Fredrick Ewald "Rick" Bock

1961 - 2017

Gone Fishin'

Fredrick Ewald Bock, known to all as Rick, was born in Homer, on June 25, 1961 and lived in Ninilchik his whole life.

Late on the evening of Wednesday, July 26, 2017, while commercial fishing the Ugashik in Bristol Bay on the F/V Lady Colleen, Rick fell overboard into the unforgiving waters, without a personal floatation device, while tendering to unload the catch of the day.

The U.S. Coast Guard, fishermen and townspeople searched for him in not-so-good weather conditions, but he was lost at sea, doing what he loved to do, fish.

Rick grew up on a set-net site just north of Ninilchik fishing with his family until the site was sold, then continued to fish salmon both set-net and drifting in Alaska waters from Ninilchik to Bristol Bay.

He risked his life crab fishing in the dangerous waters of Bering Sea and fished for herring in the frigid water of the north. He commercial halibut fished and sport-fished halibut off the mouth of Ninilchik River. He lived a free-spirited life.

Rick is survived by his sister Linda Painter and husband Mike, and brother Craig Bock and wife Helena ,all from Ninilchik; brother Roger Bock and wife Shareen of Wasilla; sister-in-law Cheryl Bock of Anchorage; son Patrick Tilbury of Big Lake; and many nieces and nephews scattered around Alaska, the Lower 48 and Australia.

Rick was preceded in death by his father James "Jim" Bock, mother Carol Bock, brother Billy Bock and sister Debra Henderson.

Please join us for a celebration of Rick's life at the mouth of Ninilchik River for a bonfire and fond memories at 7 p.m. Saturday, August 19, 2017.

A special thanks to all who helped in the search.

Please wear a PFD when out to sea.

Condolences may be sent in care of: Linda Painter, PO Box 39118, Ninilchik, Alaska 99639.