Richard Wesley "Rick" Fawley

Fawley, Richard Wesley 'Rick'
September 2, 2015
Richard Wesley 'Rick' Fawley passed away peacefully at his home in Bradenton, FL on Wednesday, September 2, 2015.

Rick was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1949 and grew up in Englewood, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor's degree from the College of Design Art and Architecture at the University of Cincinnati. He later received a professional practice certification degree in Environmental Design.
Rick's well-known passion for community involvement began as a volunteer with the University of Cincinnati's program 'Connection' which provided architectural guidance to the under-privileged in underserved areas of the City. The scope of the Program included homeless shelters, drug rehabilitation and health clinics, children's playgrounds, ball fields and more.
After graduating, Rick moved to Vermont where he and John Rooney eventually started Fawley and Rooney Associates. He worked on world-class commissions such as the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT, the Woodstock Inn in Woodstock, VT, the State of Vermont Capital Building and many more.
Rick moved to Bradenton in 1983 and opened his own practice in 1985. His first major project was the master planning and design of the Shoreline Terraces complex. Shortly thereafter, he was awarded the design for Palmetto Elementary School and Manatee Elementary School, both high-profile facilities. These projects help launch a successful career in both the public and private sectors.
A pivotal time came in 1994 when Rick and Mike Bryant merged to create Fawley/Bryant Architects, Inc. Now able to compete with the area's larger firms, they succeeded in securing their first and the largest project in Manatee County at the time, the renovation and addition of Manatee High School which was completed in 1996.
Some of Rick's most notable projects include the Master Plan for IMG Academy, McKechnie Field Redevelopment, LECOM School of Dental Medicine, Goodwill Corporate Campus and the Manatee County Judicial Center. His firm has built a solid reputation over the years designing significant community projects. FAWLEY BRYANT now employs 17 and last year celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Rick was a 35-year member of the American Institute of Architects and former treasurer of the Florida AIA Gulf Coast Chapter, a founding member and President of the Manatee Architects Association, a graduate of Leadership Florida Class XXVI, served many years on the Board of Goodwill Manasota, and was actively involved in many other community organizations.
Rick is survived by his son Zachary Fawley and his wife Vanessa of Atlanta, GA, his sister, Jacqueline Welch of Pegosa Springs, CO, and his children thru marriage to Coni: Patrick and wife Tammy Coleman, Santa Rosa, CA, Robin Morrison, Durango, CO, Kelly and husband Mark Fujishin, Calabasas, CA and Erik and wife Todene Coleman, Gilroy, CA. In addition, grandchildren Erika Coleman and partner Mike Bracken, Jenna Morrison and partner Kameron Cundiff, Paige and husband Andy Jackson, Wesley, Kellen, Connor and Coleman Fujishin, Keira and Teagan Coleman, Jackson, Natalie and Violet Fawley, and great-grandson, Jericho Jackson. Rick is also survived by his nephew, Craig Lackey and his wife Gretel, Corpus Christi, TX.
A celebration of Rick's life will be held at the South Florida Museum, 20l 10th Street West, Bradenton, FL. on Sunday, October 4, 2015 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. The celebration begins at 5:30, followed by a tribute at 6:30. Dress code is casual.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Goodwill Foundation, Inc. located at 2705 51St Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34203