Karla and family, please accept deepest and most sincere condolences from Julie and me. Rick's untimely death leaves a hole in many lives, I can only imagine what you dear folks are feeling. Know that have this incredible legacy of one who was a believer of remarkable integrity and authenticity. Rick lived what he professed and blessed all he knew -- I know, I was one so blessed. It was my joy not only to call him friend, but to have him as a colleague and coworker. I shall miss him terribly. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace!
~ V. Rev'd Steven A. Peay,
WAUWATOSA, WI
Dear Karla and Family, My prayers for comfort and peace are with you. Rick was a wonderful part of our George Fox DMin Cohort F. He was so very kind, and his joyful heart was inspiring. He reminded me that the impossible was possible. I am blessed to have known him. May the promise of Jesus for everlasting life bring you hope and comfort at this difficult time. May the love of God surround you all.
~ Serena Pace,
Grand Prairie, TX
Rejoicing with Rick that he is face to face with the Lord he served so faithfully. I knew him only briefly as part of the Covenant Players family, but my prayers and love are with you, his family and friends as you miss him and continue running the race set before you. May the Lord of all healing and comfort wrap his love around you like a blanket, soothing the hurt and giving you peace and hope.
~ Joanna Saunders (Covenant Players),
Oxnard, CA
I’m grateful for Rick’s humor and his dedication in his service to the Lord. I’m sorry that he was called home so early, I’m praying for his wife and children, that the Lord will allow them to grieve in their own way, and that no one get in the way of that. I’m also praying for the rest of you who knew him, that his legacy will be carried on
~ JJ Hyde,
San Lorenzo, CA
We are sorry for your loss... Rick was God's man and we're richer having known him.....
~ Wes & Julee Whatley,
Blackstock, SC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Sarah
~ GS Troop 2992
Our Heavenly Father blesses us in many ways, one of which is introducing us to truly remarkable people. Rick and I served congregations in Lincoln, Montana… he the Baptist church and I the United Methodist. In a very small community perched upon the continental divide and usually known for the being the home of the Unabomber and for neighbors who didn’t find him all that strange, Rick was a colleague and a spiritual confidant in the truest sense. He had been part of a touring Christian theatrical group and the kids loved him. He co-founded the Kingdom Kids, an ecumenical mid-week Christian education group that steered young lives for years after we both departed. Karla taught music in our school, and we were blessed by the presence of their children in our community. However, Rick felt drawn to enriching forms of spiritual inquiry and our loss was the greater world’s gain. He diversely inquired into such varied forms of worship as virtual congregations through the internet and living the values of a monastic form of life. We will miss his smile and faithfulness. The Master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
~ Rev. Guy Youngblood,
Helena, MT
