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A lifelong inspiration.

August 25, 2019
I met Rick as a young lad shortly after my mom died.  I stoped by his shop on SantaFe and said if he paid me five bucks I would call the cops if anyone ever tried to break into his shop.  In true Rick fashion, he taught me the first of many lessons.  Simply, if someone was breaking into my house would I expect him to call the cops?  That summer he hired me to clean his garage.  I worked hard that summer in a effort to buy my first Schwinn BMX bicycle, I was short, but with his radiant smile, he forked over the remaining balance.  I worked for a couple of years at his garage, one lesson I still carry with me to this day is “Do a job thats worth being paid for.”  I was to separate nuts and bolts according to their size, needless to say I didn’t.  I did it right the second time, his little speech that taught me a lifelong lesson.

It was with great sadness, on my way back from dropping my youngest son off for his sophomore year of college, of his death.  I asked my wife to search for him, I wanted to share that in spite of the years, I carry that lesson and many others to this very day.  I also wanted to share that I am completing my Ph.D and his lessons have been the examples in many of my papers.  Be well Rick, I hope you know that the wing you offered me has impacted countless others across the world.

Nothing to do nowhere to be

April 30, 2015

After rick died Jannelle told me he had this meditation group on Thursdays 

 in Costa Rica. Well onThursdays I frequent the Lake Steam rooms inDenver where I once sent Rick (but unfortunately someone tried to pick him up so he didn't go bac - rick was acutie) antes y i often meditate at the baths and shortly After his death I  trying to meditate and heard Rick saying it's just resting in god just relax,,,rest

So today on his anniversary I went to the Lake Steams and remembered h. No place to go - Nothing to do and I have added Just Be, Here dderuyveris to our friend Rivk who can now bring peace and understanding to us all

Juans


April 29, 2015

Rick, you were someone who saw me, and tapped into my essence so that I could experience it, too. There are precious few people in the world who provide that soul-service, and you were one of them. I am forever grateful for you modeling your gift with such grace.

With those twinkling eyes and kind smile you arrived on my studio's doorstep countless times with your soft presence, and engaged in the big questions: Life. Love. Loss. Listening. Laughter. I spoke to you of my dreams of expanding my healing arts practice, through teaching and offering retreats. You held that vision for me and always gently checked in about those dreams. Were they one step closer to fruition?

It's been a year since you've been gone, my friend, yet you are still here. I now have taught those classes, and have led those retreats. I'm designing a new one right now, as a matter of fact - and your smiling face and twinkling eyes pass though my mind when my courage falters or my focus fades. You gave me the gift of seeing me - and now, I am gifted in seeing you in a new way.

Gracias, amigo, siempre.

From Durango, CO

November 11, 2014

Janelle,  I'm so sorry to hear about Rick.  Before moving my family and I to Durango, I was Rick's private banker at KeyBank for many years.  He and I stayed in touch from time to time!  What genuinly nice man he was!  I'l forever miss his smile..

Warmest Regards,

Ryan Maycock

 

October 2, 2014

In February 2013, my husband, Glen, and I visited Rick and Jannelle in Costa Rica. Being wonderful hosts they arranged for us to visit

the Monteverde Cloud Forest with an excellent guide. I became enthralled with the forest’s intense and haunting beauty.

I am an abstract painter. I did not truly understand how much my experience of the cloud forest had impacted me until I went to my studio to paint after my return. I found that I was living and breathing the images and colors. These vibrant and persistent impressions inspired and compelled me to paint my visceral connection to the forest.

What resulted was a solo show in Denver, on November 2013, called “Cloud Forest: In the Abstract”. This painting called “Cloud Forest” was the signature piece of the show.

When I asked Jannelle if she’d like to have this painting at the service she told me she’d love that and that Rick and she loved this painting. So today I dedicate this painting to Rick’s memory and to the love and generous hearts that Rick and Jannelle shared.

 Arlene Miriam/מרים Green                                                                                       September 14, 2014

Reflection by Sue Trostle (Monteverde)

August 16, 2014

 What a shock, Rick's sudden passing! It is still hard to assimilate the reality that he won't be with us at Meeting, singing in chorus, announcing the Vipassana meditation group, serving on the house and grounds committee, smiling and greeting us, always offering his love and helping support....He was such a special soul and spirit!

