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Richard Kane Obituary
KANE
Richard James Kane passed away peacefully at his home from complications of pneumonia on Christmas morning. Rick, as he was known, was born in Lincoln, NE, to Gerald and Ann Kane. The family moved out west to Pleasanton, CA, when he was 12 years old. Rick was a naturally gifted athlete and grew up loving baseball, football and basketball. He was heavily recruited for baseball and football and chose to attend the University of Oregon where he started and earned the Len Casanova Rookie of the Year award in 1973. He transferred to San Jose State his junior year where he became the Spartan's first thousand yard rusher with 1143 yards in 1975. He was also the first junior ever to play in the East West Shrine Game.
Rick was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1977 and endured a nine year NFL career as a running back and was well known for his outstanding special teams play. Along with a successful career in sports, Rick had a 25 year career in the Automotive Business. He was the Sales manager for 16 years for Reno Jeep Chrysler and for the last 4 years at Scott Motor Company. Rick had a love for outdoors and riding his Harley everywhere with his wife Dianne and taking the kids on great family RV vacations around the country. Rick is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Kane, and his sister, Diane Baer. Survivors include his loving wife of 13 years, Dianne Kane, his mother, Ann Kane and his 3 sons: Ryan James Kane, Sean Michael Kane and John Lewis Kane and his daughter, Kelly Grace Kane as well as several other extended family and friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Lakeside Ward at 1095 Golconda Drive in Reno. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Walton's Funeral Home of Reno.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Kane
Rich hill
January 28, 2024
Played softball with rick in truckee... always wore his lions jacket to the games.. rest in paradise
Betsy Garls
January 3, 2010
Dear Dianne & Kelly -
We were so sorry to hear about Rick's recent passing. It's been so long since we've spoken but my son Kyle and Kelly used to go to kindergarten together at Sierra Vista. Kyle always liked Kelly and you came swimming with us at the Hidden Valley pool a few times. Our prayers are with you and I would love to hear from you. My email is [email protected].
Vicki DeVines
December 30, 2009
Dear Dianne and family:
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Whenever we met (cioppino, Isla wedding) you both were extremely kind and even though we didn't know each other well, I knew of you thru our mutual friends. Please remember all the good times and know you are loved.
Vicki DeVines
December 30, 2009
I have friends that knew him but I never met Rick Kane but attended Amador High School class of 70 from Sunol and watched him play in P town where there is a nice picture of him in uniform at the still standing Pastime pool hall.What a thrill it was when he transferred to the Spartans and played during the best time of Spartan football history I wish his family the very best and I wish I could have met him.
It's a sad day...RIP Rick
Kei Sugaoka Martinez,Ca
Dave King
December 30, 2009
Dianne, we are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Rick terribly. He was always positive, never complained about anything and was an inspiration to everyone. He had become part of our family at OrthoPro. We had the oportunity to talk many times in the past few years and I know he loved his family very very much.
Bill McHargue
December 29, 2009
Although about 8 years older than Rick Kane, I graduated from San Jose State University in 1976 (a typical part time, night student) and began following San Jose State Spartans Athletics because of people like Rick Kane in '75 and '76 when I began taking my 8 yr old and 3 year old sons to Spartan Football games. I have continued to be a SPARTAN to this day.
I remember going to an away game in San Diego and seeing Rick Kane and the team at the San Jose Airport. My son was so excited to see Rick and ran up to him and said "Hello." Rick was so very kind and took time to speak to my son (now 42, and works for the 49ers in Marketing) who still remembers.
Condolences to the family. He will always be remembered in San Jose.
Pat McTigue
December 29, 2009
Dianne and Ann and kids, I first met Rich shortly after his arrival in California, always a giant of a man and his family was very proud of all his accomplishments.
Kim Messer
December 29, 2009
Dianne,
I am so shocked and saddened for you and your family. I just heard the news this morning. I can't imagine what you are going through. Please stay strong and know that so many people care about you and share your grief.
Karen Reel (Elmore)
December 29, 2009
Dianne,
I am so very sad for you and your family. Please know that I'm thinking of you and you are in my prayers.
Dave King
December 29, 2009
Mr. Kane was a wonderful man. He always had a kind word or a funny joke to liven up our days. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Your friends at OrthoPro
December 29, 2009
I work with Rick for 11 years at Reno Jeep & he was allways a good guy & friend to all of the employees. I wish all his family the best & am sorry for their lost.
Michael Rini
December 29, 2009
I work with Rick for 11 years at Reno Jeep & he was allways a good guy & friend to all of the employees. I wish all his family the best & am sorry for their lost.
Michael Rini
December 29, 2009
We are so sad to hear of Rick's passing! Our prayers are with you Dianne, and for all the Kane family.
Elaine & Chuck Glover
December 29, 2009
We are so sad for your loss. Rick always brought cheer wherever he went. We will miss him very much. Dan and Kay Dunham
Rick & Karen Catlin
December 29, 2009
Dianne and Kane Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Rick has made such a huge impression on many lives and will be greatly missed.
Morrie & Jody Hartog
December 29, 2009
We are saddened to learn of Rick's passing. Rick will always have a special place in our hearts and memories, as his smile could warm anyone's heart. Our sympathies for his family and friends, as a day without Rick is a hugh loss to us all.
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