Richard “Rick” Charles Loomis was born in Long Beach, California on October 14, 1948 to dedicated mother, Marjorie, and father, Dick. During his childhood, Rick lived in Inglewood, CA along with his three older siblings, Gary, Darrien and Stephen. Even at a young age, Rick was a protector of his family – a trait that persisted into adulthood and extended to include his most cherished friends.
After moving to Long Beach as a teenager, Rick graduated from Lakewood High School in 1966 and immediately enlisted in the United States Marines Corps. At age seventeen he deployed to Vietnam as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (aka the Magnificent Bastards).
As a “gun grunt,” Private Loomis spent most of his 10-month combat deployment on the frontlines of the demilitarized zone, enduring the notoriously gruesome conditions at Con Thien while engaged in near-constant battle. After being promoted to Corporal, Rick returned home and was honorably discharged. In addition to his service medals and various other honors, Rick received a Presidential Unit Commendation Ribbon and a USMC Sharpshooter Badge. Members of Rick’s battalion still recall his generosity, brotherhood and bravery in battle.
After his military service, Rick traveled the world as a tour director. In 1974, he and his brother, Steve, opened their first restaurant, the wildly popular Red Onion in Newport Beach, CA. Together, they went on to open three additional restaurants: Panama Joe’s Grill & Cantina (Long Beach), The Park (Corona del Mar), and Fly ‘N’ Fish Oyster Bar & Grill (Newport Beach). Rick’s many passions in life included sport fishing, traveling, lunching with friends, and conducting elaborate pranks on his friends and brother, Steve. Rick was also an exceptional cook –an art form he learned spending countless hours in the kitchen with his adored mother.
Rick will be remembered widely for his big heart, larger-than-life personality and unwavering lust for life. He was a loving husband; a devoted father, son, and brother; a proud US Marine; a passionate restaurateur; and a man of God. Rick was tough but also tender, and was always the first to offer support to others in times of sickness, need or loss. He had an unforgettable sense of humor that was matched by a smile as wide as his face. Despite his experience in war and countless life-altering health issues, Rick considered himself the “luckiest man in the world” up until the very end. In his final days, he expressed his happiness and joy, his love for family and friends, and requested that we “let the good times roll.” Even death couldn’t slow him down, because as Rick would say, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine. OORAH!!”
Rick passed peacefully and surrounded by family at his home in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 26th, 2025. Rick is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Kathie; his children, Ricky, Garrett, Erika and son-in-law Damon; sister, Darrien; and brother, Stephen.
Rick, as we mourn your loss and will inevitably face further hardships in life, we shall forever remember that we are descendants of a warrior.