Richard (Rick) Lawrence Ochs

i am so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. Rick and i were friends in grammar school (St. Margaret Mary's) and we walked( biked) home together for many years. I tried hard to make contact for our 50th year reunion but unfortunately I was unsuccessful. So happy to know that he had such a rich and interesting life. Please know that Rick was spoken of often and fondly by all of his classmates.

A great friend ! Always a pleasure to be with and I never laughed as hard as I did with Rick. We are so fortunate to have had him in our life and he will shine on in our hearts.

Rick's gentle laughter, smile and kind words warmed the hearts of all who knew him. He greeted each day as an opportunity to enjoy and savor. He was the embodiment of the Lonesome Dove character Texas Ranger Captain Agustus McCrae.

Rick enjoyed the moment and the setting, whether it be a museum of fine art or the simple, farm-style elegance of his beloved grandparents Josephine and Harry Gilliatt. The beauty and art of life, daily life, did not escape him. He also believed in paying his dues. At age 17 and fresh out of High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served at Naval Air Station Port Lyautey, Morocco, as well as assignments in Gibraltar and Spain. Rick later served with an aviation unit aboard the carrier U.S.S. Wasp. He was proud of his military service and adventures. And his parents Larry and Margaret Ochs were very proud of him, their oldest son. Once discharged, he continued his formal education which culminated in graduation from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Rick's greatest love was his family and friends. He loved all things that drew him closer to them. His wife Pat, sons Dan (Marie) and Zeke (Jen), Grandsons Oscar and Michael, Step-son Brian (Jen), granddaughters Ella, Cameron, and Dylan, Brothers Dave (Sue) and Al (June) were but a few blessed by his presence. He strove to make us happy and that filled his heart.

Rick had a special appreciation and attraction to the outdoors. Great Lakes, Atlantic bays, mountain ponds, or winding forested trails were a lifetime passion that he so graciously shared. He was a joy to accompany, whether it was a trail into Colorado high country or a thickly wooded Adirondack pathway. He was strong, cheerful and always absorbed by beauty that surrounded him.

Words could never adequately express all that Rick Ochs meant to so many.

We will always love you and savor memories of you, Rick. We will one day meet again on the trail!

Your loving family and friends

I was so sad to hear of Rick's passing. My thoughts are with you. I and my family had such a nice time with you and Rick at Skeaneatlas Lake.

Pat and all of Rick's family,
I was stunned to read of Rick's death. My deepest condolences for your loss. I am so sad for you. Rick was a special guy.