Richard Lee Laff 1931-2009

RICHARD (RICH) LEE Richard (Rich) Lee Laff passed away on Sunday June 28, 2009, he was 77. Rich was born to Harold W. and Mary Gertrude (Walsh) Laff on November 17, 1931, in Columbus, Ohio. Survivors include his wife of 55 years Arlene, sons Jimmie (Sherry), Rob (Rosemary), Tim (Louise), Tom (Pam), Ron (Cathy), John (Tobey), Donnie (Michelle predeceased), 20 grandchildren, and six great- grandchildren.

Rich was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He joined the Navy in December 1951 and served his country during the Korean War aboard the USS DeHaven DD-727. He met his wife Arlene M. Johnston while he was in the Navy.

They were married on June 26, 1954. Rich and Arlene moved to California soon after and raised their sons in the east county of San Diego settling in Descanso during the early 70's. Rich was a highly skilled welder working for numerous San Diego companies throughout his career until he retired as a Chief Welding Engineer in the early 90's. Rich's passion was buying and selling real estate, especially in his home state of Ohio where he spent a majority of his summers during the past 28 years. He was a former member of the DeHaven Sailors Association.

Rich was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great-grand-father and will be missed by all who knew him.

Photo taken at Naval housing in early 80's l-r Ken Stilson, Lloyd Gasway, Vern Brewster, Roy Neilson and Rich Laff