ForeverMissed
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UPDATE: Richard Allen Threadgill Memorial service to be held in North Berwick, ME on October 1st, 2022
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one and friend, Rick Threadgill.

Rick was brilliant, with a fierce wit and kind heart.  He was a scientist by trade,  yet had so much passion for music.  He brought that same passion to everything he did.  He was loved and adored by his friends, parents, and grandmother his entire life.  We will remember him forever.

In the Life section, you can read about the different chapters of Rick's life. In the Gallery section, you can find many of his musical compositions under Audio, plus videos and photos of him.  You can share your own memories of Rick in the Stories section. To share stories, pictures, or audio/video of Rick yourself, just register the email that got invited to forevermissed.com with a password.  There's a registration link on this page.

Rick Threadgill Memorial Scholarship
A scholarship has been set up in Rick's name.  Please help us Honor Rick’s Memory by making a donation to the Rick Threadgill Memorial Scholarship Fund.  The fund will help support a deserving Johns Hopkins University student who shares Rick’s love of Neuroscience and Music.

To make a gift online, please visit here.
March 31
March 31
Happy Easter Son, my precious Ricky. You are always here with me. I think of you each morning when I wake and each night before my attempts at sleep. You stay in my heart. Life without you here will never be the same for me. When I see you again, I will never let you go. I've heard the deeper the grief the stronger the love. My love for you was, is and will always be the deepest and strongest emotion I will ever have. You are brilliant like the brightest star. You are love that never ends. You are my heart that aches for you each and every day. I love you my wonderful, amazing son Ricky. Mom
January 31
January 31
It's another start of another year. You are still here with me. I will share another small poem with you, by Athey. 
And, one day
We shall look back and see
It was always those little moments
That mattered the most
Those little fleeting moments
of Innocence, of happiness,
of laughter and dance.
I will forever love you and forever miss you, until I see you again you are here with me. Mom
December 26, 2023
December 26, 2023
Merry belated Christmas to you my precious son Ricky. This has been another difficult year without you here. You are always in my heart. I will always miss you, until I am no more. So much has happened, yet you've missed nothing. I've thought of the many Christmas's past. I smile. You will always be the light of my heart and the best kid a mom could ever have. I will see you soon, because time is so fleeting. I will never let you go. I miss you. I love you. My forever wonderful, caring and loving son, I love you across the universe and beyond. Mom
November 23, 2023
November 23, 2023
Hi my precious son. Another Thanksgiving without you and I miss you. When I feel your presence, I smile. You are and will forever be my lovely, wonderful son. My little boy. 
And, one day
We shall look back and see
It was always those little moments
That mattered the most
Those little fleeting moments
Of innocence
of happiness
of laughter and dance.
 Athey Thompson
I love you Ricky, the best kid a mom could ever have.
October 25, 2023
October 25, 2023
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY to you my precious son. You're 47 years old today. I have a birthday cake for you. I miss you. I wish you were here. I've never felt this much pain in my life. You are my everything and always will be. Until I see you again, I will be your mom and I will carry you in my heart and soul until my last breathe. I love you to infinity and back. Forever Ricky's Mom
September 18, 2023
September 18, 2023
It's been three long, brutal years without you. You took my heart with you. I'm trying desperately to live without your presence here. I have to believe you are out there somewhere. I have to believe I will see you and hear your laugh and hear you say 'mom' again. Oh, how I miss you my son Ricky. 
I will leave you another little poem from Athey. 
A whisper in my ear
Did I hear
My dear
And for a moment, you were here
There was no fear
Just a memory and a tear
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. Mom
August 4, 2023
August 4, 2023
I am missing you more today. I miss your laugh. I miss your smile. I miss your phone calls. I miss everything about you. I just want you back. My heart is breaking. I love you my precious son. Mom
June 3, 2023
June 3, 2023
A pocket full of sorrow
I shall take away for you
A handful of flowers
I shall lay down for you
A river full of tears
I shall cry for you
A forever full of memories
I shall remember of you

