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Richard Cavnar Obituary

RICHARD JOSEPH CAVNAR of Clear Lake, Texas passed from this life on January 3, 2004. He was born on June 29, 1953 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He died at home surrounded by family and friends after a 7 month battle with liver cancer. Rick was the third child of Richard (Dick) Cavnar and Nancy Rygel Cavnar. He was a graduate of Bellaire High School and Letourneau University. He worked for many years in communications for Northern Telecom. His most recent and fulfilling work was with the Harris County Juvenile Probation Office. Rick served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1978. He enjoyed sailing, fishing, and mentoring juveniles and adults. His happy spirit touched many lives. He is survived by his father, Dick Cavnar, his stepmother, Pat Cavnar, his sons, Richard Joseph Cavnar, Jr. and Christopher David Cavnar, his grandchildren, Kayla and Kinsey Cavnar, Delanie Smith and Dylan Cavnar, his brothers, David Cavnar of Garland, Texas and Andrew Cavnar of Menard, Texas, his sisters, Terry Cavnar French of Clifton, Virginia and Mary Cavnar-Johnson of Kingwood, Texas, his stepsisters Debbie Roesler of Katy, Texas and Diane Marini of Kingwood, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also survived by many dear friends including Vickie Devore, Randy Barnes and Mary Hartman. Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Rygel Cavnar and his brother, John Michael Cavnar. Services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at Crosspoint Community Church, 700 South Westgreen Boulevard, Katy, Texas 77450. Donations may be made to Hospice Care Team, Inc., 1708 Amburg Road, Suite C, Texas City, Texas 77591.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Jan. 6, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
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Bliss Cavnar Herron

January 3, 2005

Dear Ones,

I just wanted to let you all know I was thinking of you today, the anniversary of Rick's death. You have made it through the most difficult time-the first year. I have thought of you all often this past year and knew you were all missing his laughter and enthusiasm at each holiday and special event, but also knew that you haven't heard his laugh for the last time. He's just laughing and waiting for us all in heaven. That must be a brighter place now (if that's possible) with him there. I do so look forward to hearing that echoing laughter and another bear hug, as I am sure you all do to. I'll keep you all in my prayers.

Love, Bliss

Vickie Akins Devore

January 24, 2004

Rick,

I awoke this morning thinking of you, wanting to somehow feel closer to you, longing to hear your voice, your laugh, to see the twinkle in your eye, to sit and talk, to watch a movie or to take a walk along the beach.

At 6:13 a.m. I lit a candle for you and am now listening to the last CD I bought you- the one that has 'Footprints in the Sand'. Closing my eyes, enjoying the sounds of the ocean, tears gently flowing from my heart. Some of course in missing you, others in comfort of the vision of you and Jesus walking along the beach- the beauty of the look upon your face, and the peace you now feel have given me a glimpse into heaven's realm. I see you look towards me smiling and waving. Such contentment, mercy and grace is now forever yours.

It has been three weeks today, somedays feeling it has only been three minutes, others three years. Now, I have a beautiful vision to comfort me- still knowing that our time together is so very precious and full of memories that will not fade. Even now, after everyone has gone, I can hear you say "you mean we're alone?" with that unique twinkle in your eye, that impish smile and open arms to give me a heartfelt hug- letting me know in unspoken words of your love. So my love, even though we are for awhile separated by time and space - we are alone and I can feel your love!

Thank you....



Love, Vickie

Cindy and Lisa Ramon

January 19, 2004

To the Cavnar family, you all are in our hearts and prayers. We are sorry about your loss.

Randy Barnes

January 17, 2004

Rick Im going to miss you so much.You are the best friend I Have ever had. Im going to miss our talks,But you left me a lot to think about! I know you are in heaven looking down at us,and you want us to carry on.Mary and I miss you,but we know God has a plan for each of us.We will see you again in Gods time.Love Randy& mary

Vickie Akins Devore

January 16, 2004

Golden rings upon my finger,

Love for you will always linger.



Lives brought together

to form a bond that shall

last forever.



Though, time will soon

have it's way,

there is so much

I have to say.



To lavish you

with words alone,

somehow would

pale in comparison to

the spectrum of emotion

in this heart filled

with loving devotion!



My love for you will

always and forever linger,

as I look at the golden rings

upon my finger!





