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Richard Smith Obituary
August 21, 1947 ~ February 11, 2007
SEASIDE – After a valiant fight with cancer, "Big Rick" Smith, local artist, succumbed Sunday morning, February 11, 2007 at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula at the age of 59.
Rick grew up in Del Rey Oaks and spent the last 35 years living and working in Seaside. He was well-known as a talented local artist, sculpting in wood and stone. Rick was active in Seaside's "Tour, Taste and Talent" and will be greatly missed for his many contributions to the local art community. He also participated in the annual Jade Festival.
Rick is survived by his devoted daughter, Nichole Johnson (Eduardo) of Seaside and son, Rick Smith (Grace) of Salinas; beloved sisters, Susan Seeba of San Jose and Karla Mellinger of Spokane, WA; four granddaughters, Kristina Smith of Seaside, Bailie and Heather Smith, both of Salinas, and E'Raya Johnson of Seaside; four nephews and his faithful dog, Frieda. He also leaves many wonderful friends, whom he considered to be family.
A Celebration of Rick's Life will take place at his home, Saturday, February 17, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. Please come with a story to tell or pictures to share. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1184 Monroe Street, Suite I-2, Salinas, CA 93906 or to any group supporting local arts or art education. Arrangements are directed by The Paul Mortuary. Please visit www.thepaulmortuary.com.
The family wishes to thank Rick's doctors and the wonderful nursing staff of Garden North at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, along with his many friends who have been so supportive on this journey.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Smith
Robin (Goad) Burgman
October 1, 2007
I use to babysit for Rick 35 years ago, it was always a blast,he was always funny. He used to let Diane and I hang out with him and his family. Sorry to here about Rick, my condolences to the family.
travis brandon
August 6, 2007
you sounded "good" on the phone in january. called in february and you were "gone" & i had missed the memorial gathering at your house, too! would have been hard gettin' there from boise, anyway! oh well! i have my memories & they are many! over 30 years since meeting you in northern idaho! so many times i visited & you always "put me up" - either in the bus or "the hobbitt".
so many stories we shared - and i was as "blown away" by your art work as you said you were by the adventures of "travelin' travis"!
in may - i dedicated two of my california music shows to you! i love you "brother" & i'll never forget you! i'll see ya in heaven!
DON HARLEY
March 15, 2007
RICK I SURE WILL MISS YOU HAPPY TRAILS BROTHER DON HARLEY
Caroline BATTAGLIA (Padgett)
February 24, 2007
DEAREST; Rick and Family
Rick You were the( Man) in Del Rey Oaks and a good friend to all of us who grew up there. May you rest in peace. Knowing your kindness will greatly be missed. Caroline Padgett Battaglia
DAVID HOLEHOUSE
February 22, 2007
the good old bad days i wont for get ya blues power always love DAVID HOLEHOUSE
Pinto & Cheryl Woolhiser
February 22, 2007
Good-bye friend. We will meet again. You were a part of so many good memories. We will miss you
Dianna Perry - McCoun
February 17, 2007
One of the last things you said to me at the hospital were, "I ain't going anywhere, I have things to do!" Well, you'll still be doing those things, only in a different place! You taught me a lot Rick, some good some not so good :-) and I'll always remember you with a smile. Thank you for my Nephew, Niece and my Great Nieces! Love you "Dude" see ya "upstairs". I hope to be there to watch you take your Granddaughters fishing. In the meantime, I'll be watching over them and sending up prayers for you to "catch"!
katy dixon
February 16, 2007
looking back, my best memories you are rite there, my only comfort now comes from knowing your suffering has ended see you in heaven.
Terri Manzur (Blunt)
February 15, 2007
I remember Rick as a small child, pullin' up to my mom's bar on his motor cycle, with Bill, Scoop, and Lloyd.
What a crew! You will be greatly missed. Always in our hearts, and a great family friend
Terri, Adrona and family ( Blunts )
Ann Bryant
February 15, 2007
Rick, you will forever hold a special place in my heart. I can't believe that you're gone. Thank you for giving me two wonderful children, who are now adults, that will miss their Dad very much. I'm beyond heartbroken.
Judy Souza
February 15, 2007
I think of you often and smile with those memories, my friend. You will be missed by so many, as you were loved! My heartfelt condolences to all the family and friends.
JoAnn Crivello
February 15, 2007
I was so sad to hear about Big Rick...So many memories of our many years that we hung out together. We sure had some fun times.Seems like that was so long ago.
I'm so happy that I went to his house recently to see his wonderful art work...how proud I was of him. As always when I would see him I would get greeted with a smile and a big bear hug
I will miss you Rick, the memories and the laughs we all shared
I know when you went to the heavens and saw Lloyd, Bill,Gene and "Auntie" you gave them that same big bear hug .My thoughts and prayers to all of the family..
Virginia Hutchings-Bloomer
February 14, 2007
I knew Rick since I was a kid. He was my "Big Brother's, Big Friend".
Our house was a pit stop between town and the Valley in the old days. He had the house down from Alice & Wayne. God Bless to his family and friends.
Lorene Sarno ( Holehouse )
February 14, 2007
You will be missed by all who knew you. You were to say the least
a colorfull character. I always enjoyed stopping in to visit. You would give me the tour of all your new projects and it was always so facinating.You always made me feel welcome and at home. See ya in heaven !!!!
Ray Askew
February 14, 2007
You were always a great pal and although we kind lost touch over the years I'll never forget the "Good Giant" of a man you were to me. I'll never forget You N Billy N Lloyd in the "War Wagon" so many years ago when we were young. That's a huge chair to fill and no one will ever fill it like you did. Rest In Peace My Friend. The job is done.
Carolyn DiMaggio-Campbell
February 14, 2007
NEEDLESS TO SAY, I AM IN SHOCK TO SEE "BIG RICK" IN THE OBITS TODAY, I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM MY FRIENDS IN TEXAS TELLING ME OF THE BAD NEWS, AND IT LITERALLY SHOCKED ME. I GREW UP WITH RICK, AND EVEN THOUGH WE SELDOM SAW EACH OTHER IN OUR ADULT LIVE'S, IT WAS ALWAYS A TREAT WHEN WE DID RUN INTO EACH OTHER. HE WAS A GREAT PERSON, A GREAT ARTIST, AND A GREAT FRIEND. HE IS GOING TO BE MISSED BY SO MANY, MY CONDOLANCES TO HIS FAMILY, AND ALL OF HIS FRIENDS. GOD BLESS YOU, "BIG RICK", HE MUST'VE HAD A PLAN FOR YOU, FOR HIM TO TAKE YOU AWAY FROM EVERYONE, SO SOON. YOU WILL BE EXTREMELY MISSED.
Valerie Ostenak
February 14, 2007
Rick was an amazing sculptor and gentle friend to me. He always had smiling eyes especially when talking about jade! I am honored to have been able to acquire one of his stone carvings about 12 years ago. It has always reminded me of home, and now Rick will live on in it. Farewell, Rick. You can now sculpt in Heavenly Grace.
Ray Askew
February 14, 2007
You were a pal and will always be missed. Thats a damned big chair to fill. No body can or ever will fill it quite like you...
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