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Rick West Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Rick West
Backline
March 28, 2025
12 years later and it's not any easier I miss you my friend your were an amazing guy with a world of talent that could light up a room anywhere you went so many good times. And as I right this your beats fill the room and give me peace till the next life rest easy my friend I know your putting it down. Up there like always.
DJ Ariees
June 24, 2024
I am trying to piece together the age difference between Rick and myself. If he died and this article is correct that he was 47 then he was born in 1966. I was born in 1982. He was 16 years older than me. I grew up in the 80s and 90s and was introduced to break beat music at the skating rink. In 1998 my family moved from pinellas county to a small town 45 minutes north of tampa. I started DJing in 1998 at the age of 15. I used to listen to DJ Santana and DjKB mixtapes and would drive to Painted Puppy on Busch blvd in 98-99 and then it moved to the waters and habana location in 2000 when I graduated high school. To say that Rick West was a hero wouldn´t be enough. I adored him. I would see him behind the cash register at painter puppy while I listened to the latest records. He would come out and stock the records. Before long I made a couple of mixtapes and two licensed CDs. DJ Ariees is what my name was then. Rick and I had many many conversations about life. I remember him saying "I have to be careful what I say around you because you are so young and impressionable." What a phenomenal guy. We became very close friends and I DJed are a lot of the same parties he did. Around 2005 the owner of Painted Puppy took Rick and i out to eat and explained he was selling the store to new owners. I moved on and got into selling cell phones and left the scene behind, but for Rick this was his life. I miss him and our great conversations. Around 2006 God came crashing into my life and turned me onto his path. Rick and I had a few conversations about Jesus and who he was. Although rick never attended church with me or verbally said he believed in Jesus Christ for salvation my hope is that he did. I wonder what Rick would say to us now that he has entered the other side of eternity? I pray God has saved you and I will see you again my friend. Love and peace! - DJ Ariees
DJEricSpear
March 27, 2024
You were an inspiration to many and I hope to carry your energy to new ears by playing your old records for this generation of breaks enthusiasts. You live on in our hearts and in the amazing music you blessed us with!!
Chris Hendricks
August 20, 2023
Incredible DJ...seen him many times in Orlando and Tampa as I lived in Fort Myers..RIP brother.
Dj Orlando Tamp
February 1, 2023
I lived in Cocoa Beach Florida and looked forward to the weekends to go to Orlando and see Rick spin at the edge or sometimes Firestone it just made my day and I was very sad to hear about his passing and I continue to listen to his music now but I want you to know he made me happy and I also lived in Tampa and saw him it's still sad Allison Winchester he was so talented
Danielle Edoo
March 26, 2022
Man I remember you from way back in the day at Party Central aka Club Harmony!! I was 18 and those years were the BEST times of my life!!! I can't believe your gone!! But fly high Rick!!! You gonna DJ the Rave up there when I arrive
Jeff
July 13, 2020
Just moved to Orlando for the FL funk and was looking up my favorite party DJs from days gone past. Sad to see you gone but the vibe is still here brother, it lives. Knowing you live along with it.
ANDREW SIMPSON
September 12, 2019
Rediscovering your music over the last few days....first time I've listened to it in over 10 years, but it has affected me like I'm hearing it for the first time. I was very immersed in this scene in Lauderdale in the late 90's, and you were my favorite. But time passes, and we grow & change as we get older. But that is a period of my life that I will always remember...and in spite of all the negatives that came with it, I will never regret. Your music is like a portal, and it takes me back in a very spiritual sense. Thank you. I didn't know you...but they say we will be remembered by how we treated others & by the genuineness of our soul. Well, judging from the testimonials of those who knew you, it sounds like you were a kind, loving soul. That alone is a wonderful legacy to leave behind. And then there's your music. What a combo. You are a bona fide spiritual all star in my book. Rest easy, my brother. The rest of us will enjoy your handiwork until our time comes.
Steven Manning
March 26, 2019
Rick West and The Prodigy are the reasons why I got into EDM. His flavored beats was the breaks that my ears needed to hear back in the 90's. You will always be missed Rick. Mad Love to you and Keith Flint. Sleep well brother.