My dearest Rick,



I wrote this for you on December 7th, with the hope of sharing it with you. My love, forgive me for not doing so before now. I miss you more than I can imagine. I find that I want to pick up the phone to call you, yet knowing that it is not possible. I pray that I will see you in my dreams and feel your touch upon my face. I am surrounded by many memories of you and that is a great comfort. The tears I shed are in love, but also in missing the essence of you. A friend told me today at work to think of each tear that I shed as being a feather

added to your wings! How beautiful! I do miss you more than I can express and as I promised I am taking each moment until it turns into a minute and minutes will then become hours and hours will turn into days and so on.... I can tell you that a day will not go by without a thought of you or a memory to be cherished.

As also promised, we are all looking out after one another as we each told you that we would...

I miss the twinkle in your eye... and yes, my love.... I am alone!



Love,

Vickie



P.S. the poem is my original work, written and lovingly dedicated to Rick on December 7, 2003

Cam McPhail

January 15, 2004

I am standing upon the seashore.



A ship at my side spreads its wide sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. He is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch him at length until he appears like a speck of white cloud, just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.



Then someone says, “There -- he is gone….” Gone where?



Gone from my sight. That is all. He is just as large in mast and hull and spar as when he left my side, and he is just as able to bear his load of living freight to his destined port. His diminished size is in me, not in him.



And just at the moment when someone says, “There -- he is gone,” there are other eyes watching him coming. And other voices ready to take up the glad shout: “Here he comes!”



And that is dying.



Anonymous



Someone shared this with me and it seems just as appropriate for Rick. It hardly seems possible that I won't ever see that big grin, hear that booming voice, feel the heartfelt hugs, ever again. 'Til we meet again, my friend. Love, Cam

Janine Bocco

January 14, 2004

Rick was a friend and fellow employee at Harris County Youth Village. I know that God has blessed me, just by the fact that I knew Rick. His stregnth of spirit and love of God touched my life in many ways. I am happy to have known him and his legacy of service.

William Dow

January 14, 2004

To The Familiy Of Mr.Cavnar



It was a great honor to work with Mr.Cavnar. He was a very good man and I was sad to hear of his passing. He always made us laugh with his jokes and he often made me think with his serious veiws on our job and life in general. I considered him a good friend. He was so easy to get along with. He will be missed greatly by me and everyone that knew him. The prayers of my family go out to your family. I leave you with this; God knows what he doing and he will never put more on us than we can handle.He knew Mr. Cavnar was ready to come home to be with him, so he called him on. God bless you all.

Stephaney Van Gorp

January 13, 2004

Rick I miss you terribly. You will always have a special place in my heart. I wish I could have that one last hug that you are so famous for. Your happiness generated to everyone around you, you made everyone feel special and loved. The Youth Village will miss so much your presence but you will never be forgotten in mind, heart or spirit. You were the one who kept our 'team' in high spirits through it all. Rick your Youth Village family misses you and we will hold the memories we shared together close to our hearts. To the Cavnar family, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless and keep you.

Shannon Marini

January 12, 2004

To my Uncle Rick,

One thing Ive learned about this family is that love is very underestimated. I may not have gotten to see you as much as I should have. However everytime we saw each other, your smile would light up the room. You always made an effort to get away from your conversation just to come and give me a hug and tell me "gosh I love you". Though you are no longer with us today, I know you are still in my heart. You are such a great Uncle and I know I will always love you as much as you loved me.

Your loving niece,

Shannon

Dan Kongo

January 11, 2004

I miss Richard terribly. I worked with him closely for a relatively short period of time but it seemed that it was for years. He was my fun man. On behalf of my family, I express my profound sympathy to his family and pray that God comforts them through this period of pain. May his soul rest in eternal peace.We will always miss you Mr. Cavnar.

Stephanie Binion

January 10, 2004

Rick you were my teacher and my friend. You accepted me into your heart unconditionally. You have helped me in more ways than I can ever express in words. Thank you for all your love, support, kindness, and friendship. I will miss your smile and your hugs, and "it's gonna be okay." I love you, Steph

VON WILSON

January 10, 2004

RICK IN THE SHORT TIME WE HAVE BEEN WORKING TOGETHER, YOU HAVE MADE OUR TEAM SHINE. THE LIGHT IS STILL SHINING, MEANING YOU ARE IN OUR PRESENTS, OUR HEARTS AND MINDS ALWAYS WILL.

