Obituary of Richard Lloyds Elves Sr

Rick Elves (Senior) was born on February, 4, 1946 in San Diego, California to Lloyd and Maxine Elves. He was called to heaven on December 7, 2018 in Monterey, California. He had a wonderful fifty-year marriage to the light of his life, Elizabeth Elves. Mr. Rick Elves had a long career as a successful Monterey Bay businessman. His unique history in our area, love for Monterey Bay and zeal for life helped to make special memories for many locals and visitors alike. Recognized for his culinary creations, by making hand-made confections, Carousel Candies on Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, is an iconic landmark, archived on The History Channel. Since 1960, Carousel Candies, the ‘pretty in pink shop’ with the antique salt water taffy puller has become a tourist and local hot spot. As partner owner of The Lover’s Point Hotel (with the Michaels’ Family), he developed a boutique guest experience for tourists seeking rest and relaxation along the majestic Pacific Coast. His experience as a gemologist and in mining allowed him to be a world class collector of gemstones and artifacts. As a hard working business man, he has provided stable jobs and careers to locals, many of whom have worked for him loyally for decades. Rick Elves has had a crucial role in the development of local California hospitality and tourism industry. Rick’s grandmother, Faye, owned and operated the world famous Harbor House Restaurant, known for the ferry boats that went to Coronado Island. In 1949, the family re-located to the Monterey Peninsula where they owned and operated the land mark Hotel San Carlos (now the Marriott hotel, in downtown Monterey). The family was instrumental in bringing business and big name conventions to our area. They also built up a recognized gift shop, the Harbor House on Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf. The Elves were pioneers and early on, recognized the uniqueness of Cannery Row. With a vision of opening a large restaurant, The Outrigger, which is now the Fish Hopper they brought life and vision to the waterfront. The family also purchased and ran the Lover’s Point Restaurant and operated it for years, it has recently sold and the family has many fond memories of the beachside location. Mr. Elves has traveled Europe and the Holy Land. These travels and interactions brought exotic flavors, combinations and presentations to his style, allowing him to develop and master many specialized flavor profiles within his Carousel Candies Confectionary. Rick Elves was a true connoisseur of fine tastes, a man ahead of his time. His unique blends and highest quality flavors are sought after, allowing for an international following. His hand made salt water taffy and Italian torrone has even been cherished by Pope Francis at The Vatican. Beyond Rick Elves’ special skills as an entrepreneur he is best known as a caring, loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, Padrino (Godfather) and friend. If you knew Rick Elves, then you knew his love of cars, especially corvettes. He also embraced outdoor experi- ences with amazing camping excursions in his ‘state of the art’ motor home. These celebrations brought together family and friends. All felt honored and at peace interacting with such a positive person. Of course, all gatherings had gourmet food and lots of laughter. No matter the situation, Rick always had a smile, a sense of humor and a kind word. Rick Elves was a member of San Carlos Royal Presidio Chapel Parish, Knights of Columbus, Monterey Elks’ Lodge, and the Monterey Chapter of the Italian Catholic Federation. He enjoyed spending many years volunteering and serving I.C.F. lenten fish dinners. Mr. Rick Elves is survived by his devoted wife Elizabeth Elves. His loving sons Richard and Lloyd Elves, his cher- ished grandchildren Arianna, Lloyd, Elizabeth and Maxine Elves, and blessed Godchildren; Kirsten Elves, Sophia Carlson, Paul Curatolo, John John Cardinalli, Shawn Leonard, Hirby Mendoza, Peter Vitarisi and Miguel Fausto. He is also survived by his sister Sally Elves, brother-in- law’s Eddie (Bella) Leonard, Michael (Diane) Leonard and sisterin-law’s; Sally Curatolo, Evelyn (Peter) Vitarisi, Phyllis (Don) Lilly, Debra (Marc) Albert and cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends and loyal business employee’s. Rick Elves is proceeded in death by his parents Lloyd and Maxine Elves and brother-in-law Peter Curatolo. The Elves family embraced a legacy of ‘paying it forward’ with daily acts of kindness. Rick and Elizabeth Elves felt strongly that blessings are meant to be shared and that the very best charity is evident in everyday actions. Should family or friends desire to honor the memory of Mr. Rick Elves, the family suggests that especially during this blessed Christmas season, that you honor the spirit of love and compassion preached by Jesus. As Rick did on a regular and unspoken basis; boost up others with an encouraging word, lend a helping hand with an honest gesture. Pay for a family’s groceries, clean out a senior citizen’s yard, buy a cold soul a warm cup of coffee with extra sugar. These small acts, when multiplied transform the world. “Never underestimate the value of a random act of kindness, as it can positively change the life of another in ways you never imagined.” A public viewing will be held at Mission Mortuary on Thursday Dec. 13 at 6:30 PM the Rosary will be following starting at 7 PM. Funeral mass will be held Friday Dec. 14 at 1:30 PM at San Carlos Cathedral. A celebration of life reception immediatley following at El Torito, Cannery Row.