     Our hearts go out to you, Jannelle, and we trust that the love and support with which your family, friends, and community surround you, will give you strength to meet this challenge life has given you. We want to help in any way we can.

     The death of a friend always makes me think about the preciousness of the gift of life.  I also reflect on what I have received and learned from that person. From our first meeting I liked Rick; his calm, sensible, gentle, friendly presence attracted me. To serve on your "clearness committee" was both a privilege and a pleasure; your evident love for each other shown forth then, and has continued. Singing with Rick was a pleasure and his voice enhanced our chorus.  Richard enjoyed working with him on the house and grounds committee. He said Rick was inquisitive, enthusiastic, reliable and fun to work with  I was able to attend the first meditation group only a couple of times, but John continued and spoke of Rick's competent, unassuming leadership. Rick also introduced us to the book, "Buddhism and Psychology" (which we kept far too long). He was a good teacher.

     To me, the amount of love that a person brings into the world during his life is most important.  Rick led a very full, meaningful and successful life, giving and receiving love in abundance!   Though we we weren't acquainted before Monteverde, we know his compassion and love certainly grew and flourished here, and nourished so many people!

We will miss him very much.     

This is for you Rick

August 16, 2014

Letter from John Bergstrom

Rick, you lived life as an ideal example for all of us.  Loving, caring, empathetic, understanding, passionate, honest, and true to your feelings.

All of us who knew you felt all of these things from you at one time or another.  They were in your looks, expressions, your smiles, and sometimes in your tears……. …your total understanding and your complete acceptance.  I want you to know that your life was such a true blessing to all of us who are so fortunate to just have known you.

No one knows this better than the truest love of your life….Jannelle.  It was always such a joy to me and brought so much happiness when I saw you two together……or whenever you spoke of her to me.  All of the love you possess would just radiate and pour over to Jannelle during that most blessed time you both had together.  I am so very, very happy for those years you both had here together.  It made life complete for you Rick!

 Rick, didn’t we always both enjoy the fond reminiscing of our lifelong friendship.  I don’t believe I could have been more than 5 or 6 when I would throw pebbles up to your second story bedroom window trying to wake you….”Bicky, come out and play.”        I can’t believe it took me that long to get my “R’s” out!       I am sending this picture of the two of us sitting on your picnic bench back then.

The alleyway behind both our homes was our playground.  We used to love to hide “very important things” in the small drain pipes coming out of the neighbors retaining walls. 

It was so very cool to ride our bikes up & down that alley, and in & out of the only two walkways that lead from the alley into the neighbors’ driveways, and then out to the street in front of their homes.  That walk way was so narrow, we thought we had to be the best bicycle riders to navigate them at such top speeds.

Then there was the infamous “Daredevils Club”.  Of course, you and I were the only two members!  I recall that some of our stunts did cause our mothers, Marion & Julia, to come to our rescue.  My winning stunt did bring my mother to my rescue that day!

Of course, you took that Dare Devil Medal back not too many years ago at the ripe age of ‘60 something’ when I heard of your great bungee jump off of a plank in some faraway jungle!!  Talk about a very trusting guy – you had it all brother.

Then there was the time my father Curly, took your dad, Al, along with you and me to his Swedish Club in Rockford.  Of course, everyone introduced themselves as Mr. Johnson, Mr. Olson, Mr. Anderson……You just smiled and replied “Glad to meet you, I’m Rick Merason!”  Yep - You really did!!!  They’d just smile, nod and seemingly never paid any attention to neither that name nor that outstanding Sicilian complexion of yours!!

 I recall the great visits to Denver.  I especially have fond memories of our great ski trip to Vail, , Aspen, and Snowmass.  Our private ski lesson allowed me to almost keep up with you.  Then at the end, we relaxed in the sulfur pool at Glenwood Springs.  See the picture I included.

We know your love of food and what a great cook you’ve been.  Debra and I especially remember enjoying your Denver home and the absolutely outstanding Tuna Steak you grilled for us.  You taught us the very best technique that I still try my best to duplicate while reminiscing of that evening together.

Good Lord, all I remember for the most part is all the fun and enjoyment we had together.  Of course, we shared all the heartaches & sorrows that life seems to bring as well.  We always knew in our individual journeys through life that we were both just a telephone call a way…….no matter what!

Well brother, I am so glad for you and your life….yes I say brother because we know we were much more than just lifelong friends.  .     .    . Say, do you remember when we were maybe 8 years old in that same alleyway.  We pricked our fingers, drew blood, put them together, and bonded to be blood brothers forever.

