I had just moved to the Normandy Park area. I was hanging out with friends at the local pub (Tin Room) when I met Rick. He was quiet. Always wore a cap. Would come into the Tin Room and sit at the end of the bar watching whatever sports might be playing at the time on the TV.  There was something about him.  Seemed like an honest sort, ya know?

We saw each other from time to time at the pub whenever someone was celebrating a birthday or whatnot. We would all go down to 909 (great restaurant just a couple doors down from the Tin Room) and have coffee and dessert after an evening of drinking.

The first time we were at 909 together, he was sitting next to me amidst a group of about 15 people. I ordered the gelato sampler. He ordered one, too.  We sat there and chatted about which gelato we liked better. He was always so easy to talk to.

I went up to the counter to pay for my gelato and decided to pay for his, as well. In the confusion of everyone leaving and saying goodbye, he left without saying anything. No goodbye. No thank you.

I would see him from time to time over the next few months. I would make a point to say "Hello". He was just such a nice guy and so quiet...especially compared to the folks we were hanging out with.

Then, on or about October 18th, we were all at the Tin Room once again. I had had a few Cosmos and at some point we all ended up at 909 for coffee and dessert (as usual).  He was sitting across from me at the table when I started wagging my finger at him saying "you never thanked me for the gelato!". I was having fun pokin' at him when he looked me square in the eye and gestured with his finger for me to 'come here'. I stood up and leaned across the table towards him, where he proceeded to give me a nice kiss.  I said, "Ok. You're forgiven.".

It was two days later, when I was standing at my kitchen sink and it suddenly hit me...Rick kissed me.  Huh...Rick.  He's a nice guy. It would be cool to date a 'nice guy'.

That Thursday, October 25th, was yet again someones birthday. I had asked one of our mutual friends to tell him I was interested. I did not know if she had told him or not.

I was already there when he walked in.  He acted as if he had not been told I was interested. He sat at my table but was still looking about the room as he always did.  We chatted like usual.  I decided to 'let it go' and just enjoy the celebration.

When we got to 909 he sat across from me. When the server came over to take our order, he said "Please give us a minute.".  Us.  Give us a minute.  He was looking straight at me now.  Not around the room like usual.

Give us a minute.

That was October 25, 2007. The day my life changed forever.  I went into our relationship sure I would be teaching him.  I had that wrong.  He taught me.  Every day of our lives together...he taught me. Taught me how to love. How to slow down. How to experience real joy for the first time in my life. All taught to me just by being who he is.  By being a wonderful, caring, gentle man.

I love you, Rick. I always will.

Rick was my brother…I have so many memories of him it’s overwhelming to me…I didn’t realize we shared so many of the same experiences. Now, I can’t believe he’s gone and I will always miss him in my thoughts and memories.

I was Rick’s older brother and he was closest to me in age which means I got him in trouble a lot. I recall one incident while playing outside in the neighborhood he got stuck in a wishing well and the fire department had to rescue him.

Most people don’t realize how popular Rick was in High school and he had many friends. Also he was very athletic and excelled in many sports including football, baseball and diving. He loved fishing and camping and we went on tons of trips together. He loved Mt. Baker Lake Resort where we would vacation every year.

Later I helped Rick design and build his house in Burien, he was a very good finish carpenter and cabinet making was his profession.  

Rick met Nancy about 3 years ago and truly found happiness and peace in his life, along with his best friend Jake. It was too soon for him to go and I will always miss him.   Steve