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BORN
1955
DIED
2013
Rick Portz Obituary
Rick Alan Portz
September 11, 1955 - December 29, 2013
The Lord took Rick home to be forever in His presence and to be reunited with his Dad Tom and his grandparents.
Rick was born in Inglewood, CA to Thomas and Wanda Portz, number three of five children. Most of his childhood memories were of the years his family lived in Folsom, CA where he graduated High School. He spent summers with his friends hanging out at Folsom Lake. Recently Rick told me the only word to describe his childhood was "Perfect!" His parents, brothers and sisters were, and still are very close and supportive of one another.
In 1994 he married Julie. In addition to his sons Justin and Cody, he gained Julie's children Brian, Amber and Danyelle. This was later followed by their son Shawn. Their family got a little bit bigger and a whole lot better!
Rick along with his brothers learned construction from their father Tom who was a contractor. That knowledge helped him later in life when he went to work in the Structural Pest Control business working at Professional Exterminators then later starting his own company Inter-County Termite which he ran successfully for 10 years until his cancer diagnosis in 2012.
When Rick wasn't working he was golfing at Tucker Oaks. Later at Gold Hills where he enjoyed golfing with his "Gang" and his son Justin when they got the chance. In the last year, Rick was fortunate enough to see firsthand the esteem his golf buddies felt for him by a special tournament held in his honor at Gold Hills. For the memory of how touched and how special that made Rick feel, I'll be forever grateful! Thank you everyone!
Rick also had the privilege of getting to know and being friends with countless people in the Real Estate as well as the Pest Control Industries. Christmas 2012 was terrible, because we had just learned of his cancer diagnosis. On the other hand, we also got to experience the generosity, prayers, and support from so many of the people he'd worked with over the last 20 years. For myself that was like watching the love of my life and best friend being presented with a gold watch by his peers. I still can't think of these things without happy tears, and Rick shed them right along with me. Although this has been a terrible year because Rick was so sick, he never complained. He never worried about himself, only his family. He was and will always be the strongest man I have ever known.
Rick is survived by his best friend and other half, Julie. Sons Justin Portz (Danielle) Cody Portz, Shawn Portz, Brian Travis (Christina). Daughters Amber Pearson (Owen Miller) and Danyelle Travis (Kyle Ravera). Grandchildren Carson Portz, Cole Portz, Alyssa Portz, Briana Travis, Seirra Teem and Shyann Teem. Mother Wanda Portz. Brothers Michael and Robert Portz. Sisters Debbie Portz Beebe (Jack Beebe) and Kerri Portz (Bruce MacFarlane). He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held in his honor 2:00 pm January 10th at Faith Assembly 8598 Airport Rd., in Redding. Pastor Paul Tilley will officiate.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rick Portz
Shawn Portz
January 26, 2014
I love you dad.
Robin Cross
January 11, 2014
With much sorrow and respect to all concerned with Rick's passing. Prayers are still going up to all. Love Robin and Heather Travis.
January 11, 2014
To the Portz family, Many prayers to all of you from the Deckers. Memories of Rick are very fond. Always will remember his smile and warm heart.
Kathy Henry
January 10, 2014
Julie: I am so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. My heart goes out to you and Danyelle and Shawn. You two were a lovely couple and I have many fond memories of you and Rick and his goofiness during our years out at the softball field with all the girls. Hang in there and keep your family and memories close. Love, Kathy
Nora Dougherty
January 10, 2014
Julie and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. We have been praying for you guys, may The Lord comfort you in this time.
January 9, 2014
Julie & Family,
Nothing but great memories of Rick. We had many wonderful times golfing, but more than that we had many meaningful conversations about family and life experiences. Rest assured that he loved you all and was very proud of his family. The "Gold Hills Gang" has missed him greatly as a golfing buddy and a friend. And thanks Julie for the excellent Banana Bread you sent with him!
My best thoughts are with you all, and thanks for sharing Rick with us.
Sincerely,
Jim McShane
January 8, 2014
Our sypmathy to the family. We are sorry we will be unable to attend the services, but want to express how much Rick meant to us as a friend and our regret that we only knew him for a short time. We know you have many wonderful memories to help you through this difficult time.
Tim and Tammy Brooks
Terri Dickson
January 8, 2014
I'm so sorry you got sick. You fought so hard, for your loved ones because you didn't want them to be heartbroken. Thank you for always being such a good Father and husband. Men like you are hard to find and I know my sister knew that. You will be missed terribly by all your family and friends and without a doubt, Everytime you're thought of we will remember how much you Loved us. We'll meet again soon.
Dale Level
January 7, 2014
Rick... you left this earth to soon my friend... still in the prime of your life... What you accomplished in that short time was nothing but amazing.... As you had Talent in so many areas of your life... I am grateful you graced the presence of my Sister Julie's Life & her Children... both of you needed each other at the time you met more than probably you both even knew... It was amazing to watch you & Julie change your life's for the GOOD OF ALL AROUND YOU.... It was a good example to me & to the world that we ALL ARE HUMAN! but we all deserve to have a chance for change... YOU BOTH ARE PROOF OF THAT.. I Know you heard me when I told you I would help your family through... & you CAN COUNT ON THAT!! love you like a brother.... & I will miss you here on this EARTH... go & be with your DAD... he is there & will be so happy to see you Rick! THANKS for showing the world what you had to offer.... as the one's you touched will be at your service this Friday... & I know you will be there to see it all... LOVE YOU MAN!