Another poem from Athey that I wanted to share with you my precious son.
I miss you more with each passing day. I want you here. I love you Ricky. Mom 
May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023
Hi my sweet Ricky
It's Mom's Day and I miss your calls and your laugh and you playing the piano for me. I Miss YOU. I Love YOU. I found another short poem by Athey and I want to share it with you.
  And one day
  I looked back for you
  But you weren't there anymore
  A stranger did I see looking back at me
  And in that very moment I did promise
  That I would keep on looking back for you
  As I know
  One day
  I will
  See you again
I love you Ricky, Your Mom 
February 14, 2023
February 14, 2023
Happy Valentines Day to you my precious, sweet son
I'm sending you a little poem by Athey Thompson. 
 I shall cherish you
  Forever in my heart
   Be you near
   or be you far
We shall never really be apart
 as I
I shall cherish you
 forever, in my heart.
I love you so much son. I will see you again, and on that day I will smile again. 
I love you Ricky. Mom
January 1, 2023
January 1, 2023
I was sorting through old computer files and came across this "bio" written by Rick. I think it was from the Tube website, in the "about" section. I find it so eloquent and descriptive of his music writing drive and process.

Let 2023 be prosperous for us all! Love, Alex

Rick wrote:
I believe that to understand anything is a life-long pursuit. To then desire that understanding is love, and to crave love is passion. Life has a conscience that sits silently around us interpreting the human condition for those with a willingness to listen and a passion to understand.

I find that writing and speaking about music is much easier and more enjoyable when it doesn't concern me. That said, I believe that my contribution to the world of sound is composition. And for me, silence is the beginning. I have realized that the only true silence lies within my mind. Therefore, I feel that the truest music must be its partner, waiting in the candor of my thoughts. So I sit and listen. I listen to the silence around and within, accept the absence as my confidante, and allow my thoughts to become sound. Then I write. Sometimes I feel that I know nothing about music. I am often disappointed with anything less than perfection and elated by things that do not yet exist. But through my struggles, I have begun to understand my life as an artist; that my technical inadequacies can be conquered by my thoughts, that I am a tiny piece in the grand scheme, and that somewhere within it all lies my music. My greatest wish is that people will find emotional inspiration in my work: pleasure, anger, solace - a piece of themselves. The rest, I believe, will be dictated by my devotion to and sincerity in my art form. Thankfully, my love has not wavered and I renew my passion with every performance. Thank you for taking the time to read and listen. I wish everyone the inner-peace that they may find their own path.
December 25, 2022
December 25, 2022
Hello my beautiful, precious son. It's another Christmas without you. This has definitely been the worst year for me since you started a new life elsewhere. There hasn't been a moment in my life that I haven't thought of you. The memories sometimes flood in like a tsunami and other times, there's one special memory I replay over and over in my mind. To say I miss you would be an understatement. All I can do is to continue to love you to the depths of my soul. I long for the day I see you again. You are so missed. You are so loved. You are still my special, wonderful son. You are and will always and forever be my Ricky. Mom
October 25, 2022
October 25, 2022
Happy Heavenly 46th Birthday my wonderful son Ricky.
There isn't a day that passes that I don't miss you and long to see you and hear your voice and laughter. You still give me joy in all the memories of you I carry each day. All of the times you would play the piano in our hour plus long phone calls. All the times we shared deep thoughts on just about every topic there is. All the movie lines we'd quote to each other from our favorite movies. All of the board games we played when you were growing up. All of the music we shared .. me with 60's music and you with your jazz. I long to do it all over again and again. 
I will carry you in my thoughts and heart until we are together again. You will always and forever be the best kid a mom could ever have. I love you my precious son. Mom
October 1, 2022
October 1, 2022
Rick-You filled so many people's hearts with love, laughter, and music. I wish I could be there today while they light up your memory together and celebrate you with love, laughter and music.
September 18, 2022
September 18, 2022
Hello my wonderful son. It’s been two years since you left and took my heart with you. I’ve tried these past two years to live without you, only to find myself existing until I see you again. I look at pictures and remember the most precious moments with you. Your infectious smile still shines bright in my mind. I can still hear your voice calling me ‘mom’. I miss you so, so much. You will always and forever be my precious son Ricky. I love you with every fiber of my being. ♥️
June 30, 2022
June 30, 2022
My wonderful son. When I find a passage that makes me think of you ...
If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you.
-Christopher Robin.
I'll always be with you Ricky. I know you'll always be with me.
I love you my precious son. mom
June 20, 2022
June 20, 2022
I shall cherish you
Forever in my heart
Be you near
 Or be you far
We shall never really be apart
As I,
  I shall cherish you
  Forever in my heart.
   Athey Thompson
I miss you so much. I love you with every fiber in me. I carry you in my soul.
You will forever be my precious son, Ricky. Mom
May 8, 2022
May 8, 2022
I miss you. I love you. You are my heart son. It’s been a rough day without you. I’m your mom forever. You are my precious Ricky forever. ♥️
April 1, 2022
April 1, 2022
Hi my precious son. Today is a day you and I enjoyed. We always tried to out fool each other. I miss our April Fools day. I miss you so very very much. The grief is overwhelming and the hole in my heart remains. There are no words to describe how much I love you. I know I will see you again. I know I will. Mom ♥️
February 14, 2022
February 14, 2022
Happy Valentines Day my precious son.
I hope I told you how much you meant to me
And how much I would miss you when you were gone
I hope I told you
I hope I did
I love you with all my heart. You are my heart.
January 2, 2022
January 2, 2022
Hello my precious son. It's a New Year. It isn't a Happy New Year for me. You aren't here. I struggle each day without you. I'm broken without you. I miss you and I love you. I talk to you each day. You will forever be my heart. You will forever be my beautiful, wonderful son. I will hold you close and keep you in my daily thoughts until I see you again. Big mama Hugs to you son. Mom
December 26, 2021
December 26, 2021
Hi son, I heard this quote and it reminded me of you,

