Condolence From: David Coelho
Condolence: Rick’s Eulogy
Most of us will remember Rick for his quirky sense of humour. And Boy was he funny, well not really, but he surely laughed at all his jokes.
Rick was always there for fatherly advice. Like when Both Kaity and Laura got married, as he walked up the aisle with them, he reminded them not to fart at the alter.
While he may have not provided the most sound advice at all times, he was always there when the kids needed him. He had a big heart and never hesitated to do whatever it took to help his kids out of a Jam, or to be the shoulder his daughters cried on. He would give up his shirt even if he didn’t have a shirt to give.
Rick went to University for Sciences , but quickly realized that what not his calling. So he spent most his life working in Sales, whether it was selling books, or cars, or later in life selling tools at home depot. He became really good at selling things that he really knew nothing about.
Rick loved his sports and especially the leafs. He stuck with them through thick and thin. Unfortunately for him it was a lot thin times. He coached t-ball to all of his kids; Luke often ended up running into the forest to play with friends, which Rick wasn’t too happy about. He also played several sports, including tennis, flag football and more recently tried his hand at pickle ball.
Another of Rick Skill’s was his napping, he had the ability to fall asleep mid conversation. I remember one time when we asked him to babysit a few of his grandkids, we came home to find him sleeping soundly on the couch. Even after much poking and proding, the kids said he didn’t want to wake up so down stairs they went to play on their own. Needless to say, he wasn’t our first pick for watching the kids!
But one thing the kids never complained about, was when he would come for a family dinner, with desserts in his hand. Rick loved his sweets. He also loved his grandkids. His first born granddaughter Emma was lucky enough to have spent many years by his side. Rick and Kristi took Emma to Florida one year and spent a few days in Disney. They went all out for her in the bibidi bobidi boutique, where she dressed up as a princess, had her hair and nails done and ended with a photo shoot. Later on when Emma was going crazy over the boy band “One direction”, Rick created a certificate for her showing that she was their number one fan. All of the grandkids in fact had a special place in his heart and he in theirs.
Rick and Kristi had a love some only can dream about. As most know, they met in highshcool 52 years ago and married soon after. They were married 44 years before her passing, needless to say it was tough for him to see her go. They enjoyed travelling and spending time with their friends and kids. They had 3 kids, Laura, Kaitlin and Luke, and loved them dearly.
Luke and Rick had a strong and unique bond. While we’d like to hope Rick didn’t have a lot of regrets in life, we are pretty sure teaching Luke what a wet willy was, was one of them. 30 years later Luke was still giving them to his dad. Which was one of the many forms Luke used to annoy his dad. More recently Luke was fortunate enough to take Rick to a Leaf game and it will be a memory Luke will cherish forever.
Kaity and Rick bonded by sports. They both were track stars, and Rick wouldn’t miss a track meet. In fact All Rick’s passwords were associated with “Kaitywon” or “Kaitywinning”. Rick always had Kaity’s back whether it was on the track field or any other challenges she came accross.
Laura and Rick would bond sitting on the front step of their house, watching and listening to thunderstorms. Here is where she would talk to her dad about the things she felt her mom might get her in trouble for, as Rick was the more lenient one. In fact, anytime the kids wanted to stay out later, or do something their mom might have said no to, they’d always ask dad. This was Rick’s nature, always wanting to make sure his kids were happy.
Rick’s other love was his gadgets. Anything apple in particular, he had 4 mac book’s, 3 iphones, and just about everything Apple, why he needed all of this I’m still not sure.
Hence I leave you with Steve Job’s final thoughts, coincidently this was the last thing Rick posted on Facebook.
This describes an important lesson for us all, especially when faced with the unpredicatabilty of when our time will come.
The last words of Steve Jobs -
I have come to the pinnacle of success in business.
In the eyes of others, my life has been the symbol of success.
However, apart from work, I have little joy. Finally, my wealth is simply a fact to which I am accustomed.
At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering all my life, I realize that all the accolades and riches of which I was once so proud, have become insignificant with my imminent death.
Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth.
It should be something more important:
For example, stories of love, art, dreams of my childhood.
God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me.
I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love.
This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, he will give strength and light to go ahead.
Love can travel thousands of miles and so life has no limits. Move to where you want to go. Strive to reach the goals you want to achieve. Everything is in your heart and in your hands.
What is the world's most expensive bed? The hospital bed.
You, if you have money, you can hire someone to drive your car, but you cannot hire someone to take your illness that is killing you.
Material things lost can be found. But one thing you can never find when you lose: life.
Whatever stage of life where we are right now, at the end we will have to face the day when the curtain falls.
Please treasure your family love, love for your spouse, love for your friends...
Treat everyone well and stay friendly with your neighbours.
Friday June 30, 2017