REST IN PEACE, BROTHER

Waymond & Tracy Loper

January 10, 2004

Although we only knew Rick a short time, he touched our lives. To the family, we are so sorry for your loss. Dick, Dr Johnson,Diane, Andy, David, Terri, and those we haven't met yet, if there is anything we can do to make this time for you easier, please let us know. We love you all. Rick, we will miss you!!!

chris Cavnar

January 9, 2004

Dad,

Its been so awesome being your son. Some of the most valuable and priceless lessons in life you helped me learn. I keep you close to heart every where I go as I know you do me. We've had our good times and our bad times, our ups and downs. Through it all my love for you has never changed. There will always be a special place in my soul till I see you again. I'm sure you and my grandpa are having a joyous time together. Always and Forever your son Christopher David Cavnar

Pedro Guzman

January 9, 2004

I knew Rick for just a short time at the Youth Village. However, in that short time, I got to know him and enjoy seeing him daily. He always had something nice to say which made me think that he really enjoyed life. He was also always eager to help.

Rick had a certain positive energy about him and I wish I would have had the chance to spend some more time with him.

Rick, thank you for the nice memory.

Susan Wyatt

January 8, 2004

Rick touched the lives of so many in his work at the Harris County Youth Village. His wonderful way of bonding and sharing with others, his optimistic spirit, great laugh, and "can do" attitude will be greatly missed by his coworkers and friends here, and by the residents he mentored and tutored.



Rick, I'll be thinking of you every Wednesday, the day we had our weekly phone call. Many blessings to the family, and to the friends who were present with you during those final peaceful days.

Kelly & Diane Miller

January 8, 2004

With condolences to the family, Diane and I offer our sympathies to Andy and his family.

Shirley Els

January 7, 2004

Although I never met Rick, he was the son of my closest Aunt and Uncle, Pat and Dick Cavnar. Pat and Dick (and all) my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time in your lives. You will find solace in the fact that you will see him again someday soon and then never be separated or know pain and suffering again. God bless you all.

Vickie Devore

January 7, 2004

In this journey of life it is a very rare and precious thing to find your soulmate. The one person which is in reality your very best friend, the one you trust completely with every aspect of your life. I have had that with my precious Rick. So many times we have had what the world would call coincidental experiences yet both of us knew that they were orchestrated by God. Rick and I knew each other in high school and who could have known how prophetic a simple statement written in my year book would become a reality. In 2001, I promised Rick that I would be at his side through thick and thin and that nothing would ever change my love for him. God in his infinite love, grace and mercy allowed me a most precious final two weeks to be at his side around the clock, tending to his needs and continuing to love him unconditionally, That is the greatest gift I knew to give along with the promise that I would continue to love him with all of my heart till we meet again.

Rick, I will cherish all of our times, our infectious laughter over the silliest of things, your warm smile, your teddy bear hugs, your love of life, your love of God and your family. I thank you for always being here for me and for giving me your heart and your love which now has ultimately given me a new found family. We (your entire family) were given a most precious gift- that of being with you along the last days of your journey here on earth each staying with you until you reached for the hand of God.

I know what a glorious reception you received as you entered into heaven's realm and into the arms of Jesus as he personally welcomed you home.

Your sweet spirit will always remain with me, thoughts of our memories shall comfort me when I miss you more that I could ever imagine. All of this will be my love in expression until I am able to see your heavenly face! I love you, Rick!

P.S. To your parents (Dick and Pat), your sons (Rick and Chris) your sisters (Terry and Mary) and your brothers (David and Andy) -

"Thank you for your unconditional love and acceptance of me into your family" Love, Vickie

Candace Boyd

January 7, 2004

Ricky, I shall miss your bright and mischevious smile, your wit and big bear hugs--I loved it when you just dropped into the salon for "news" or to pick on Vicki with stuff in her hair, or to beg for a haircut--love to your family and friends----see ya later, Candace Boyd

Carol Dougherty

January 7, 2004

Rick - there are so many memories that I will cherish. Especially our conversations about life, spirituality and the lessons we are here to learn. With love, Carol

Helen Johnson

January 7, 2004

Rick, Your three foxes (Helen, Carleen and Terry) as you always refered to us will miss you so much. Rick was a dear friend to all of us and we will always remember the many good times we shared together. Love Helen Johnson

Helen Johnson

January 7, 2004

Rick, Your three foxes (Helen, Carleen and Terry) as you always refered to us will miss you so much. Rick was a dear friend to all of us and we will always remember the many good times we shared together. Love Helen

Donna Orlando

January 7, 2004

Dear Rick, Although I never met you, I feel as though I know you. Your dear friend, Vickie, spoke so highly of you that I know you will be missed by all who knew you. My prayers are for your wonderful family and friends who were by your side until you went "home". I look forward to meeting you one day.