"Remember, no man is a failure who has friends"

And you have so many, many friends.

Love, Dad


December 26, 2021
December 26, 2021
This tribute was from Ray Jarzyna, Jon's father.

Merry Christmas to you Rick. We know how it is and it is
hard to celebrate the Holidays without Ricky. You will always
be remembered Rick because your parents loved you and I
know he is in heaven with Jon and he looks over you forever.
God Bless Rick and he will always be in your heart and soul.
December 25, 2021
December 25, 2021
Merry Christmas my precious son. I can’t find the words to express how painful it is to have holidays without you here. I miss you more each day. I love you with all my heart and soul. My thoughts are always on you. As long as I breathe you will be remembered. You are my heart Ricky. ♥️
November 25, 2021
November 25, 2021
Happy Thanksgiving my precious son,

You are my son
You left too soon
I see you in the sun,
the stars and the moon
I miss you so much
I want you near
My heart is crushed
I wish you were still here.
You gave me joy
We laughed a lot
You'll always be my boy
I try to go on without you,
   I cannot

I love you and I miss you until I see you again.
October 26, 2021
October 26, 2021
This tribute came from Ray Jarzyna, Jon's dad. Rick and Jon were the best of friends.

Hey Rick,

Happy Birthday to you and I know your Dad's is close to yours.

I wish that You and Jon would come down to celebrate with so, so many of your friends and I'm sure you will feast on a Big Angel Food Cake.

I think a lot of You and it was so nice of You to communicate with an "Old Friend" with the same interests we had together.

You were a Special Person in my life and I'll always be thinking of You.

