Rick Bauer Obituary

Rick Bauer, Chicago actor, was known in commercials and print ads as the distracted, wild-haired everyman with an out-of-control robotic line or 15-foot lint brush or more often as the disapproving, Jeeves-like maitre'd in many a newspaper and magazine. Bauer, 50, passed away Jan. 4, 2003. A member of the Screen Actors Guild (as R. A. Bauer), his TV credits include the upcoming HBO movie, ''Normal'' with Jessica Lange, and the ''Oprah Winfrey Show.'' His numerous movie credits include ''Rookie of the Year,'' ''Road to Perdition,'' ''Above the Law,'' ''The Color of Money,'' ''Under the Biltmore Clock,'' ''Sixteen Candles'' and ''Continental Divide.'' Born Richard Alex Bauer in Berrien Springs, MI, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Western Michigan University and served in the Vietnam War as an army code interpreter. A colleague commented, ''Without fail, upon greeting Rick, he would pour out great torrents of info about opportunities in the entertainment industry and friends' good fortunes and was always interested in you. He was a constant inspiration when you were low.'' His gentle soul, quick wit and boundless energy will be greatly missed by his loved ones and his many friends in the entertainment and catering industries. His is survived by his father, Richard E. Bauer; his great-aunt, Alberta of Pittsburgh; aunts, Molly Ruf of Kansas City, KS, Rose Ruf of Kansas City, MO and their children. Funeral will be held January 14 at 1 p.m. at Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs, MI, 212 S. Main St. and a memorial on January 20 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 2120 Lincoln, Evanston, IL at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. Matthews Episcopal Church.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 12, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Rick Bauer

14 Entries

Tonda Bian

January 7, 2023

It has been 20 years since you left us, but the memory of you is as fresh as ever. Miss you dear friend.

Tonda Bian

January 6, 2022

Rick is and was one of my favorite people. If he knew you, he wanted to know everyone you new. Most people have six degrees of separation, where everyone you know you wil have a sixth person away from everyone you know will have a way to connect to you. Rick had one. He could make a connection with everyone. He is always missed. It has been too long..Hope to meet you again, my dear friend.

Donna, Dave, Allison, Amanda & Alexis Tober

February 11, 2003

I am a first cousin of Rick's. I most fondly remember growing up as kids when his Mom was alive and they still lived in Michigan. I remember how he "played" with my sisters and me--even though he was several years older...(actually only 7, but as teenagers he seemed like an adult to us!) I remember catching my first fish in the lake where they lived in Three Rivers. I remember giving him a small family "Bon Voyage Party" and the sign we made before he left for Vietnam at our home in Berrien Springs. (I know I have several pictures somewhere that I wished I could have found in time to share with all our family and Rick's friends at the services....) As an adult, I remember how Rick wouldn't hesitate to meet us whenever we were in Chicago, even if just for a few minutes at the airport while we dropped someone off or waited for our flight. I remember flipping through a welding magazine (that we advertise in for our welding manufacturing company) and seeing a full-page ad of my goofy cousin, covered in grease for a welding advertisement! And, the most recent time (and, unfortunately the last), I remember him meeting us outside the Briar Street Theater after we attended a Blue Man Group Show. He picked us up right in front of the theater and showed us the town! (My husband hates driving in downtown Chicago!) The weekend was our anniversary gift to each other and Rick didn't hesitate to give us ideas of things to see the next day. He even took us out to eat that late night and really made the weekend extra-special! I remember how he would always think of my girls and give them little nonsense gifts whenever we got together.... which was never often enough as he was always working or so it seemed! He was always "going a hundred miles an hour," but would always remember everything about everybody! I'm so glad he was able to make one of our most recent family functions/party even though it was over a year and a half ago. We will greatly miss Rick and hope he didn't suffer and is now resting peacefully with his Mom.....there's so much more to say and I wish we would have know about this sooner and could have written more often.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES AND EVERYTHING YOU'VE DONE FOR US, RICK--WE MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our love always,

Dave, Donna, Allie, Mandy & Lexy

Cynthia Shafer

January 21, 2003

Rick was a dear friend for the past 20 years. Our children have known him throughout the years and he has been a favorite friend. We will miss him dearly

Jeanne Edwards

January 21, 2003

I am a cousin of Rickie's. We have always lived many states apart, but Rickie made a big effort to be a part of our family events. He loved family, friends and life. What a wonderful thing it is to see and hear about all of the love Rickie brought to all of us. It really helps those of us who lived far away to really appreciate the delightful and loving person Rickie was while he was with us. Aren't the angels the lucky ones? God bless you Rickie and I know Aunt Esther, your Mother, is happy to be with you again.

Pamela Peterson (Formento)

January 20, 2003

I met Rick years ago when he worked catering functions I managed at the Tribune. He had stories to tell and a laugh to share. He became my friend, and I always looked forward to receiving an after Christmas Christmas card from him. I will miss Rick. I will not be able to attend the memorial service, however, my prayers and thoughts will be with you. God Bless You Rick.

