"Down, down into the darkness of the grave
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned."
Edna St. Vincent Millay

Rick was all those things — and I am not at all resigned to him being gone! He will never be gone from my thoughts and my heart.

Rick, I am having a hard time writing this because I still can't believe it. I was looking forward to growing old still hearing your crazy stories as they grew progressively worst, your political rants, your jokes, countless lunch/dinners at Conejitos, and sharing the occasional peek of a hot babe. You made work at the museum fun and exciting with your computer software dramas, but at the end you always came through with a great design and style. You were one of a kind and I will remember your smile and laugh for as long as I live. See you on the other side friend.

I can't begin to put into words who Rick was, always will be, because he was by far one of the best human beings I've ever met. Such an amazing great guy. The laughs and the practical jokes are my favorite memory. There was never a day in his presence that I was not hanging on his every word. So fun to be around. I can't express how deeply you will be missed by all the lives you ever touched. You will not be forgotten. :,(

Oh Ricky, say it isn’t so — we share too much — moments, escapades and silliness to have to say goodbye now. From museum colleague to best fun buddy, you were easy to be with; you were authentically you. I have so many slices of Rick-life memories in my head; from our Milwaukee haunt Conejitos, to the weekend drives to work in Manitowoc, to our group adventure in Costa Rica, you brought brightness and laughter. I cherish the memories along with our friendship. Goodbye dear friend Rick . . . Peace be with you.

... what will be hardest is the knowing your smile will no longer pop into view while being out and about on a summer night in a park for a concert, or around the corner in a gallery, or meeting me out for a lunch to talk about a project or the woes of our design profession... I loved working with you, laughing with you and trusting that each and every time we exchanged moments, they were always good. you lived so kind to others and so true for you... grateful to have known you.

My forty plus years of friendship with Rick began by chance when he came into class at MATC and sat down in the desk in front of me. Rick of course started up a conversation that night and it wasn’t long before the adventures began. In all those years of many great memories and fun times I don’t ever remember getting in a fight with Rick even when we didn’t agree. When something frustrated him, whether it be politics or a home improvement project going badly, he could go on an epic rant but a short time later would be able to laugh it off. I am very thankful that Rick was in my life all these years and will miss him greatly. I find it unbelievable that he is gone.

Ricky Dee ...

I can't believe you're gone ...
For over 38 years, you've been not only a very talented, often hot-headed, extremely stubborn, sometimes irritating, always flirty, and ever-entertaining, co-worker, but also a dear, wonderful, friend.
So long ago - just kid's in our early 20's ... we grew up together at MPM, and I loved you as a brother.
I'll forever cherish my many wonderful memories of you ... thanks for always making me laugh!

XOXO
Nanc

Oh my gosh your sense of humor was like no other. Just thinking about for so many years I had sent your Christmas cards to the wrong address. Months after the holidays we would receive back these mangled "war ridden" envelopes from the post office stamped return to sender. At one of our parties I shared this with you and we laughed. Because Mark had made the mistake of putting Greenfield instead of West Allis in our address book. You called him a dufus! 

Rick, I miss u brother. Your passing really put a huge void in our family. I am extremely grateful to genuinely had gotten to know you on a personal level the past half dozen years ago. I feel so lucky that this past summer I got to share time with you up north at Dads old place. Not to mention the 20 mile hike we went on while being snacked on by the most gangster horse flies I've ever seen.
Until we meet again uncle,
Love you.
Joel

What can I say Rick...you were an amazing brother and friend, and you left us way too soon. You still had so much life to live and jokes to give. I will miss your smiling face and listening to your animated stories. I'm still in shock. You will be forever missed and loved by all who knew you. You've left quite the legacy big brother. I'd give anything to have you back. Say hi to the rest of the family for me. Love you always, Roxy