God Bless You Rick and I'm sending Big Love to You,

Ray Jarzyna
October 25, 2021
October 25, 2021
Hey Son,
Today's your 45th. I miss you so much. I find myself picking up the phone to call you all the time. Pretty sure that you're reading this as I type it. I love you with all my heart, forever.
Dad
October 25, 2021
October 25, 2021
Happy Birthday Rick. Besides family, yours was the only birthday I could remember (Devin excluded). You are still influencing my life every day. You would have liked the new Chappelle special. Miss you and love you.
October 25, 2021
October 25, 2021
Hi son and Happy Heavenly Birthday. 45 years ago today you came into my life. I saw your precious face. I watched you grow into a wonderful man. I miss you so very much. You are my light when things seem dark. You are my strength when I feel I can’t go on another day without you. You are my heart. My love for you is eternal.  ♥️
September 21, 2021
September 21, 2021
This tribute is from Ray Jarzyna, Jon's dad. Jon and Rick were like brothers.

Rick,
I miss your phone calls and we talked for hours about fishing, golf, music and more. You were a gifted Scientist and a Great musician, and I was so happy for your friendship with Jon.
I'll never forget when you spoke at Jon's Memorial and I want you and Jon to be in Heaven and play your music for the angels
GOD BLESS YOU RICK!
Ray Jarzyna
September 18, 2021
September 18, 2021
We just toasted you on our weekly Zoom, man. As always you remain in our hearts, minds and all our conversations. You're missed by all of us, bud.
September 18, 2021
September 18, 2021
Hi Son. I had to tell you again how much I miss you and love you. A year ago today a part of my heart stayed with you. Please hold it and care for it until I see you. I speak your name daily. Your Nanu and Aunt Coco miss you so very much and love you. You are my very special son. Your dad always talks about how great you are. He loves you. He misses you. You’re missed every single day. You’re loved every single day. . Until we see you again you will stay in our hearts. ❤️
September 18, 2021
September 18, 2021
Hi Son,
We're still missing you. Tears are always there, but we know that you are at peace and waiting for us . You live in our hearts, and missed more than you can imagine. We have special places, pillows, and blankets to comfort us. But the real you is with us, now and forever,
Dad
August 15, 2021
August 15, 2021
Hi Rick, our residential property is complete with tenants moving in and most importantly, the sign is on, Rick Tsurumi with a guitar. Hope you like it, feel you are close when people say Rick all the time. My son likes it too, and will inherit in the future, so I keep talking about you.
July 4, 2021
July 4, 2021
Happy Fourth of July son. I remember our Fourth in DC when you were very young. You loved it so. I miss you with each breathe I take. You are my heart. I❤️U Mom.
May 8, 2021
May 8, 2021
Hey Son,
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I know you miss your mother as much as she misses you. Even though you're not physically here with us, you and I are going to treat her to oysters on the half shell . You and she never missed a chance to share oysters during our family times these past years. She will pull up a chair to the table for you because we all know that's where you will be.
Love, Dad
April 26, 2021
April 26, 2021
We just posted a video by one of your favorite artists. The music fits you and the lyrics are beautiful, like you. We miss you more than life itself.
Love forever
Mom and Dad
April 4, 2021
April 4, 2021
Happy Easter son. I remember how creative you were with our Easter eggs. Of course me hiding them and you finding them was fun too. Years have gone by since then. My memories of you are vivid. You’ll always be the best kid a mom could ever have. I’ll carry you in my heart for eternity I love you Ricky. ❤️
April 1, 2021
April 1, 2021
Hello my precious Ricky. Today is a day you and I, from the time you were a young lad, attempted to ‘out April Fool’ each other. I’ll always hold this date in my heart as our fun day. I miss you, I cherish having you in my life and I love being your mom. ❤️
March 24, 2021
March 24, 2021
One of the many ways Rick's soul and joy of music will live on is through his instruments. Some of those went to close friends to forever cherish. Others along with other equipment of his were donated to the Continuum Arts Collective (CAC) that assists underserved student artists in Maine and New Hampshire by supplying them with musical instruments, art supplies, lessons and venues to share their art. One instrument of special value to Rick himself was his Hammond B3 organ. This, along with the accompanying Leslie speaker was donated to The North Buick Lounge aka "The Lu" as their new house organ. The Lu is a music venue (also owned by the CAC) who's proceeds go toward further funding their own efforts to support the arts for kids in need. As The Lu is beginning to wake up from a long COVID hiatus to prepare for live music again, Rick's organ got a revamp and is up and running. I attached a clip in the video gallery of this beautiful beast waking up from it's slumber. It sounds amazing. It sounds like Rick. He will live on through the music every time this organ plays and through every child that also received a part of his soul.
March 24, 2021
March 24, 2021
Following in Richard and Cathy's footsteps, I added a video for Jimi Hendrix's "One Rainy Wish" from the Axis: Bold As Love album. This was a song that Rick and I always totally connected on... one of many, perhaps, but one of the first, and also our most rock solid song connection outside of Tube. The song starts out really pretty and dreamy, but at some point, it kicks in for the chorus with one of the coolest drops ever! Rick and I both totally loved that moment, and would rage it on the Axis CD and sometimes with our instruments in a jam session. After it kicks in, the song is totally fine... but not nearly as good as that moment (which never happens again in the song). We both agreed it was all about that moment... the rest of the song is just gravy.
March 22, 2021
March 22, 2021
The song Lovely Day reminds me of you when I look at your pictures each morning. I will forever miss you. I will forever love you. You make all my days lovely. I will see you again and embrace you again. I love you son. ❤️
March 22, 2021
March 22, 2021
Hi son. Your mom and me have been posting videos of artists and songs that we know you liked. We have also posted videos that remind us of you musically , or spiritually. We want to extend an invitation to all of your friends to post music videos that make a connection to you in their hearts . We posted the Wizard of Oz clip because the conversation between the Wizard of Oz and Tin Man reminded us of the you. Love you forever.
Mom and Dad
March 10, 2021
March 10, 2021
Hi everyone, including Rick! Thanks for all of these comments, they are wonderful to read and helps me feel closer to his essence, as Rick as affected us each in different ways.