Angela Scott

January 19, 2003

I met Rick over 20 years ago,We immediatly became friends.He always treated me with much care.I never met anyone who could remember names like Rick did it always amazed me how He could remember what people drank after not seeing them for a year or two. We worked many catering jobs together.Rick cared about my family as much as He cared for me Rick came to my childrens weddings and parties He was like a son to me. I loved Him very much and my heart is broken to know I won"t be getting a call the first of May to say we have to go out for lunch because We are the May babies.

Rickie you will always be part of me and my family,I will miss you with all my heart

To Rick's Dad you did a great job on rising such a wonderful Son. He spoke of you all the time with me.He worried about you and always looked forward to your visits here in Chicago.

God bless you Rick you are now playing your best role as an Angel and I'm sure you are making new friends already and of course they are enjoying your love,humor,and thoughtfulness. Love Angie Scott

Tonda Bian

January 18, 2003

Rick was my friend for 28 years....I first met him as he was auditioning for a role in a Children's Theater production at WMU in Kalamazoo...I was the student director...He didn't make the cast, but he was my fast friend ever since....He was at every important event in my life after that....I last saw him in September '02 when my family was in Chicago for a wedding...he spent the weekend making sure we were all where we were supposed to be....He could never do enough for his friends...wore his heart on his sleeve....He called me New Year's Eve from a party he was working just to wish us a Happy New Year. He was my dear friend...my brother...a best buddy...When I learned the news.. and talked to several of his friends, I realized again what a success his life was....his life was people and he could meet and connect with anyone faster and better than anyone I have ever met or ever will....I miss and love you, Rick, but know you're still here with us...Tonda

Ronald & Jean Maier

January 17, 2003

Rick was my Nephew,even though he only lived 2 hrs away,we only saw him once or twice a year. He will be missed very much.When we had family functions he was always there to help.There will be a memorial service on monday the 20th jan. 4p.m. at ST.MATTHEW'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 2120 LINCOLN ST,EVANSTON,IL We will be there and also his father Dick Bauer will be there, he is coming in from PITSBURGH.And of course Rick will be there in spirit. We love you Rick.

Deb Grossi

January 16, 2003

Rick was my cousin and the memories of growing up with him are so delightful and warm my heart everytime I think of him. Since my move to Maine, we hadn't seen each other as much as in the past. However, he would joke about me running into Stephen King since he lived only a couple hours from my house. I was fortunate to see him at a family reunion in Michigan a couple of years ago, but, deeply wish that I could have attended his funeral on the 14th in Michigan. My father told me that many wonderful people in Chicago traveled to be there. The stories and memories that you all passed on during his service and the gathering afterward must have been something wonderful. If any of you could find a few moments to email me about Rick's life in Chicago, I would be so grateful.

It's hard to believe he is gone, and I don't think it has totally sunk into my head or heart yet. When you live so far away from your family and loved ones...not seeing them every week, it doesn't seem final when someone passes on.

To all of you in Chicago that have been touched by my cousin's life, I wish you many happy memories of him and a very bright future.

Rick Edward Smith

January 14, 2003

Ricky B-(boss man): From the 1st moment I met you at George Jewell back in 1985 when I was talking with Jerry Shane-- you have been a part of my fiber. You have made me laugh so many times and saw me through the worst relationship ending and a new beginning. I still use the coffee pot you gave me as a wedding gift over 12 years ago. I know you can read this from wherever you are --- hopefully God has that stellar role for you-- who knows you are probably playing a real life angel right now and you are going to help those that just could not ever help themselves. You were generous with your heart and I will never forget you! I am glad that we were able to say our goodbyes a while ago-- you probably understand now why I did that. I will treasure the moments we had and thank you for all the breaks you gave me when I needed them.

Your friend in spirit and real life:

Rick Edward Smith

Richard Pessotti

January 14, 2003

Dear Rick,

I will so miss those parties I attend in Lake Forest. "The Estate" your Character and humor always made it a pleasure. I will so greatly miss your presence. I know you will be there in spirit. Deepest sympathy to yours. God Bless

Always

Richard

Angela Martin

January 13, 2003

I was so sad to hear about Ricky's passing. I worked with Rick in the catering business and he later became a part of our family. Ricky was always fun to be around and he will certainly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

craig and patty henderson

January 12, 2003

we are deeply saddened to learn of Rick's passing---we met over 20 years ago when he first worked as a waiter(a GREAT ONE!!!) at our first in-home catered party--everyone knew Rick by the end of the evening --and a new friendship was born!!! we later discovered that Rick and Craig both were graduates of WMU and attended school at the same time for 3 of Ricks 4 years--Rick always worked at every party we ever had in our home--and became a NECCESITY to the success of our events--all of our guests got to know and appreciate the kind , wonderful, funny , hard-working and outgoing person that he was---the world has lost a GREAT man--patty and I are unable to make the funeral or the memorial in chicago but will say many prayers for Rick and his family --i hope someone will read this and pass it along to his father--he has much to be proud of with a son like Rick!!!

with our love and condolences,

patty and craig henderson

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