San Clemente - Richard (Ric) Allen Jones, 66, passed away at home peacefully on February 26, 2025, in San Clemente after complications related to advanced cancer. Born and raised in Garden Grove, CA, Ric was always drawn to the ocean. His teenage years were spent surfing all over Orange County, with 17th Street in Huntington Beach being his favorite surf spot.

Of all the surf stories Ric loved to share, one stood out. The waves called him to a surf spot near the Western White House Estate while President Nixon was at the residence. His surf session abruptly ended in a chase down the beach by Secret Service agents as it was a secured area. He recounted the story with enthusiasm, perfectly capturing his zest for life.

A proud graduate of the University of California, Irvine, and Southwestern Law School, Ric embarked on a highly successful legal career that spanned 42 years. While Ric loved his work, he retired from his practice to build his dream home in East Cape, Baja. He was also the world's most dedicated "Grampy" and cherished every moment babysitting his new grandbaby. A man of many interests, Ric also had a passion for sailing his Hobbie Cat, painting (with a talent for making a mess), and never missed a chance to catch a UCI Basketball game or Monday Night Football. As a bachelor, he was a regular at the Mexican restaurant, El Patio, where he enjoyed countless meals and would make conversation with anyone. The El Patio tradition continued when Ric had a family, and it became an all-around favorite.

Ric lived big, gave generously- often providing Pro Bono legal work- and made friends wherever he went. He left the world a little brighter (and probably covered in more paint). His family will miss him endlessly but know that he is at peace.

Ric's ashes will be scattered off the coast of the East Cape, Baja in a private gathering with his wife Leanne, children Kathryn, Carlos (daughter-in-law Whitney), and grandson Tavish. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation in Ric's memory. He never stopped fighting and admired their work greatly.