Greg Parker
December 25, 2017
Rick you'll live forever....
Cory Roo
December 21, 2017
I was blessed to see him preform dozens of times in the late 90s! He was my favorite face to see in the booth and had an infectious energy and smile! What a lover of love.
Brian R
December 14, 2017
Rick, I never got to see you play live too much, but i DID see you weekly at Painted Puppy. You were kind enough to play my Mix CD in the store too! Very nice person and I'm glad that you were one of the Godfathers of Breaks. Rest in Peace Breaker
Debbie Pidick
November 1, 2013
Rick, you were an inspiration to other deejays like yourself, and your legacy WILL live forever. You will be missed by everyone you touched past THEIR dying days. So,rest in peace knowing that!
Christopher Deason
October 31, 2013
R.I.P. Rick. You may be gone, here on earth but you're music will live forever.
October 18, 2013
i remember back in the late 90's seeing you spin at sol-rays in daytona and going to to tampa on the regular to watch you. So many club anthems! You were one of the reasons i started spinning. You were the best bar none! God has a great person with him now. Gone too soon. It brought tears too my eyes. So many good times over the years with good friends. You will be missed homie and i know your shinning down on us. Your music is timeless and will live for ever to inspire the generations! Man i can't believe your gone. Condolences to your family for the loss of a beautiful soul. You will always be inside my soul.
Kye Moran
October 18, 2013
Sadly I never got to see you play live but your music got me through some very tough times as well as those of joy. My condolences to your family and friends; I hope they can find strength through this difficult time
Your music is as timeless as you were talented and it will live on in vinyl, iPods, samples, remixes and most importantly the hearts of thousands. Thank you for all those infectious grooves. RIP.
Brooke D
October 16, 2013
Prayers going out from my family to yours. I will never forget the first time your music hit my ears. Truly talented and wonderful, kind-hearted person. This is a great, tragic loss.
Terri Plattenburg
October 13, 2013
Prayers for your family in their time of loss..a legacy..never forgotten..forever missed..until we meet again..Love & Light..Matt & Terri
Madscratch Nasty Scratch Records
October 11, 2013
RIP Rick...I played all or your tracks lastnight in Tampa !!!! Prayers to you and your love ones . I know your seeing the upmost brilliants of lights and hearing the most spectacular sounds of music that we cannot even come close to imagine !!!! You have given us a treasure of some of the best EDM on this planet !!! Thank you Rick ....Love , Peace, & Electronic Dance music ! MADSCRATCH !!!!
Shelli Martin
October 10, 2013
You always held a special place in my heart, remember you shared a birthday with my mom. It breaks my heart you are gone. I am thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of your life. My 20's would not have been the same without your music. I have made life long friends through your music and the Painted Puppy parties. You would be happy to know that Dean is doing the flyer for your memorial service. I hope you are watching down and see the outpouring of love from all your fans! Much love <3! Prayers for your mom and dad who you loved so much!
Jamie Campbell
October 10, 2013
i love you bro and miss you. may the sounds of the electronic world flow with you forever. i will always have you in the mix.
Jfer Koi
October 8, 2013
Although I never knew you; I knew of your music..my prayers go out to your family...the loss and the gain of the treasures that will weave into their hearts. RIP..for those that have regrets, for those that carry the pain. You made a difference in the song....only to know to carry on.
Duane Gunsch
October 8, 2013
Rick, I know you by proxy- your music. Your vibe will always be present. The EDM family has lost a great contributor and artist. Thank You for the many years of great times that I shared side by side with my friends while tuned into the world of RW.
Frank DeVore
October 7, 2013
Rest in peace Rick. I know you're spinning for the angels now.
This photo of Rick and Sabrina was taken at the old El Goya in Ybor City back in 1987
Alphonso King Jr.
October 7, 2013
I don't think that I would be the DJ that I am today if Rick West had not come into my life. The hours we spent record shopping and practicing mixing in his bedroom were essentials in my development. And the fact that he was always a good friend just made him a close friend and confidante. As life often goes, we grew apart after I moved to New York York City and now live in Canada. I was very disappointed that I did not get to see him back in 2011 during my very brief 3 day visit to Tampa. I feel really bad for his parents (Lisa & Howard). And I regret that I had not stayed in touch with Rick. I wanted so badly for him to come spin in NYC when I was there. I think he would have had a great time and learned many things (as I did). You will be missed by many. I hope that you are at peace, my friend.
