Randolph Leonard Hargrave, 72, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2013, at home in Laguna Beach among family and with his dog on his lap. The cause was chronic lung failure due to a severe reaction to a medication.
Hargrave, whom family members and close friends knew as Randy, was born to Hallett Leonard and Lena Ashton Hargrave, March 27, 1941, in Upland, Calif. Hargrave graduated from Claremont High School in 1960 and went on to the school of hard knocks as he pursued various jobs and business ventures in the real world.
Hargrave married Kathleen Jane Morgan on April 29, 1961. The couple lived in different parts of Claremont for the next 35 years. Always fond of the beach and their second home in Laguna Beach, they made a permanent move to Laguna in the late ‘90s until the present.
Hargrave in his early newlywed years bought into San Dimas Ready Mix with Al Preszler. He devoted much of his work life and effort into this business.
At this same time, he was very active in the kid’s lives, from Little League, PDCA, bowling leagues, hunting, fishing, drag racing, car collecting and of course traveling and driving his Porsche.
In 1984, both Hargrave and his wife purchased what was then known as Apex Painting from a family friend. The company has proved to be a family business for the entire family for years to come. Today, with the help of Hargrave and his extraordinary vision, the business has evolved, grown to extraordinary heights and gained national respect under its current name, Apex Imaging Services. In recent years, Apex has been spearheaded by Hargrave’s oldest son Hal, joined with his daughter Deb, son Randy Jr., and his wife Katie, who never slows down.
On any given day, most of Hargrave’s grandkids are active and usually visible at Apex’s office in Pomona. In the last few years, with Hargrave’s inspired vision the company has taken on new, shared interests with the Be Perfect Foundation, founded by grandson Hallett Hargrave and immediate family. The key point and day-to-day operator is Lorie Hargrave.
Randy and Katie Hargrave were fortunate enough to gain friendships through the San Gabriel Valley Porsche Club, South Coast PCA, 356 Club, PDCA, and local Lagunans. Their love of wine and travel took them on trips all over the globe where they were sure to meet new lifelong friends. Touring with longtime friends in their Porsches around the U.S. was always a highlight for Hargrave. His need for speed, bonding and friendship was cemented with this great group.
Most of Hargrave’s conversations evolved around fishing, hot rods, Ferraris and of course his favorite, Porsches.
Some of Hargrave’s best Sunday afternoons were spent in Laguna’s downtown Marine Room Tavern watching The Missiles of October band. The family would like to thank the mayor of Laguna, Kelly Boyd, for giving them the chance to experience those great moments.
Hargrave is survived by three children, Deborah Hargrave, Hallett and wife Lorie, and Randy Jr. and wife Renae; ten grandchildren, Jennifer Shirlock, Ian Shirlock and soon to be wife Maria, Shelby Shirlock, Hallett K. Hargrave, Corey Hargrave, Hailey Hargrave, Bella Hargrave, Randi Lee Hargrave, Jennifer Fortey, and Carissa Bailey; great-grandchild Kaydrien Shirlock; and family dinners could always include a real conundrum of grandchildren’s friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, and partners.
Hargrave was always known as a visionary and somebody who was passionate about his hobbies and various collections, but the thing that he valued most was his family. And that vision will live on for years to come as his legacy will live on forever.
Services will be held for Hargrave at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave. A reception will follow immediately at Hotel Laguna, 425 S. Coast Highway. A private burial is planned at Claremont’s Oak Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and condolences, the family requests that donations in Hargrave’s name be made to the Be Perfect Foundation, 720 Indigo Ct., Pomona, Calif., 91711.
