Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Rick Sheets Obituary
Age 63. Rick was a caring & loving husband & best friend, a fine brother & cousin, a poet, & a music lover. Mostly, he was a born teacher who taught at several levels from pre-school & special ed. through community college level students. Rick knew he was not perfect, but he always tried to do the very best he could. He was a scholar with an ASU doctorate degree in education, & published many journal articles & essays on education topics & worked with several education groups like CRLA & NADE. He was recently inducted as a C.L.A.D.E.A. "Fellow". Rick had a knack with computers as well as with people. He had a heart & soul of gold! His philosophy was "no one of us is as great as all of us", & he worked toward the acceptance of others & the synergy of blending each person's talents in cooperative efforts. Rick is sorely missed by his family & his many friends & associates, who will remember him lovingly. He has left this earthly 'job' to work a higher level of employment! Memorial Service is on 8/20/16 at 2pm at Sierra Winds Life Care Center, Chapel, 17300 N 88th Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382, with reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 'Habitat for Humanity', 'Gideon's International', or the 'Arizona Humane Society'. Please join Rick's family in sharing pictures, memories or videos on his tribute wall at www.caminodelsol.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rick Sheets
Michaelle and Kent Shadburne
June 3, 2024
Today my husband and I had a conversation about having Rick to thank for giving us a strong foundation in technology and the intranet, that we are still building upon today - WE are still learning from Rick
Jeff Minor
March 17, 2024
Rick, I´m probably not saying anything here that your family and friends did not already know. I just wanted to say thank you again for all you did for our family, especially for our son Michael.
Michael, my wife Lynn and I, first meet you back in 1979/1980 at the Yellow Brick Road school.
We were trying to locate a more challenging school for Mike at that time. After we concluded our meeting with you, there was no doubt that we had found a school and environment for Mike to thrive. You were the rare personality that made it happen. Your teaching insights challenged Mike and set him on a path to return the good will and love you showed your students.
Many years later you and I spoke a couple times, catching up on life. I am now thankful I had the opportunity to speak with you.
I´m sure Mike has also kept in contact.
Today Mike is nearly 51 years old.
Just a few days ago, Mike was searching for you online and learned you had passed away. We will all miss you Rick. Your acceptance and love you showed Mike continue on in the world thru your students.
David Gerkin
August 1, 2023
Thinking of Rick's kindness and compassion-how he was always looking for someone to help.
Bob Bendotti
August 1, 2019
Thinking of and remembering Rick always brings a smile to my face. Yes, I miss him as both a friend and colleague but then I just remind myself of what a blessing Rick was, and still is, in my life. Continue to RIP Rick!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Maggie Cullop
August 15, 2016
For over twenty years I knew Rick while we were employed at the same community college. Thousands of students as well as the college itself benefitted from his exemplary leadership. He demonstrated the highest standards - putting the needs of students first - using his own education, judgment, and hard work to advance student opportunities. He was a rare individual who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
August 12, 2016
Rick Sheets was a great friend and mentor to me. He took a chance by allowing a groundskeeper to serve as an intern in his beloved Learning Assistance Center at Paradise Valley Community College. I was that groundskeeper, who under Rick's mentorship, was hired as a learning center technician, promoted to coordinator, and eventually succeeded him as director of the center. Along the way, Rick's encouragement and example, helped me to earn my A.A., B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.
There are many stories like mine, because Rick inspired, encouraged, and challenged all his employees, colleagues, and students. Rick seemed to keep an eye out for those who were discouraged and needed help. He was always eager to support anyone in need, whether it was a student, a friend, or a colleague.
While Rick was an intelligent, accomplished professional who earned many accolades, he was one of the most humble people I have ever met. He was always more interested in others than in himself.
Rick, my friend, thank you for all you taught me by your words and actions. May God bless you as you take the next step of your journey.
David Gerkin
Bob Bendotti
August 12, 2016
Remembering my friend and colleague, Dr. Rick Sheets. This big, burley bear of a man was of kind and gentle spirit with an enormous heart. He was a "giver" in every sense of the word -- to his wife Barbara, his family, his colleagues, his neighbors and to each and every student he served. Rick gave those who knew him many invaluable gifts -- his expertise, his intellect, his integrity, his empathy and his love of life. Rick lived a life of authentic servant leadership. It came so naturally to him! His humility and unwavering dedication to "team" define his life, both personal and professional. When we think of Rick Sheets let us all acknowledge the blessing he has been in our own lives. Farewell my friend and congratulations on a life lived so very well.
August 10, 2016
Innovator, developer and learner are three words that come to mind when I reflect back upon my working relationship with Dr. Rick Sheets during his tenure at Paradise Valley Community College. He has been a truly inspirational and dedicated colleague and has left Paradise Valley Community College a better institution for his time spent here.
Rick was instrumental in so many PVCC learning innovations and was an inspiration to work with! Here are some accomplishments:
- Along with Sally Rings, retired reading faculty member, developed the Learning Support Center and a tutoring program that was recognized nationally for its excellence.
- Combined the mac and pc labs into the computer commons that received a special commendation as an exemplar student support center by the HLC accreditation team in 2006.
- One of the founding members of the Employee and Organizational Learning team that developed the Learning Week, and Summer Fun week programming concept.
- Served on the Student Success Initiative team where the iStartsmart model was created and piloted by PVCC and then adopted district-wide.
On a personal note, Rick was the person (along with David Gerkin) who hired me at PVCC as a temporary in the Learning Support Center and assisted me to become a full-time employee at PVCC. I also worked very closely with him over the years and I was honored to have provided a letter of support that assisted him to be selected as a Council for Learning Assistance and Developmental Education Associations Fellows. (Other respected educational leaders who have earned this distinction include Vincent Tinto, K. Patricia Cross, John Roueche, Hunter Boylan, John Gardner and Jane McGrath.)
Thank you for letting me share my thoughts... I will end this message with a quote that summarized how Rick lived his life:
"No one of us is as smart as all of us" (author unknown). These are words that Dr. Rick Sheets lived by (as quoted from his websites)
Michaelle
Laura Fisher
August 8, 2016
Rick, I will never forget the time that I traumatized you when you thought that my injury to my chin was worse than everyone thought. I truly owe you my life that day, not only for rescuing me from the pool but also for driving Mom and I to the doctor so that I could be stitched up. I also am thankful that I had these last few months to spend more time with you and getting to know you even more than I had. You are and will be truly missed by many.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Rick Sheets's name
Memorial Events
for Rick Sheets
People and places connected with Rick
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Rick's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Rick Sheets's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
