Celebration of life planned for longtime Loomis veterinarian Rick Frey

Dr. Richard E. "Rick" Frey, co-founder of Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic and a beloved fixture in the Loomis community for nearly four decades, passed away May 31, 2025, at age 80. He was surrounded by family. Born April 19, 1945, in Los Angeles, Frey was raised in Santa Clara alongside his twin brother, John. He graduated from University of the Pacific in 1967 with a degree in biology, and it was there he met Janis "Jani" Miller, the woman who would become his wife of 56 years. After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from UC Davis in 1972, Frey began practicing in Southern California, where his work ranged from large and small animals to exotic species, including elephants, tigers and chimpanzees involved in the film industry. In 1975, Rick and Jani relocated to Auburn with their young family. That December, Frey and veterinary school classmate Greg Fellers opened Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic in a small house on Taylor Road. The practice later expanded to Sierra College Boulevard and became a trusted destination for generations of pet owners and ranchers. As the clinic's first employee, Leslie Lohse said Frey's impact was felt immediately. "From day one, Rick made sure the employees knew they were an integral part of the team and important to the success of the clinic," Lohse said. "Being a part of LBVC, you instantly were family." She said former employees from the clinic's early years are traveling from across the country to attend his celebration of life, a testament, she said, to the lasting impact he had on their lives. Frey's influence extended beyond veterinary medicine. According to Randy Elder, Frey was a generous supporter of the Blue Goose Renovation Project, contributing financially and frequently serving as the BBQ chef leading the "Vet crew" at the South Placer Heritage Foundation's annual Celebrity Chef event. His steady involvement helped build the momentum that transformed the Blue Goose into a community gathering place. Frey retired in December 2014 but remained active, devoting his time to family, road trips and continued service to others. Known affectionately as "Uncle Fuzzy" for his ever-present mustache and beard, he was deeply devoted to his wife, sons and six grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, March 8, at 1 p.m. at The Blue Goose Event Center, 3550 Taylor Road in Loomis. In anticipation of a large response, RSVPs are requested by Monday, Feb. 23. Those wishing to RSVP can contact Leslie at 530-320-2030 or Kristin at 916-316-6254.