I first met Rick in September 1964. We were in grade 8 in the junior school at Ashbury College.

We lived above the gymnasium along with Freddie Blauman and Ian Wahn. And other juniors. What struck me at first sight was how toned Rick was for a 14 year old and what a tremendous athlete he was.

Rick was never a problem. He was kind and generous for all the years I knew him. I left the school after grade 12 in 1969 and we didn’t see each other again until I moved to Montreal in 1973 from Thunder Bay. I was best friends with Pat Barott throughout the years at Ashbury and the relationship rekindled immediately upon my arrival in Montreal. Of course that brought me and Rick back together as Rick, Pat and Lenny were always together. I moved back to Thunder Bay in 1981 and didn’t see Rick again. But, those years together at school cemented a relationship that could never be broken. We were young and impressionable and truly needed each other to cope. I will always remember Rick with very fond memories and my heart goes out to his family as they deal with their loss. RP

He always made me laugh and it was always entertaining when u were with him you could never be sad. I miss him very much.

What an I say about Rick? He was the gentle giant, and had a heart of pure gold. I know he was a favourite of my Mum, his Aunt Isabelle Holmes, especially when he would visit our small town and escort her around town on the back of his motorcycle. She especially enjoyed the door to door service at the Golf Club. Always good for a laugh, was Rick. 🥰