So Rick, I really miss you and our times together.  But, I know you are with me now this day…just as you are and always will be with Janelle, her family, and Chris, your dearest brother, as well as your worldwide friends. Yes, you will be with us forever and ever.  I do love you so very much Rick Mera.  May God bless you and Jannelle on this very special day.

Reflections for friend Bob Howe

August 16, 2014

Bob Howe shared these words with us at Rick's Service in Monteverde

In my career I've been privileged to get to know many great leaders. Some of them were leaders of industry and others politicians, or business people; but they had one thing in common, they all had big personalities. Some of those big personalities were simply extroverts, who got things done by force of their dynamic will or dynamism. But it was interesting that the ones who achieved the most and who had the longest lasting results were those who have big personalities with little ego.

 Since childhood I have been an admirer of Theodore Roosevelt, a president who had the big personality and dynamism necessary to get things done, but also the desire for a work to be done because he believed that it should be accomplished for the common good and not just for political reasons. Rick was like that. He had a wonderful sense of what was right, and why it should be done.

 A leader or person of respect who has a big personality is like the proverbial pebble tossed into a still pond that sends out ripples in all directions. Eventually those nipples, whether large or small reach all parts and edges of the pond. As Rick and I walked in the forest or paused to visit along the road, or had dinner together, he was always tossing pebbles, some would call them gems. I loved those moments but sometimes I'd return to the States and been away from him a bit and think back on our time together. I realized how much I learned from Rick. I'd like to think that he learned something from me too, but It was frankly mostly from him to me.

 Rick had a big personality, a quiet presence that was alive with concentration on the moment. But we did a lot of laughing, so much so that birding often took second place. They heard us coming from a kilometer away, even as we discussed "serious" topics. There were times we'd pause on the trail, talking, and other friends walking with us would be enraptured to see the birds and other activities nearby and we didn't even notice. I guess that's being in the moment. He would have been very much at home with the great thinkers I've known in other situations, and they would've learned from and laughed with him and loved him too.

 A couple of years ago I was trying to convince Rick to teach some classes and be a teacher of meditation to many, perhaps using the forest as a back drop. I'd even come up with a special name for him "Maharishi Ricky." We had a good laugh about the name, and although he never took groups into a strangler fig to meditate, he did indeed continue to teach more classes in mindfulness meditation. He shared his passion, but I don't think anybody ever called him by that name.

 Yes, Rick was one of those big personalities, and I will always be grateful for the friendship we shared.

From Stillpoint Newsletter (Janet Crump)

August 16, 2014

 

Jannelle Wilkins & Rick Mera

 We are very saddened by the sudden death of our dear friend Rick Mera (age 68) on April 30.  In the February 2012 Newsletter we introduced you to Rick and his wife Jannelle.  Although they live in Monteverde, they came here for a week in January to house-and-dog-sit for us while Michael went to the States for Billy's funeral and Life Celebration.  On the day we arrived back in Costa Rica, Rick picked us up at the airport, cooked dinner for us, and then listened patiently and intensely all evening to me talking about Billy.  I will be forever grateful for his thoughtfulness and sensitivity.

 Rick was a kind, gentle, and compassionate man who taught Buddhist meditation.  A mutual friend, Mary Newswanger, said of Rick:

 "Two weeks ago, after our Mindfulness Meditation at La Colina, I told Rick how much I appreciated his gentle nature, his insight and wisdom and his skill leading the meditation.  He said how much he appreciated what I said and I'm glad now I told him.  He gave so fully to so many of us and created a space of loving kindness and compassion, peace and grace.  What a gift he had.  What a gift he shared!"

 From mutual friend:  

When you met up with Rick, it was always his smile, the smile in this photo, that caught your eye first. There was a certain way in which he listened that made you know he was present and in that moment with you. Advice was freely given and thought-full. His laughter matched his smile and yet it was a quiet laugh, like Rick, sort of quiet in a very comfortable way. He was always ready to help and opened his home to friends.  

 Fortunately, we had lunch with Rick and Janelle just two days before he died.  He was his usual pleasant and smiling self, so it was a shock and hard to believe when we received the sad news.  This was the third death here in three weeks among our friends.  It seems that loss is all around.  Rick would counsel that we accept it as part of life.

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