, 1956 (later to become Losee Jewelers) and enjoyed 54 wonderful and successful years in the business. They were recognized in many articles, magazines and newspapers, and were known as the "Jewel of Jewelers."
They were blessed with three children, Richard Scot (Boni Zupan) Losee, Vanessa (Robert N.) Alard and Debby (Raymon A.) Bruni II. They currently have 11 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. They meet for Sunday dinners at their home, and have done so forever.
Dick was a nationally recognized automobile collector. He owned 50 beautiful classic, antique and exotic automobiles, which were displayed in the Kress Building in Provo for many years. The cars were exhibited in parades, functions and exhibits throughout the West.
Dick was an active member of the Provo Kiwanis Club for forty years. Among their many achievements, recognitions and awards, Utah Valley University named the "Losee Student Success Building" in their honor and He and JoAnn received the Reed O. Smoot Award from the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce for their excellence in business.
They have resided in the Provo River Bottoms for 42 years. Dick was called to be the Bishop of the Edgemont 1st Ward on June 5, 1977, serving for 6 years, and as High Councilman for 17 years. He was also in a Branch Presidency at the Missionary Training Center in Provo for five years. In earlier years he served as president of the Elders Quorum, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Sunday School teacher, and home teacher. He had a strong constitution and was an example in every respect of what you would want to emulate. His family greatly loved, admired and respected him and listened and followed his wise counsel. His wife loves him immeasurably and has felt it an honor and a privilege to care for him through his many years of illness.
The family would like to thank from the bottom of their hearts, Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, Dialysis DaVita Center, Utah Valley Specialty Hospital, Provo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, and Doctors Terry Hammond, Tracy A. Hill, Robert P. Smilanich, Chun Hwang, and James Woodmansee.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Edgemont Stake Center, 303 West 3700 North, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at the church Friday, February 3, from 6-8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be emailed to info@bergmortuary.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Richard D. Losee are being received by the National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016, or online at www.kidney.org.