Dr. RICARDO PRESNELL

Ricardo Presnell 1958 ~ 2010 Dr. Ricardo Presnell, 51, died in an avalanche on Wednesday Jan. 27, 2010. Ricardo's loving wife of 21 years, Caroline Kroko, brother Craig, and his family of friends from around the world know that he was living life big and doing what he loved.Ricardo was a man who brought people together: a man of great passion, compassion and boundless love. His passions were many. Firstly, people: his wife, his family and his innumerable friends. He was the catalyst and the glue for an ever-expanding 'family' of diverse individuals. He always referred to his friends as brothers and sisters. Being with Ricardo was always an adventure and a social occasion. At restaurants, concerts, bike rides, skiing, or just a walk around the nighborhood, it was certain that someone would call out "Hey Rico" and stop to chat. Having met him, no one forgot him - his brilliant smile, his wit and his endless energy. As his friends became friends to each other, the world became a warmer place. The lifetime collection of bicycles, skis, backpacking, climbing and hiking equipment testify to his love of the outdoors. Yes, there are old leather lace-up ski-boots there. His passion for music never stopped evolving; he was always interested in new and different styles of music. His deepest enduring love was Jazz, and his two dogs, Jaco (Pastorius) and Joni (Mitchell) are but the superficial expression of this. A visitor could always count on being introduced to a new artist, a new style of music, a brilliant old classic, or being coerced into dancing in the den. While he believed strongly in 'playing hard', Ricardo was passionate about Geology. Not one to go halfway, Ricardo earned BS, MS and Doctorage degrees in the field and worked more than 25 years as a professional geologist. Not everyone who considered Ricardo a friend knew of his professional standing. He traveled the world many times over, bringing his natural intelligence, extensive knowledge, broad experience, and his innate ability to connect and communicate with others. Language barriers in Turkey? Mongolia? Siberia? Not a problem! Ricardo spoke science in any language. He was a valued member and board member of many professional societies. Ricardo believed that his professional achievements were dependent on the guidance, mentorship and support of those in the field before him. In return, he was delighted to teach and mentor younger geologists, professionally, academically - and (characteristically) personally. After 22 years with Kennecott/Rio Tinto, Ricardo became a private consultant, working as Chief Geologist for Full Metal Minerals (Van couver,BC), as Chief Geologist. His impact there is evidenced by the company's creation of "The Dr. Ricardo Davis Presnell Memorial Scholarship Fund" at the University of Utah for minority students studying science. Finally, it was Ricardo's lifelong passion (45 years) for skiing that brought him to Utah and the Wasatch Mountains. He skied the Canadian Rockies, the Alps, the Andes and numerous US locales, but the Wasatch was his home. No friends were surprised to pick up the phone at 6 am to hear: "It's a Powder Day- time to rally." Often meeting at the house for coffee and even a hot breakfast (eggs Mc-Ricky), Ricardo's enthusiasm could get the posse from slumber to snow in record time. Those hardy souls who joined in the backcountry forays were pushed to their physical limits. But no one was ever left behind. Any not up to the route were carefully shephered and supervised. Ricardo always called home when he arrived back at the car saying 'we're out, I'll be home soon) and frequently called from mountaintops just to say 'Hi'. Jaco and Joni (the dogs) always watched out the window til Papa arrived, leaped around ecstatically, giving and getting love. Their turn to join the man who made everyone smile. I, Caroline, thank everyone who has held me together these last few days. I can not name you, there are so many. I don't know how I could be more fortunate. I also thank the Solitude Ski Patrol and everyone else involved in the rescue attempt. I can't put my gratitude into words anymore than words can do justice to the beautiful human being who was Ricardo. In lieu of gifts, we request that you donate to the scholarship fund (Dr Ricardo Davis Presnell Memorial Scholarship Fund, Suite 1500-409 Granville St, Vancouver, B.C. Canada, V6C1T2) or to the Utah Avalanche Center (www.utahavalanch center.org) in Ricardo's name. The brilliant light of Ricardo's life shines on in the hearts of everyone who loves him - I am grateful for our 21 years.