| Rick and I first became friends at the 50's dance my 8th grade year. He got my number and from then on we talked basically every night. I even went to Rocky's to see him on Fridays even though I HATE skating. Me and Rick grew closer and closer with every word, and soon he knew more about me than anyone else. Whenever a tear laid upon my cheek I knew who to call, and I also knew that if I was to call his pager, and leave my 'special number' he would call within minutes. He truly cared, and everyone who ever knew Rick can agree. I could go on for days about all the wonderful things he ever did for me, or all of our precious memories, but I'll spare your eyesight. If there is one thing I can leave for all of you, it would be "No Regrets." We all know Rick wouldn't want any of us to hurt, he'd want to see our smiles. Focus on the beautiful memories you shared, and the wonderful person that he was. Bring him to your life everyday by sharing with others what he shared with you. He loved all of you, and he was aware of the love you had for him in return. This was his choice, what he wanted, and what he has done...and he is resting on a cloud up in heaven waiting for the day when we will once again be our happy go lucky selves, so that he may toy with our minds again. Instead of crying, imagine him watching your every move, laughing at the things you do while you're alone. Rick is there with us, following in our footsteps, doing his best to pick up the pieces of our broken hearts. **Jessica Lynn Bivens** (FemmeFataleQT) |
| See what wonderful stories others have to share about Rick. |
| Hey..first and foremost i want to say thank you for making such a wonderful page of someone so special to me. Rick and I met through my ex boyfriend who went to tallmadge. When we first met we really didnt talk much. When he broke up with his girlfriend, I suppose he had no one to call and ended up online and found me. I gave him my number and told him if he ever needed anyone to call, and so he did. We kept in contact throughout the year and become very close. The past summer we hung out a lot, we'd talk everyday, and I realized that I loved the kid, as a friend, I had never felt anything towards anyone the way I did towards Rick. Rick made me feel secure, when I'd cry and he'd sing some stupid song he'd made up or if he was at Donovan's and they were playing the guitar in Donovan's garage, and it sounded like nothing but noise, he always knew how to put a smile on my face. He meant more to me than anyone and I would've done anything for him. I remember the night he took me out for my birthday, I remember coming in my room and seeing flowers on my dresser with a card "Happy Birthday Sam, love ya, Rick" No one had ever taken the time to care to do that besides my parents. And, I knew ....in my heart, that he'd be a friend always. That is what this picture is from, my birthday....anyways, I know he is gone and I'm tryin to accept it. I loved the kid, and I always will...I cannot wait til I can see him again.....He will be watching over me ...and all of us until we are healed...and our broken hearts are once again whole. So, do me and everyone a favor, please pray for Scott and Connie and Debbie and John, they need our love and support. Rick will always be with us. Always. Love always and forever, Samantha Sankey Copley, Ohio |
| The page you made for Rick is very sweet... i know so many people miss him so very much. I knew Rick from youth group at NWACC and he was one of the sweetest guys I've ever known... haha.. he was the BIGGEST flirt ever... and i can honestly say i dont have anyone to even compare him to! I dont really have a story for you to put on his page, but for some reason, ya know it helps to remember how awesome he was and to just write about it, even though I know I dont know you. I am glad to see that people are trying to come together and to remember that life is too short, and like you wrote, too many times we take advantage of a situation and before we know it it is too late... You never know. Love like there's no tomorrow.... God Bless you and everyone else that knew Rick, KariAnne Dettling Brimfield, Ohio (senior @ Field high) |
| You don't really know how God works. He takes the good and he takes the bad. My cousin wasn't the perfect in the world but he always put a smile on everyones face, if they crying, sad, or even happy. He just made my day everytime i saw him. I wish deeply that he was still here with my family and with the everyone in the world. You really don't know how short life will be or when the people you love are gone you don't know how much you really love and miss them until they are gone. I remember always hanging around him when i came over for someones birthday. He was my pride and my joy and i don't know what i am going to do without my cuz i always thought of him as my big bro that i never had. I will never forget him and he will alwyas be in my heart and I hope you learn from this expeirence to love your family and friends as much as you can becuase you never know when th are going to die. I love you till i die Ricky and tell grandma i said hi. Love, Blace Shutsa |
| Sometimes in life things happen that we may never come to understand. Rick's untimely death is one of them. He will be truly missed. He will always have a place in my heart and I hope that his memory will never be forgotten. When you go on with your busy daily routine, stop and think of Rick. He is dead to us physically but, there is a way for him to always be with you... by keeping a special place for him in your heart. There he will always be alive. "When you lose someone you love, you gain an angle." Heather Beyer |
| Hey- I know you don't know me, but I was a friend of Rick's! We met at Roosevelt. It was funny how I met him, It was the beginning of the school year and I had just got my schedule changed. Well I was always making fun of the people who go to the wrong classes. Well, I did that for 3 days. Rick was the one to let everyone know that I was being a little stupid. Everyone thought so too, I defiantly didn't disagree. We became pretty close, we hung out, and we made sure we would see each other in-between classes to make jokes with each other. When September 11, 2001, came around Rick was the one to hold me, and tell me that everything is going to be ok. And he was right. He walked me home so I could call my mom, and Rick stayed; to support me. When my mom came Home, I remember her telling me that he was a extremely nice guy. I met his mom, she seemed nice, but not enough time to talk. Rick always seemed So Full of life! That he couldn't get enough of it! He was the reason I looked forward to going to school everyday! Just so I could hear his voice and laugh. I miss those days in the halls, I miss his hugs, I miss the laughs, the jokes but overall I miss him! I'll never forget your Smile Rick! R.I.P.... and I'll see you when I get there! Love you always Kattee Crumley! |
| Thank you all so much for letting us know how special a person Rick was. We always knew he was special, but we had no idea just how many peoples lives that he touched. We just wanted to let everyone that posted know how much it has meant to us to hear all of your touching stories about Rick. It has helped us in dealing with our grief more than words could ever express. To all of his friends we are always here for you. If you ever need to talk or just want to share a story or a picture you have you can contact me at [email protected] (AOL I.M. ricksdad02 ). I plan on possibly building a web site as a memorial to Rick, I will collect all of your email addresses and let you know. Sandi and Kkyle, Thank you for your tribute to Rick. We are very touched. Jessica and Crystal, time will heal our saddness, and our memories will live in our hearts forever. Thank you all again so much. And Thank you to all of you who made donations to the Safe Landing Shelter and The Northwest Avenue Church of Christ Youth Group. The money collected will be put to good use to help kids in our communities. Scott & Connie Santos (Cuyahoga Falls, OH ) April 1, 2002 [email protected] |
| Today I was looking at the guestbook and found an entry from Mr. Santos. It made me feel unbelievably good. I'm happy I could touch someone with something I've created. Thank you Mr. Santos. The entry is posted below. ~Sandi L. Board~ |
| It is April 23rd, it's been a month since Rick's death. I'm still taking it really hard. I don't understand why I'm taking it so hard. My friend tells me I'm showing signs of depression. The serious signs. She wants me to see a professional. I can't stop crying. I only cry when I'm alone. I hold it in while I'm around people. And if I can't hold it in, I go into another room until I can pull myself together. I just can't take this anymore. It hurts so bad. I've never had a feeling this bad... R.I.P. My dearest Rick. I miss you more than anyone could imagin! Sandi |