They had been in Fiji, trying to rebuild after a horror year. Mr Lovell's mother and grandmother were killed in an accident, and just weeks ago Mrs Lovell's mother also died.
What greeted them when they got home was a scene of callous destruction.
Tomato sauce and nail polish had been emptied over furnishings, couches and paintings were slashed with knives, the contents of every drawer and cupboard had been upended and strewn throughout the house. Messages such as "Die 2 Nite" had been scrawled across walls.
The Lovells are people who help others. What does it say about our society that anyone - least of all those who go out of their way to help others - would have a hard time made worse by the actions of people who were obviously after cheap kicks?
They stole a television, a laptop, Mr Lovell's medal - but it would appear from the photographs we published on Saturday's front page that the destruction of the Lovells' possessions was a large part of the lure for the offenders.
They must have been in the house for a long time, pulling apart the kitchen, rummaging through the bedrooms, upending furniture. Did they not catch glimpses of the faces in photographs and think: "This is someone's home?"
Mr Lovell's comments in the wake of the crime last week were telling. He said his family wouldn't be beaten.
I doubt I could have been so positive and forward-gazing in his situation.
The Lovells say they have fantastic neighbours and they obviously love their community.
They seem like determined people and I doubt this incident will shake their devotion to their community.
People who devote themselves to good causes often don't expect the thanks of their community, but they should expect respect. This family has been wronged - kicked when they were already down - and the people of Waihi must now come forward to restore the Lovells' faith in the town they call home.
