Richard L. "Rick" RESNIK

RESNIK, Richard L. "Rick"

Rick never met a stranger. He loved meeting people, and all who knew him know that he loved to talk! He always had a story to share, one that often brought laughter and smiles. His favorite topics were the loves of his life - his wife of 35 years, Diana, and his beloved children, Lyndsey and Steven.

Rick died unexpectedly in Cordoba, Spain on May 22, 2014 while on a trip with Diana. While his time with us was too short, he was able to celebrate key milestones in the past year: Lyndsey's graduation from Southwestern University in Georgetown in 2013; Steven's graduation, also from Southwestern, on May 10 of this year; his retirement from Seton in 2013; the growth of his fundraising consulting practice; and, most special of all, the recent trip with Diana to Spain, where the two of them spent five glorious and joyful days together.

Rick was born August 4, 1954 in Chicago to Bette and George Resnik and was older brother to sister Barbara. Rick met Diana at Northern Illinois University and was smitten from the beginning. When she did not immediately reciprocate, Rick didn't mind. He persevered, knowing he could win her over. And he did.

After graduation, they moved to Austin, and eventually both started work in 1981 at what was then Seton Hospital on West 38th Street under the iconic leadership of Sr. Mary Rose McPhee, CEO, and Gene Attal, chief development officer. Rick touched so many lives in so many ways, but his 33 years at The Seton Fund fostered loving and close relationships with donors, board members, the Daughters of Charity and his colleagues. He personally raised millions of dollars for Seton, and helped grow The Seton Fund's development efforts. Just a few highlights include serving as chief fundraiser for Holy Cross Hospital; helping found the Holy Cross Hospital Development Board (now the Elizabeth Ann Seton Board) with Betty Fairey and Evelyn Egan; chief fundraiser for Seton Northwest Hospital and the Seton Community Health Centers (Seton McCarthy, Seton Kozmetsky and Seton Topfer); several expansions at Seton Medical Center Austin; and his dedicated efforts and special commitment to Seton League House and its Board of Directors. He found great humor in people's surprise that a Jew raised money for a Catholic hospital, but it was no surprise to those who knew him. Rick cared passionately about equity, the dignity of people and caring for those who are vulnerable and in need.

Rick found joy in many things. He loved fishing with his buddies; playing music - especially the many years he played percussion and piano with his band, the Wild Dogs; his bowling team; growing vegetables; cooking fabulous meals; boating; traveling; and spending time at the lake with his family. Rick recognized that, above all else, family was most important. For that, Diana, Lyndsey and Steven are especially grateful for they knew, every moment of every day, just how much Rick loved and cherished them.

Rick was predeceased by his parents, Bette and George. In addition to Diana, Lyndsey and Steven, Rick is survived by his sister, Barbara Resnik Farley, and her husband, Mark, and their daughters, Beth and Jessica; his long-time close friend from high school, Steve Marks, his wife, Debbie, and their children Hannah and Alison.

Funeral services are Tuesday, June 3 at 11 a.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Blvd., Austin 78705 www.wcfish.com, 512-452-8811.

For those so inclined, memorial donations may be made to Saint Louise House, 2026 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78705, www.saintlouisehouse.org; Seton League House, c/o The Seton Fund, 1201 W. 38th Street, Austin, TX 78705, www.setonfund.org/give; or Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731, (512) 735-8400 www.caa-austin.org.

Obituary and guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com