Donna

Vickie Akins Devore

January 7, 2004

In this journey of life, it is a very rare and precious gift to find your soulmate. The one person who is in reality also your very best friend, the one that you can trust completely with every aspect of your life. I have had that with my precious Rick. So many times we have had what the world would call coincidental experiences yet both of us knew that they were orchestrated by God.

In 2001, I promised Rick that I would be his friend and be at his side through thick and thin and that nothing would ever change my love for him. God in his infinite love, grace and mercy allowed me a most precious final two weeks to be at his side around the clock tending to his needs and continuing to love him unconditionally. That is the greatest gift I knew to give along with the promise that I would continue to love him with all of my heart until we meet agian.

Rick, I will cherish all of our times, our infectious laughter over the silliest of things, your warm smile, the twinkle in your eye, your teddy bear hugs, your love of life, your love of God and your family.

I thank you that in this journey you have given me your love and ultimately now a new family to cherish. We (your entire family)were given a most precious gift, that of being with you along the last days of your journey here on earth and being able to go with you until you reached out for the hand of God.

I know what a glorious reception you recieved as you entered into heavens realm and into the loving arms of Jesus as he personally welcomed you home.

Your spirit will always remain with me, thoughts of our memories shall comfort me when I miss you more than I could ever imagine! All of this will be my love in expression until I am able to see your heavenly face! I love you, Rick!



P.S. To your parents (Dick and Pat) your sons (Rick and Chris)your sisters (Terry and Mary) and brothers (David and Andy)



"Thank you for your unconditional love and acceptance of me into your family. I love each of you with all of my heart!" Love, Vickie

Merry Leonard

January 7, 2004

Rick was always charming. He had a ready smile and always made me feel that he was so happy to see me. I can hear his booming voice....Merry Gayle...as he wrapped me in a big bear hug. I will miss him.

Richard Cavnar Jr.

January 7, 2004

Dad,

I love you more than anything in this world and someday i'm gonna see you again. To me you've changed this world in many ways and i'll miss you. You're son,

Rick

Dick&Pat Cavnar

January 7, 2004

Rick,beloved son,we don't know how to live our life without you but we are trusting God to show us the way and trusting in his promises of eternal life with you we are at peace knowing Rick is in your presence.

David Cavnar

January 7, 2004

So much to be said so little time. Time is short, time is fleeting. Thanks to Rick for giving me the inspiration to live every moment to its fullest, don't hold a grudge, move on, and up.

May the peace and love of the Lord, be with you all.

David

Bliss Cavnar Herron

January 6, 2004

Words never seem enough in times like these to express the emotions welling up within us. What a blessing Rick was to so many. I will miss his contagious enthusiasm and joy, but rejoice that I will not have to miss it forever. We are praying for you all daily, even hourly. See you Saturday. Love to all, Bliss

Debbie Roesler

January 6, 2004

I will always remember Rick as the warmest, friendliest, most welcoming person you could ever want to meet. I became Rick's stepsister many years ago after we were both adults. He made what could have been an awkward relationship so easy and always made me feel like a special member of his family. Rick - I love you brother. Your joy for life cast its glow on everyone around you. I'm going to miss your bear hugs and that big smile, at least until I see you again! Lots of love from your Sis, Debbie

Carleen Bridwell

January 6, 2004

Tricky Ricky you will be deeply missed and loved by all. You were the ultimate salesman always cheerful and laughing. We had many a good laugh and good times. Love you always Carleen.

Taylor Cavnar

January 6, 2004

I will miss you very much Uncle Rick. I love you.

Connie Mcclain

January 6, 2004

I will continue to pray for Rick's family. May God continue to watch over them and bring them peace.

Andy

January 6, 2004

I love you Brother, I'll miss you.

Till we meet again, Andy

aka Boggs

This is at galveston this past summer, Jon, Andy, and Rick

January 6, 2004

Taylor Cavnar

January 6, 2004

He was so energetic and a wonderful person, to lose him is not fair. I will miss him.

Loretta Tigner

January 6, 2004

I had the pleasure of working with Richard Cavnar at the Harris County Youth Village. I can remember how Richard quickly adjusted to the Youth Village life and became an important member of the HCYV family. Richard's smile and laugh is what I will remember most, alone with the caring way he communicated with the residents and assisted them with their treatment needs.



Cavnar Family may God bring you comfort and strength, and may you know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many who care.

Natalie

January 6, 2004

Ricky- I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Your family will be in my prayers during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy- Natalie

Andren Appelquest

January 6, 2004

Rick made a special contribution to my life. We miss him greatly.

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