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Rick Woudenberg
Rick Woudenberg
Obituary
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Rick Woudenberg Obituary
Rick was a lifelong learner and was always in pursuit of greater understanding. He loved nothing more than conversation with friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. He was a careful yet enthusiastic listener, engaging with everyone he met with avid curiosity. Those close to him knew to expect to stay long after events ended while Rick chatted and made connections with countless strangers who became friends.
Rick was born to Richard and Patricia Woudenberg, grew up in Wayne, New Jersey and attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He went on to a successful career in software engineering which included working at Bell Labs in New Jersey under his mentor, Ken Thompson. His career spanned the globe, including assignments for various companies in the United States, Norway, Germany, Japan, and Australia.
He was a beloved member of many communities with whom he shared his endless generosity and talents. He was an avid glider pilot and member of Post Mills Soaring Club, as well as an active member of St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Goffstown.
From an early age Rick was a seeker and explored different spiritual practices. He was ultimately drawn to Buddhism and attended many retreats over the years, some as long as three months. He also volunteered as a web developer for Dharma Seed, a small organization that distributes Buddhist teachings, and has served many years on its board of directors.
Rick will be dearly missed by his large group of friends, extended family, and most especially by his beloved son Toshi and his loving partner Nancee. In lieu of flowers or planting trees in Rick's honor donations would be preferred to Dharma Seed at https://dharmaseed.org/, or Insight Meditation Society at https://www.dharma.org/.
A memorial service and reception will be held January 14, 2024 at 12 noon at the New Hampshire Audubon Center. 84 Silk Farm Road Concord, NH.
We will be broadcasting the memorial via Zoom [passcode: 0104]
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83908355769?pwd=EdqCScZjf9ZSsDpnkezjpoi8uXhRCm.1#success
16 Entries
Maureen Leary
February 17, 2025
I´m so grateful for Rick´s work with Dharmaseed, an incredible legacy supporting so many. Wishing his family some sense of comfort in knowing how many lives Rick has touched, and that you can feel that reflected back to you.
Margo McLoughlin
May 9, 2024
I met Rick at Insight Meditation Society. I think it was at the family retreat which he attended that year with both his son and his father. Rick had heard me perform my translations of the Jataka tales. He offered to set up my first website - jataka.org. Over the years, we met up many times, in Barre, Cambridge, Northampton, New York, and also in British Columbia. I was always struck by his remarkable energy and his interest in people.
I am glad to see his extraordinary contributions to Dharmaseed being recognized. In March 2020, I wrote to him, expressing appreciation. Having access to Dharma talks at the beginning of the pandemic was an enormous benefit to my well-being, as I knew it was for countless others. He replied, saying, "Thank you for your kind words about the Dharmaseed work. Indeed, Eric and I have been working on it avidly, putting hours of labor in every other day or so. It is the one thing I do which I honestly feel has benefit to mankind."
Rick will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Chris W
April 26, 2024
I did not know Rick, but this individual was responsible for a massive transmitting of the dhamma via dharmaseed to countless practitioners. His quiet work has been a massive boon for the world. Thank you brother.
Andrea Saxton
March 24, 2024
Very grateful for his dharmaseed work AND above all his kind helping hand on the path ~Buddha,Dharma and Sangha/A.Saxton
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Tara Sheldon
March 8, 2024
With deep gratitude for Rick's contribution to Dharmaseed. From Tara, one of the 40,000 who visit daily.
Ruben van den Belt
March 7, 2024
I did not know Rick but am grateful for the work he has done for the Dharmaseed website. Thank you
Justin Chiu
January 16, 2024
I worked with RIck at Jibo. In the few occasion that I get to talk with him, I am impressed by his technical expertise, friendly attitude and how open minded he is. I will miss you.
Su Wei Ng
January 12, 2024
Rick and I worked together virtually across continents. He was incredibly helpful and patient in offering his expertise whenever needed.
We met in person during a company year-end gathering and we shared stories and laughter. Rick shared his experiences in gliding, showcasing not only his expertise but also his zest for life. A nice and genuine soul, Rick's presence brightened our gatherings, leaving indelible memories of camaraderie.
May his adventurous spirit soar in the skies forever. Rick will be dearly missed, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
Anita Susi
January 9, 2024
Rick was a close friend of my late brother, Peter Susi. Rick stayed in touch with me after Pete passed away, and shared some memories of him. Blessings of peace to Rick and those who loved him.
Susan Pedicini
January 9, 2024
Truly one of the kindest people I've ever known.
Matt Karl
January 9, 2024
Rick and I had the privilege of working together several years ago, sharing adjacent desks. Our mutual experiences at IMS, as well as our shared interest in meditation and Buddhism, fostered an immediate bond between us. Despite the fast-paced and stressful work environment, Rick remained a beacon of positivity. His ability to remain unphased amidst the chaos was something I greatly admired. Working with him was a pleasure, not only because of his proficiency as an engineer, but also due to his consistent warmth and ever-present smile.
One of Rick's most memorable contributions was when he initiated an informal meditation group at our office. The focus was on the fundamentals of learning to sit quietly and be present. His instruction was given with love, patience, and generosity, reflecting the spirit of a natural teacher. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have met Rick. My deepest sympathies extend to his family and the communities who knew him well.
Guillermo Averboch
January 9, 2024
I met Rick virtually, I´m guessing in 2018 or 2019. We both worked for Kasisto. Rick was a new employee back then, he had requested to meet with me, I don´t remember why, something technical to discuss. I was like "oh no, not another meeting with somebody I don´t know!". But I had to accept, of course, it was work.
We discussed whatever technical thing we had to discuss. I was struck by Rick´s obvious technical skill. We talked about other things too, including the places where we both lived -he lived in New Hampshire, I lived in LA. I don´t remember what else we talked about that day, but I remember that, to my surprise, I had enjoyed that virtual meeting with this guy named Rick who I had never met before.
Over the years as Kasisto employees we never worked directly together, but we ended up having several other virtual exchanges, and also a few in-person meetings when we coincided in New York. I took him to my favorite coffee shop near the office once, and we lingered there a long time chatting about mostly random non-technical stuff over coffee. Chatting with Rick was always enjoyable.
The last time I saw him in New York, a year ago or so, perhaps a little longer, he had come with his girlfriend. They both looked very happy and I was happy for him.
I´ll miss you Rick
Larry Dean
January 8, 2024
Nancee, my heart breaks for you. I´m so grateful for our couple of hours together on New Year´s Eve. Much love, Larry
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