Norman Richard "Rick" Pope

My thoughts and condolences to Derik and family at this time. I will always be grateful for the warmth and generosity, laughter and "life lessons" shared. Rick opened his heart and life to all and showed everyone how to enjoy life. Thanks for the joyful memories_I will fondly reflect on the many experiences I had with Rick while I was at MSU everytime I pass the covered jar he gave me for my 21st birthday. May we always celebrate his life, his Art, his love of "a memorable meal".

I was so saddened to get the call that Rick had passed. My late wife Carolyn and I met Rick and Kimberly in Sept. 2000. We rented the house that they now live in. We had a great time. They were so nice and we would sit outside at the end of the day & talk and have some "adult beverages" The next year they did not rent the house so we just stayed somewhere else and visited with them and had dinner. We formed a friendship and every year we came we would visit and enjoy Kimberly's & Rick's great...

Kimberly and Family, You could usually hear Rick's booming laugh long before you could see him strutting across a room. Fond memories of Rick. I am so sorry for your loss. Paddy Ferriter

Rick your passing has brought sadness and smiles...thank you for your mentoring and friendship...you will be so missed.

Rick was my dear friend,I shall miss him,every time I read a good book,make a pot, witness a wonderful sunset. I am greatly saddened,my heart is heavy . Love you my friend ,fly away, Al

It was by chance that we met Rick and Kimberly while camping at Flathead Lake. They invited us down to their campsite later that evening and that is where our friendship began. Rick loved life and he loved people; you could hear it in his laugh and feel it when you were with him. Our lives are richer having known Rick and his departure will leave a void that can not be filled. Thankfully we spent a wonderful day with Rick and Kimberly just a couple of weeks before his passing. It will be...

I was so very sorry to read of Rick's passing. He taught pottery when my husband attended MSU. The vase that he gave Joe when he graduated is still prominantly displayed in our living room. We stopped to see him a few times on return trips to Montana in later years. The twinkle in his eye, his laughter and his kindness were so genuine. He was a character, and will most certainly be missed! Our sympathies to Kimberly and the rest of his family.

Terri Yira

My first memory of Rick-- 1984 in his ceramics class I made a horrible pot that slumped and tipped and leaned-- I was crushed. Rick came over and gushed that it was the best thing I had done.... it was "art". He taught me that making art can be and should be, yes, fun. Years later I was fortunate enough to become friends with Rick and Kimberly. I was able to see that his graciousness, kindness, enthusiasm, and appreciation of living extended way beyond what he gave in the classroom. I...

Have wonderful memories of our, David & my time with Rick and Kimberly. All make me smile and some make me laugh out loud...A float on the river. He always reminded me of the joy life offers. I look at Rick's beautiful work every day and he is with us.