Cherrel Kirkland
January 7, 2014
Rick was a blessing to those who knew and loved him. He has been missed through his struggle. Our sympathy goes out to your family as you work through your loss. May God be with you as he is now with Rick. No more suffering.
Larry and Cherrel Kirkland
Pat & Denise Jenson
January 6, 2014
Julie and family...Rick was a kind hearted man and will be greatly missed in the real estate family as well as on the golf course...Prayers of love and strength for your family...
holly mayer
January 6, 2014
So sorry to hear about rick,he was a longtime friend of my familys. My prayer are with you
Beth Godman
January 6, 2014
Julie & family ~ it was with a sad heart that I heard of Rick's passing. Thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. Rick was well loved in the real estate community. He will be greatly missed.
Greg Lloyd
January 6, 2014
Sympathies to the family...Rick was a wonderful guy who was well liked and respected in the Real Estate community.
We will miss his contagious smile
Kerri Smith
January 5, 2014
I always felt that it was you I was most alike...both of us undeniably funny...neither of us wearing our feelings on our sleeves...and Mom making a special bowl of ambrosia just for us, minus the coconut. I'm going to continue being funny, and I don't think my dislike for coconut is going to change anytime soon. But I think I will work on showing my feelings a little more, as I realize just how important it is and how precious the time we have here on Earth with the ones we love is. You were taken away way to soon...and I miss you. I am thankful you are no longer here fighting the killer that invaded your body. And it makes me smile knowing you are there with Dad. :) Too many years between us for me to have many childhood memories...but I am grateful for all the time we spent together as adults. I love you brother. Don't worry about all of us down here...we will be ok...we have each other.
Brianna Travis
January 5, 2014
I love you Papa Rick. You will NEVER be forgotten. You were an amazing person, and an inspiration to others. You will be remembered, and missed.
Carol Blevins (McCleerey)
January 4, 2014
Many prayers for all of the family,
Justin Portz
January 3, 2014
I am thankful for the relationship we built over the past 20 years. The game of golf brought us together and I have so many great memories from the time we spent together on the course. The crew at Gold Hills knew us as "Portz Squared" and they held onto their wallets a little tighter when we played together because we were awesome partners and always seemed to come away with a prize at the end. We won the Member-Guest tournament 3 years in a row and won the Bronze Medal at the 2006 NCGA Parent-Child Championship. The golf memories will always be with me as I look ahead to a lifetime of playing with my sons. I know you will always be there with us. Heck, you're probably up there practicing your swing right now as you prepare to get in on whatever skins game you can find up there. I miss you dad and hate to think about my future without you in it but I am very thankful for leaving us with your beautiful bride. Julie is the most loving, strong, and selfless person I've ever met and we are lucky to have her in our life. I'll see you again one day so make sure to save me a spot in your foursome
Amber Pearson
January 3, 2014
Rick was a great dad and a great man. He changed a lot of lives simply by knowing him so I know he won't be forgotten. I miss you so much already. I'll be thankful everyday for the time we had together.
Carson Portz
January 3, 2014
I'm so sorry Papa Rick got sick. I love the present he gave me when I saw him. I love him so much and miss him. My favorite memory was when Papa Rick and Gramma Julie came to visit and watched me play baseball. I got to pitch that game and was able to give the game ball to Papa Rick. I will always remember him.
Julie Portz
January 3, 2014
Honey, I already miss you so much not sure how I'll make it. Thank you for being the best husband in the world! Wish you were here to let me have the shoulder I've counted on for the last 22 years. Thank you so much for being my best friend and sharing your big goofy heart with me. I'll still be sharing my tears and laughter with you so listen for me. I love you!
Steve Rush
January 3, 2014
Another Brother lost:(. Thanks Rick for the fun and laughs growing up. I wish I would have had a chance to see you and share memories as well and the coincidence that we both got into the inspection business. RIP
Laurie Harvey/Conway
January 3, 2014
You might be gone but will never be forgotten...God keep you in his loving arms...
Cole Portz
January 3, 2014
I love you Papa Rick. You are the best grandpa ever. I think your picture looks funny with long hair. I'm sorry you got sick and I will miss you. I will give Gramma Julie extra snuggles for you when I see her.
Brianna Beebe Kroeker
January 3, 2014
I'm so sad that we won't be there for the service, but am very thankful for the time with my amazing uncle and family before he passed. I love you, uncle Rick! Will see you in a little while :)
Danyelle Travis
January 3, 2014
I am such a lucky girl to have such an amazing man for a father! He was FULL of knowledge and willing to share it with me. He was kind and gentle and loving. And he always made me feel like I was his own. Not many men will marry a women with 3 kids of her own let alone raise them, but that's the kind of man my father was. I am so blessed to have such a great father, friend, and hero. I love u dad. I'm so happy your resting easy and enjoying all the time with your dad and The Lord.
Kandi Husein
January 3, 2014
I am saddened to hear of Ricks passing. What a great man he was. I taught Sunday school at Little Country church for several years and got to know Julie and Rick. He will be missed. Wanda & Julie, you are forever in my heart and remembered in my prayers.
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