Richard Keith Savage's Obituary
Richard Keith SavageJune 18, 1931-October 26, 2019 Richard Keith Savage passed away October 26, 2019 in Spring Valley CA.He was born on June 18, 1931 to Keith and Ruth Savage in Holtville, CA where he spent his childhood and teenage years.Richard graduated as valedictorian of his class at Holtville Union High School in 1948. After High School, he took Naval ROTC classes at the local Jr College, went on a midshipman cruise to Hawaii, and then attended UCLA where he majored in accounting. During this time, a friend from Holtville introduced him to Jacqueline Harvey who was, at the time, residing with her parents in San Diego, and suggested that he might like to write to her. Through letters, dates at UCLA functions and visits to San Diego, their friendship soon turned to love. Richard and Jackie were married on June 27, 1953 at The Little Chapel of the Roses in Chula Vista, CA.Immediately after their marriage, Richard, who was awarded his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1952, was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. The couple moved to Bayonne, New Jersey, where Richard attended Navy Supply Corps School. Six months later they were back in San Diego where Jackie lived with her parents while Richard served as dispersing officer on the ships Hector and Guadalupe on tours to Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Europe during the Korean War.In 1953, Richard and Jackie moved to La Mirada, CA, where Richard worked for the Arthur Anderson Accounting firm. During this time, their first child, David, was born. On David’s first birthday, in 1958, the family moved to El Cajon CA so that their children could be raised in a “small town”. In 1960, the family was joined by a daughter, Debra. Richard became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1961, and the family was sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on January 27, 1962.Over the next several decades, Richard kept busy with work, church, and raising his family. After leaving Arthur Anderson, he worked for the companies of Aero Chatillon, Fairchild, Westgate California, and Pathway Bellows, before starting his own private CPA practice in the 1980’s. He was active in his community as a Rotarian and served on the board of the Economics and Education Foundation. At church, Richard served in many and various capacities and callings including Ward Clerk, Stake Executive Secretary, 2nd Counselor in the ward bishopric, and senior high council member. During this time, his cell phone ringtone was “When the Saints Go Marching in!”Richard was blessed with seven grandchildren who were the light of his life. They had a tradition of weekly lunches at McDonald’s and often had sleepovers at his house.Richard enjoyed traveling with his wife and son, Dave, and cheering on the Los Angeles Lakers with them. He kept active in Rotary where he was asked to give the blessing on the food almost every week.In his later years, Richard’s daughter,Debbie, kept him busy and active with brain games, crossword puzzles, physical therapy, YMCA classes and weekly trips to Pine Valley for lunch at Major’s Diner.Richard was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Lawrence Michael Savage, and his beloved wife, Jackie.He is survived by his son David (Sherry) Savage of La Jolla, his daughter, Debbie (Dan) Schwendinger of El Cajon, CA, grandchildren Jonathan (Whitney) Schwendinger, Matthew Schwendinger, Rebecca (Anton) Burman, Sarah, Melissa, Jessica and Benjamin Schwendinger and great grandchildren Kajsa, Mattias and Annevi Burman.Richard will be dearly missed, but his family takes comfort in the knowledge that he is now reunited with his beloved wife, family and friends, and rejoicing with his Savior, Jesus Christ, and that through His plan, families can be together forever.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Richard Savage to the “Could You!” project through the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary.
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