Rick Fleming

1953 - 2016

Rick Fleming - SAVANNAH - On March 15, the wondrous life of Rick Fleming came to a peaceful end in Savannah, Georgia. He spent his final days surrounded by loved ones hoping for a miracle, but all there knew that the greatest miracle was that such a man had ever walked the earth, and that they had been fortunate to be a part of his incredible journey. Called a mentor by some, a father by others, a friend by all, and a loving companion by Savannah native Vicky Taylor, Rick leaves behind innumerable lives forever changed by his love and grace. Rick was born in Madison, Wisconsin on January 14, 1953, but set off on his own as soon as legally possible to explore the outside world. He spent a few years in Colorado as a self professed ski bum, before moving to Austin where he loafed about until a friend did what he described as the biggest favor of his life: he cut him off. Facing the prospect of sleeping on the streets, he fixed the friend's leaky roof to earn his keep and, believing he had nothing to lose, set out to apply this know-how toward others' roofs. Over the next few years, he transformed that initial act of desperation into a company known for the watertight relationships he built with his clients. When an economic downturn forced most of his competitors into bankruptcy, Rick chose personal poverty rather than compromising the trust of his creditors. When the crises relented, Rick and his company, Texas Fifth Wall Systems, emerged as the most trusted commercial roofing contractor in the state, eventually growing into one of the largest as well. Rick preferred personal liberty to wealth, but knew that true independence required a certain amount of both. When he found partners far more knowledgeable in business than him, he realized that getting out of their way meant more freedom and security for him. And so, at the ripe age of 40, Rick retired and set off to pursue his true calling: helping others. Rick was a generous man quick to share his wealth with others. But more importantly, he was an enabler in the very best sense of the word because he delighted in helping others discover their resourcefulness. He believed that if he gave someone a fish, he could feed them for a day but by teaching them to fish he would have a fishing buddy for life, and a chance to discover why they were hungry in the first place. No fan of empty metaphors, Rick took a position with the Scott Fly Rod Company, though it was hard to say whether his official title was best sales representative or their best customer. Buying hundreds of their their rods, he packed them in an RV and travelled the country spreading the gospel with missionary zeal. In those quiet moments on the water with new friends, Rick found that the greatest thrill of all came from learning about the problems of others and helping them to find their own solutions. Although landing a hundred pound tarpon on a fly rod would always be a very close second. For the remainder of his life, Rick served as a mentor and counsellor to others. Though he supported established methods of therapy, including the Adult Children of Alcoholics network and various faith-based outreach programs, his greatest joy came from using the hobbies he loved to reach people. He opened his woodworking shop to local high school students and taught those struggling with grief and loss how to sail on the catamaran he had come to call home. Most recently, he offered his encouragement, experience and means toward the realization of the KeyBar company, which is now thriving in Savannah thanks to his efforts. Survived by family and friends too numerous to count, the memories of Rick will live on in those whose lives he touched, and he will doubtlessly continue to make the world a better place through the lessons he has imparted. Celebrations of the life of Rick Fleming will be held in Savannah, Georgia on Sunday, March 20, and in Georgetown, Texas on Saturday, March 26. For more information about the memorial services, please contact Tiffany Nutter at 912-224-3833. The family suggests that donations can be made to the following charities as a way of honoring Rick's memory: Life Sail, a non-profit organization serving underprivileged and at-risk youth with character and life-skill building sailing programs (http://www.lifesail.com/donate/ or 800-249-6213). Adult Children of Alcoholics, a support network committed to arresting the emotional disease of family alcoholism (http://www.adultchildren.org/contribute/). Savannah Morning News March 20, 2016 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries.