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1994 – 2013
Ricky Naitoh, treasured son of John Naitoh and Becky Zeiner, and beloved brother to Sarah, Emily and Steve, was taken from us prematurely on March 3, 2013. He was only 18 and succumbed after a long battle against depression.
Ricky was born in Middletown, CT, and was named after his mother's father. While he spent his early years in Middletown and Los Angeles, the majority of his life was spent in La Jolla, CA.
His most special childhood years were at Torrey Pines Elementary School; but through his life at Muirlands Middle School and at La Jolla High School, he built true friendships that gave him moments of true happiness and relief from his illness.
Ricky strived to be a writer and was attending Long Beach State University. He also was a poet whose potential will sadly never be realized. He loved his family and his friends. He also enjoyed hiking, camping with his family, photography, painting and reading. His spark was to create art. He was a gentle soul who looked after others he felt were less advantaged or needed attention. In high school he tutored underprivileged students.
His last message to all of us was, "I am sorry to everyone who cared for me. I wish you all the best. I am sorry. I love you. Be strong. Never give up." We believe that his wish was for all of us to carry on and make the world a kinder place. We believe the best way to pay tribute to his life is to be empathetic and loving to each other. He wanted us to reach out to those in need, to those who appear lonely, who are in pain or need a hand. Every day he would want us to prove that the world does not have to be cruel.
In his memory, we have to make choices to be sure that the gift of life is never extinguished prematurely again.
In his honor, there will be a Celebration of the Life of Richard William Naitoh on Saturday, March 23, 2013, from 11 AM to 2 PM at San Diego Botanic Gardens - Gazebo lawn (the garden grounds open at 9 AM), 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024. Lunch will be served. Admission to the gardens is free for attendees.
Please RSVP to: [email protected] if you can so we can coordinate catering.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, we request that donations be made either to the English Department at CSU - Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840, or to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10005. You can also visit the website, www.beardsleymitchell.com, and leave messages for his friends and family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by His Loving Family.
Too lose someone to death so young is very heartbreaking. May you persevere in prayer to God to help you during your deep time of grief and sorrow. Romans 12:12
April 10, 2013
To the family: My heart and prayers go out to you. May your memories bring you joy. Turn to God to bring you comfort in your distress. He is near to all those calling upon him and their cry's for help he hears.
Psalms 145: 18,19
Adrianne
March 28, 2013
My thoughts and best wishes are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mark Heinze
March 21, 2013
Dear Becky & John: We just learned of your tragic loss and can't imagine the degree of emotional pain you must be enduring at the moment. We and your many Connecticut friends are thinking of you constantly and wish you strength during the difficult days ahead. Wishing you inner peace and may Ricky rest in peace forevermore. Love, Skip & Alison
Adam Perrin
March 20, 2013
Dear Naitoh Family,
We were deeply sadden to hear about Ricky, actually we cried. What a wonderful young man he was.
He was a good friend to Phillip and we'll always remember and appreciate him for that. Phillip missed hanging out with him their senior year but he said he'll always remember the good time they had. Our hearts are with you.
- The Andrews
Julie Andrews
March 20, 2013
Dear Naitoh Family,
A heartfelt prayer to all of you.
Your Precious Ricky will be remembered by our family as a kind, talented and beautiful young man. We knew Ricky as a classmate and peer of Carmen. We fondly remember a beautiful afternoon when the kids went to the theatre to see a play together in middle school. I remember being impressed by Ricky's gentleman manners and that he had an interest in theatre. His warm smile and loving soul will be be in our hearts always.
We send loving thoughts and warm hugs to all of you.
Karen Quinones
March 20, 2013
Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Naitoh family at this time. The Alapi Family
March 16, 2013
Dr. Naitoh and Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this time. George and Barbara Camp
March 16, 2013
Sorry for your, and our, loss.
Mr. Matt Olson
March 15, 2013
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