CDR Rick "Vicious" Savage

Commander Hal R. Savage, Jr., a veteran and longtime resident of El Dorado Hills, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 18 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Rick, as he was known to many, was born on August 29, 1952 to Hal Sr. and Angela (Silvagni) Savage and raised in Northern California. He was a graduate of Menlo College and the University of California, Berkeley, before joining the military where he spent twenty-three years on active duty, serving as a pilot in both the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard.

Above all else, Rick was an adoring grandfather, Pop Pop, relishing time with his grandsons as they shared a mutual fascination of airplanes and cars, and movies like Top Gun. Rick had an excellent sense of humor, was quite mischievous, and found his passion in aviation. Ever the raconteur, Rick's legacy will continue through the tales he told - some more questionable than others. Rick will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Rick received his wings as a USMC helicopter instructor pilot in the AH-1J "Cobra" and earned the call sign "Vicious." In 1976, Rick completed the U.S. Navy Flight Training program in Pensacola, Florida, where he met his future wife, Cindy. They soon relocated to San Diego, California to marry and begin their family. Rick had a brief reprieve from the military in the 80s before joining the USCG, stationed in San Diego. Not long after, Rick engineered an exchange tour with the U.S. Navy and instructed in the T-44A "Pegasus" in Corpus Christi, Texas, then in the T-2 "Buckeye" in Kingsville, Texas for three more years - the only jet carrier qualified Coast Guard aviator at the time.

Rick and his family relocated to Sacramento, California when he was stationed at the USCG Air Station at McClellan Air Force Base (1991), where he flew the HC-130H "Hercules," supporting search and rescue, as well as law enforcement operations in Alaska, California, Mexico, Caribbean & the Pacific Rim. Rick was stationed for two years at the USCG Air Station in Kodiak, Alaska, before returning to Sacramento to retire in 2000.

After a short stint with United Airlines, Rick flew Gulfstream G-IV and G-550 aircraft internationally at Chevron Corporation for twelve years. When Rick retired from Chevron, he briefly enjoyed celebrity as the Live Copter 3 pilot for KCRA. Rick's final corporate pilot job was with Dynamic Healthcare Solutions out of Mather Airport in Sacramento, California.

Rick also flew as an instructor and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for decades in Northern California. One of his proudest achievements was successfully instructing both of his children. Through aviation, Rick met many of his closest and longtime friends. These friendships sustained Rick this past year, and he deeply valued every visit, every phone call and text. Particular heartfelt gratitude to Don, Marc and Alex of Foothill Flight Center, who supported Rick and his family through his cancer treatment.

Rick was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Cindy, and his father, Hal. Survivors include his daughter Angela (Savage) Reynolds and her husband, Gurdon; their two children, Dillon (10) and Jacob (8); his son, Nick Savage; his loving partner, Liz Lawrence; and sister, Susan Savage.

Rick and his caregiving team greatly appreciate all of the healthcare professionals who helped navigate the arduous sojourn these last twelve months. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick's memory can be made to the UC Davis Hospice Program at https://give.ucdavis.edu/HSYS/9100727.

Live long and prosper. - Spock