Richard A. Janes

1956 - 2014

Richard A. Janes

Born: Feb. 14, 1956; Waukegan, IL

Died: May 22, 2014; New Mexico

We are all better for having known him and will forever miss him.

Richard Alan Janes, aka: Rick, Reverend, Boyfriend, Padre, Grandpa, age 58, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at the place he loved the most, "his mountain" in New Mexico.

Rick was born February 14, 1956 to Richard and Violette (Valentino) Janes at the Great Lakes Navel Base Waukegan, IL. He graduated from Prospect High School in Mount Prospect, Illinois and went on to attend and graduate from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL.

Rick was a businessman that made businesses thrive. His love for his work and his employees was obvious and the feeling was mutual. Rick was part owner of Harmony Metal in Gilberts, Illinois along with his longtime friend and business partner Bob Farnham. Rick also was the co-owner, of RR Steakhouse in Marengo, Illinois along with the love of his life, his wife, soul mate and best friend, Rona.

This was a life that ended too soon. Rick was a man that put more living into 58 years than most people who live twice that long. Rick embraced life and when you were around him you were caught up in his spirit and contagious love of life. He had a magnetic personality that brought all kinds of people into his life.

Rick was an avid hunter, and his safari trips to Africa were brought to life as he talked of these trips when he returned home. It was not just hunting that Rick loved; he loved his home, his mountain in New Mexico, riding his Harleys, sports, playing horseshoes, shooting pool, cooking, gambling, barbequeing, living it up, laughing at his own jokes, and "church" on Sundays. Most of all, Rick loved his family and friends. He was a loving husband, a loving father and a devoted grandfather. Grandpa was a role Rick truly cherished. The smile on his face lit up a room when he'd show you the latest picture. It was a role that fit him to a tee.

Rick will be missed by the many people he touched, and by a world that needs more people like him, people who are able to embrace life to the fullest. Even though his was a life that was many years too short, it was a life well lived, and for that we give thanks. He was the strength, love and guide to his family and friends. No man is indispensable but he is irreplaceable.

Survived By his wife, Rona Janes; son, Scott (Beckie) Janes; daughter, Sarah (Dennis Bauman) Janes; step daughter, Kara (William) Griffin; stepson, Bradley Kenyon; grandsons, Caleb, Logan, Connor; and granddaughter, Nora, due in August; and another grandchild due in December; sisters, Claudia Ciccarello and Sally Neiweem; and brother in law, Mike DeLucca; aunt Elaine (Frank) Weber; and uncle Earl (Pat) Valentino; also many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; sisters, Cathy and Mary Beth Janes, Cindy DeLucca; and brother in law, Mark Neiweem; and many aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm with a service at 3:00 pm, all at DeFiore Jorgensen Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.

For further information, please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 On-line condolences may be directed to: www.defiorejorgensen.com