And for you Rick... I've been listening to Beck a bunch lately. I know you really appreciated him, and I remember listening sessions with you diving into some of Beck's albums. You were always paying attention to tracks (and albums and artists) that I had missed, but after hearing them with you, I'd immediately cling to them. Anyway, there's a single that Beck put out in 2019 called "Uneventful Days". It's a beautiful song, and I hear you in there. I'm sure you know it well. Love you brother!
February 21, 2021
February 21, 2021
I'm Jonathan Jarzyna's father and I know Jon and Rick were great friends at Johns Hopkiins and in Massachusetts. I always liked Rick and his wonderful personality. Rick and I had many conversations on the phone and when Rick visited us in Florida we went fishing and played golf together.
I will always think of Rick and Jon and I'm so sorry that they are gone and I'm sure they're having a good time in Heaven.
We will miss Rick but we'll never forget him.
February 21, 2021
February 21, 2021
Hi Rick, guess what, my wife and I decided on a name for the residential property we are building which would house 9 tenants right outside Tokyo, a place called Tsurumi. We have named the property, Rick Tsurumi, in honor of you. I talk to my 5 year old son about you, he is also smart and athletic like you. People who will live there will see your name everyday, the management company will be pinging me every fews days with your name. And my son will inherit the legacy, so you will live on with us on the other side of the pond. Love you, Mo
February 14, 2021
February 14, 2021
Hi Ricky, This morning Timmy was telling me about his night, which included some of your favorite Hopkins people, which in a stream of consciousness way lead to a memory of his from a Phish show with you, which then lead to us laughing and watching fun old memories... remembering, and wishing we were there still. We talk about you often and will always keep your memory alive in our hearts, laughter, smiles, and spirit.
February 14, 2021
February 14, 2021
Happy Valentine’s Day son. I miss you. I think about you everyday. I wish you were here. I will always carry you in my heart ❤️ My love for you is eternal. Hugs and kisses to you, my favorite Valentine.
February 5, 2021
February 5, 2021
I lost you twenty weeks ago today. The pain is still here. My heart still misses you. I miss your crooked smile and your laugh. There’s never been a day that I haven’t longed for your presence. I know you’re with angels and loved ones. I see you playing music for them. I will carry you in my heart until I see you again and can embrace you. I love you my beautiful son. You are my everything. ❤️
January 2, 2021
January 2, 2021
You may not be here physically in this new year of 2021, however, your soul will remain in our hearts and thoughts each and everyday of this new year. We love you and miss you. I just posted a favorite ... it's not how much you love, but how much you are loved by others. You are loved.
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Recent Tributes
March 31
March 31
Happy Easter Son, my precious Ricky. You are always here with me. I think of you each morning when I wake and each night before my attempts at sleep. You stay in my heart. Life without you here will never be the same for me. When I see you again, I will never let you go. I've heard the deeper the grief the stronger the love. My love for you was, is and will always be the deepest and strongest emotion I will ever have. You are brilliant like the brightest star. You are love that never ends. You are my heart that aches for you each and every day. I love you my wonderful, amazing son Ricky. Mom
January 31
January 31
It's another start of another year. You are still here with me. I will share another small poem with you, by Athey. 
And, one day
We shall look back and see
It was always those little moments
That mattered the most
Those little fleeting moments
of Innocence, of happiness,
of laughter and dance.
I will forever love you and forever miss you, until I see you again you are here with me. Mom
December 26, 2023
December 26, 2023
Merry belated Christmas to you my precious son Ricky. This has been another difficult year without you here. You are always in my heart. I will always miss you, until I am no more. So much has happened, yet you've missed nothing. I've thought of the many Christmas's past. I smile. You will always be the light of my heart and the best kid a mom could ever have. I will see you soon, because time is so fleeting. I will never let you go. I miss you. I love you. My forever wonderful, caring and loving son, I love you across the universe and beyond. Mom
His Life

