Melville Richard Arden Jr.

Richard Arden, 80, of Yucaipa, California, passed away on October 1, 2022 due to complications following heart surgery. He was born May 11, 1942 in Long Beach California to Melville and Dorothy Arden.

He graduated from Pacific High School, San Bernardino, in 1962. In 1963, he married LaDonna Brokaw whom he had met at San Bernardino Valley College. They raised four children and were married for more than 40 years until LaDonna passed away in 2004.

Richard was a general contractor, and started his own business, Mountain View Builders in 1975 from which he had retired in 2018. He specialized in metal and concrete tilt-up buildings, and for the past 20 years, steel structures. Throughout his 43 years as president of his company, he constructed many warehouses, churches, and school buildings throughout the Inland Empire. He took great pride in his projects and received numerous awards over the years.

In 2007, he married Jane Adams. They were able to enjoy the past 15 years together. Spending time with family and friends was Richard's greatest pleasure. He loved the mountains and nature, music, his cat Elliott, taking the RV on the road, and YouTube videos on science, technology, and biblical history. Most of all he loved our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Formerly of Trinity Church in Redlands, he attended Wildwood Calvary Chapel in Yucaipa. His Christian faith enabled him to serve as a strong role model not only for his family but for others.

Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Melville and Dorothy Arden, his first wife LaDonna, his sister Joanne Cornell, and granddaughter Christina Ibarra.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Arden of Yucaipa, daughters Christie Hodgin (Tom) of San Clemente, Debra Mason (Ed) of Yucaipa, Cyndi Garner (Eric) of Redlands, son Kevin Arden (Kristy) of Redlands, stepson Brett Adams (Camille) of San Diego, 17 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren, as well as many close friends.

Visitation will be on October 18, 2022, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel, Redlands CA.

Celebration of Life Service will be on October 19, 2022, at 10:00 am at Wildwood Calvary Chapel, Yucaipa CA.

Reception will follow at Yucaipa Community Park, Community Center from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Graveside services will be on October 21, 2022, at 1:30 pm at Montecito Memorial Park, Colton CA.