Richard Buck Brain

Longtime Thousand Oaks resident, 91 years young, Richard B. Brain died, Sunday, March 16, at home surrounded by family and friends. Richard was born and raised in New Jersey. Went to a private college-prep high school. After receiving a postcard from a friend in California of bikini clad gals, Richard moved to California from Plainfield, New Jersey.

He worked at Westinghouse, Lavender Construction and later began working with the Cement Masons Union. He loved connecting people with people and people with jobs. He earned his teaching credentials and taught cement mason’s apprenticeship programs many years at Ventura College. He also worked with Ventura county Building Trades assisting young men and women to get into the various crafts. After several more years Richard started the Work Preservation Program and Compliance for Cement Masons Local 500 and 600. Richard was always proud to mention that his older son Scott worked with him for many years and then Richard worked for Scott. Richard worked as Compliance Officer for the Union to the ripe young age of 89…yes, 89.

Richard was a member of the Moorpark Presbyterian Church, where his wife Janet Loughry served as Associate Pastor. Together they again attended, served and volunteered at First Presbyterian Church, Oxnard; and most recently Monte Vista Presbyterian Church in Newbury Park.

Richard is survived by his wife Janet of 33 years, two sons, Scott (Melissa) and Greg (Karen), four grandchildren: Joshua, Amanda (Brian), Laura (Mike), Madison (Chase); and six great grandchildren: Emma, Levi, Logan, Zachary, Sean, Everley. Sister-in-law Kay, nieces Teri (Cliff), Gail (Joe); grand nieces Stephanie (Arlo), Haley; grand nephews Don and Jeffrey; great niece Harper.

Services are planned to be held at the Monte Vista Presbyterian Church.