Chapter 1 - Rick's Early Years

September 28, 2020
Richard Alan Threadgill, Jr. (Rick) was born on October 25, 1976 in Memphis, TN to his parents Richard and Cathy Threadgill.

At age 2, Rick and family moved to Tulsa, OK. He attended Catholic grade school, and was recognized with rewards for his paintings and short books. He was a cub scout, basketball player,  baseball player, and  team swimmer. He was loved by all, and several grade school friends remained friends his entire life. He named his first dog, a fawn boxer, Sparky. He enjoyed skiing with Mom and Dad during several trips to Colorado.

The family moved to New Orleans where Rick attended junior High. He continued playing baseball and basketball. He was captain of his baseball team and he was elected to the baseball all stars  team for his pitching ability. He participated in debate, and math competitions. In the eighth grade he was selected to participate in the Governor's Program in Louisiana for his academic and artwork. He also started teaching himself how to play the guitar, the beginning of his lifetime passion for music. He loved Mardi Gras and New Orleans cuisine.

Chapter 2 - Kent High School

September 28, 2020
He wanted a better education than available locally. His dad took him to New England where he interviewed and was accepted by several boarding schools.
After much persuasion. Mom allowed him to enroll in Kent School in Connecticut . Again, he played baseball, basketball, and for the first time, football. He excelled in academics and was elected by the student body to be Student Representative to the faculty. He developed friendships from all over the world  that lasted a lifetime. Rick was awarded the Literary Award by the faculty for his poems and short stories. During his sophomore year, he picked up a  bass guitar and began teaching himself to play the instrument that he focused on throughout the rest of his life. He was selected as the bassist for the Kent Dixieland Jazz Band, which gave recitals at numerous schools and other venues in New England. Rick's love for sports also included attending dozens of major league baseball teams, Saints football, and college sports at Notre Dame. His interests in arts and drama included attending jazz, comedy, drama and opera performances in New York and Chicago. During summers and school breaks, Rick loved to fish with his dad. especially fly-fishing. Mom and dad took him on vacations ranging from the  East Coast to the Rockies. He loved to cook with his mother and enjoyed watching and critiquing movies with her from a young age.  

