Richard Nave, former San Rafael councilmember, dies at 93

Richard Nave, a former San Rafael councilmember and Marin business owner, has died at the age of 93.

Mr. Nave died on June 12, said his son Richard Nave Jr., a Novato resident. He said the crowd of 400 people that attended his father’s funeral service on June 28 was a testament to his lasting impact on the county.

“He was an incredible father. He had a big family. There are so many things that he was. As a close family, there was a lot of things we did together and we will continue to do,” Nave said.

The Nave family goes back to the late 1800s in Marin. San Rafael Mayor Kate Colin said Mr. Nave, who served on the City Council from 1983 to 1987, was deeply involved in the city’s life as a leader and business owner.

“Richard Nave dearly loved his country, city community and demonstrated it through his accomplishments during his lifetime,” Colin said. “He was a true role model and I am grateful to his selflessness to improve San Rafael and willingness to be a local leader.”

Mr. Nave was born on July 17, 1930, and attended St. Raphael’s School and San Rafael High School, where he student body president and an accomplished athlete. He was named “athlete of the year” at the school in 1948.

He met his wife Dolly while he was in high school. They were married for 59 years.

“Everything they did, they did together,” said Richard Nave Jr. “They supported each other and became a part of a lot of things across Marin County.”

Mr. Nave’s commendations included induction into the hall of fames at San Rafael High School, College of Marin, the Marin Athletic Foundation and San Francisco State University. He earned a teaching credential at the university.

Mr. Nave served in the United States Marine Corps and earned the rank of staff sergeant during the Korean War.

He owned the Nave Lanes bowling alley in Novato and managed properties for the family business, Nave Enterprises.

His father, William Nave, opened the Nave Lanes bowling alley in the late 1950s. The building was designed by architect Gordon Phillips, who was emulating the style of Frank Lloyd Wright. The business closed in 1999.

Mr. Nave’s descendants include eight children, 23 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Nave is survived by six of his children, Richard Nave Jr. said. Mr. Nave’s wife died in 2014.

The family held a vigil at St. Raphael Parish on June 27. The funeral followed the next day, his son said.