Roseann Iannaccone
October 7, 2013
Lisa and Howard, so very sorry for the loss of Rick, how heartbroken you must be, I don't know what happened but prayers to all the family. Roseann
Mike Hallucn8 Amos
October 7, 2013
RIP Rick.
Mike Hallucn8 Amos
October 7, 2013
I will never forget how much you've helped me Rick, you're a great friend & you'll be missed by many. RIP Rick
Robie Mailhes
October 6, 2013
R.i.p Rick.you will always be here in your hearts and my your music play on. You touched a lot of us in Tampa with your skills.we will miss you
Melanie Durham
October 6, 2013
Rest in peace Rick! I did not know you, but it seems that it was too soon for you to leave this earth. My heart goes out to your family.
October 6, 2013
May you find peace, Rick. I will remember you fondly.
Jaime Z
October 6, 2013
Your light will shine forever within us!!!
Brenda@Jimmie Henderson
October 6, 2013
My heart goes out to Lisa and Howard,There are never any words that can ease your hearts.
Jennifer Hill
October 6, 2013
You're such a beautiful person that touched so many lives! Rest in peace, Rick.
Meredith Christina
October 6, 2013
One of the most amazing people I have ever known. A beautiful soul and a solid friend. I cherish all the memories I have of hanging out with you. They will always make me smile. Scott and I both are extremely heartbroken that you are gone. We will always hold you near and dear to our hearts. Rest in Peace Rick.
jez bot
October 6, 2013
you had the longest neck ever, and the world is a much emptier place without you in it!
You will be missed greatly x
Rosario Masi
October 6, 2013
You will always live in our hearts and prayers. R.I.P Rick. You will be truly missed.
LAURIE Massa
October 6, 2013
i love you and i will miss you more than you will know i will miss our talks our laughs the lectures the smiles thank you for leaving me many pictures of good times together your music that will live in my heart forever. you left to soon :( please be an angel on my shoulder to walk and talk with me often. until i see you again dear friend <3 much love ~ bell
October 6, 2013
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Debbie Williamson
October 6, 2013
You will be greatly missed !!! RIP Rick
TJ Fonik
October 6, 2013
One of the most talented, humble and influential musicians of the local electronic music genre, your passing is felt around the world. You were and will continue to be a shining example to us all.
Solomon Roetter
October 6, 2013
Your music brought so many of us joy and your memory and music will stay with us for all time. R.I.P Rick
Crystal McClintock
October 6, 2013
RIP Rick !!!
Crystal McClintock
October 6, 2013
You will forever live on in our hearts and I promise you that I will make sure my children and their children will keep your music alive ! I will never forget all the special nights that I heard you spin nor the affect you had on music in general. I will always keep your family in my prayers. I can't wait till the day we are united again in Heaven my sweet friend. Please keep the record spinning for all of us .
mike staton
October 6, 2013
You always were insperation to me. I loved to watch you master your craft. And what a kind soul. I love to spin and its because of you. You will be saddly missed my friend. Your music lives on
josie zayas
October 6, 2013
You will be greatly missed my friend. Thank you for all the wonderful memories that you have bestowed on me and many others. Someday we will dance again.
Shane (Stellerex) Mailloux
October 6, 2013
Rest in peace buddy. We never met man but I swear we shook hands when I purchased your first vinyl. I know that every time your track is played by someone out there from DJs to your average listener you spirit will be present smiling down upon us. Keep bustin like you do.. Until we meet again my friend. Much love and respect
Paul Beal
October 6, 2013
R.I.P Rick West !
Anthony DelBuono
October 6, 2013
Rest in Peace Rick...You will never be forgotten. Your memory will live on Earth from your Music...You being you will live in us forever...Sorry you had to leave us so soon. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your Family. Now play your music in the Heaven's until we see you again on the Dance Floor in the sky!!!
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