Chapter 3 - The Baltimore Years

September 28, 2020
Rick attended the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, starting as a Freshman in 1995.  He majored in Neuroscience.  Freshman year he was a founding member of the Crackhouse. A force for justice across the freshman quad.  Second semester Freshman year he became a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.  In the fraternity sports league, he won a 3v3 basketball championship and quarterbacked the football team to an important victory over their mortal enemy: the SAE fraternity.  Junior year he moved off-campus and took up playing bass again.  Rick also began his neuroscience research at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.  He graduated in 1999.

In 1997, he began playing bass and singing in the band, Tube.  It was Rick's junior year, and he and Tim were hanging out in Rick's room at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house.  They started jamming, and Tim saw something in Rick right away that could not be taught... soul!  Tim invited Rick to try out for Tube, and soon after, he formally joined the band.  Rick worked incredibly hard on developing his bass playing, and his composition skills, and became an integral member of the band.  

Tube released three albums, "Fall", "Winter" and "The Spring Pig" and Rick's compositions are highlighted on all three.  The band stayed together for years, well after graduating.  From 1998-2000, they had regular weekly gigs at PJs, Paloma's and the 13th Floor, in Baltimore.  Tube began informally touring in 2001 and played shows from Burlington on down to Tennessee.  A few memorable stars even made appearances at Tube shows, notably Joaquin Phoenix (from the movie "The Joker") and Terry O'Quinn (John Locke from "Lost").

Rick's composition "Going Before This", the first track on "The Spring Pig" won not one, but two awards from the MBSTIA Undiscovered Artists Awards in 2003.  The song won "Best Instrumental Songwriter" and "Best Musician".  This track is featured in the background music of this memorial.

Rick continued to play and tour with the band until 2004.  The guys all remained close and continued to play music together over the years, and reunited for a pair of Homecoming Reunion concerts in 2018.
Recent stories

BroDown Bass Throwdown

September 30, 2021
Some of us were at BroDown last month.  Ricky's presence was both felt, and missed.

We jammed out on the first night, in unspoken tribute to Ricky.  Everything worked fine. But on the second night, when we went to go jam again, my guitar was broken.  We tried everything, simplifying my rig, different cables, different amps... It simply would not make a sound.  The connection was bad, all of a sudden.  I've been playing guitar for over 30 years, and that has never happened to me before.

I was about to dust off my acoustic but Colin suggested... Maybe I could play Rick's bass?  I immediately knew that was the right call.  I haven't really played bass since college, but I was psyched to try it. 

The jams over the next few days were killer.  Rick's presence was felt the whole time, even more than the first night, because there was his bass right in the middle of everything. I played it the rest of the trip... and discovered, shoot, I love playing bass.  I have a long way to go 'til I can slap like a boss, but it was super fun.  Colin suggested I take it home and take a shift with it.  So I did...

My guitar amp couldn't hang with the bass tones so I got a little practice amp for it, and have been down there raging like every day.  Jenn came down 3 times in the first hour to tell me to turn it down, she could hear me down the block walking the dog, it was shaking the house etc.  I was just like, "What?!? I can't hear you over this bass!"

Part of me thinks  Ricky reached out into the cosmos to break my guitar so I'd play his bass.  If not, that's one heck of a coincidence.

My Son Ricky

September 18, 2021
Hello my wonderful son.  It's been a year.  Part of me went with you. I hope you feel my love for you. There hasn't been one minute, hour or day that I don't miss you, talk to you, and long for your presence.  You live in my heart. Time will never change that.  You are and will forever be my precocious little boy, my defiant teenager, my beautiful son.  You are loved more than there are stars in all the universes and missed deeper than the deepest parts of the oceans.  
I LOVE YOU RICKY ... Mom

Meant to be played

September 17, 2021

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