Richard Begell Jr. Resident of Pleasant Hill Navy Veteran, Pearl Harbor Survivor Dies Richard Grant Begell Jr, 89, passed away peacefully in his Pleasant Hill home March 5, 2012 surrounded by family. He was born in Germany on August 23,1922 to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Grant Begell. In 1942 Dick married Yola Lovi Begell, who predeceased him in 2010. Dick proudly served his country in the US Navy and was on board the USS Castor, a supply ship carrying 2,000 tons of ammunition which survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He and his wife Yola were proud to attend the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Richard retired in 1982 from a career as an Associate Engineer with the California State Dept. of Highways. Dick spent a lifetime putting his family first. Married to Yola for 68 years he set an example for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also a camper and skier, he and Yola particularly enjoyed Lake Tahoe and vacationing in Hawaii. He was fond of gardening and many were blessed by his legendary tomatoes. There wasn't anything Dick couldn't do; he was a craftsman and approached every project with precision and expertise. He was fond of saying, "know your limitations" and "do it while you're young." He made us laugh with his "Dick" ionary of sayings. He will be in our hearts forever. Dick leaves behind sister Phyllis Parmley, brother James Begell, children Janet Eastes of Boise, ID, Richard Begell III of Vacaville, and Martin Begell of Pleasant Hill, as well as seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to attend services at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1965 Reliez Valley Rd, Lafayette at 11:00 am Friday, March 9.

Published in Contra Costa Times on March 8, 2012