Richard Alan Sewell

April 9, 1932-January 19, 2007 A Southern California native, Richard Sewell was born and raised in Glendale. After graduating from Herbert Hoover High School, he attended USC where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He graduated Cum Laude and was then commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.

Richard moved to Newport Beach in 1959. He became a general contractor, developing income units in Dana Point. He created, owned and managed Westbay Properties in Costa Mesa.

He was a long time member of the Costa Mesa Kiwanis, Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, USC Cardinal and Gold and The Apartment Association of Orange County.

A generous man to many local organizations, such as Girls Inc., Hoag Hospital , Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles, and the Small Business Institute at CSU, Fullerton, Richard always had a great love and concern for children and one of his many contributions to their well being was the funding of the Richard A. Sewell Mentoring Center in N.W. Pasadena, operated by Catholic Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He was also a very giving person to friends in need.

He is remembered for his keen intelligence and quick sense of humor. Richard enjoyed snow skiing, boating and dancing. His great love was fly-fishing in Montana and especially Christmas Island where he is a three time world record holder for the Great White Travally. He was very fond of the people on Christmans Island and was very generous to them over the years, including the funding of the Richard A. Sewell wing of the local high school along with scholarships for island children unable to afford schooling.

He is survived by his two children; daughter, Laurie Sewell Cappello and husband Gerard and son, Jeff Sewell and wife Mary and five grandchildren: Blake, Sofia, Iris, Anna and Elena.

A private family burial took place at Forest Lawn Cementery in Glendale. A celebration of Richard’s life is planned for Monday February 5th from 2:00-5:00p.m. at the Pacific Club, 4110 MacArthur Blvd. Newport Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice or anyone so inspired could perform a loving act of kindness in Richard’s memory.