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Richard Cryer Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cryer
Sponsored by Cryer & Olsen.
Michelle Stukel
January 5, 2010
As I pay my last respects, and to say my final goodbyes, to Rick.
I have to admit that it is very difficult to do this. The difficulty is not just due to the obvious causes -- the sadness, the grief, and the sense of loss, the confrontation with death in its utter finality.
Every time I called he said “Hi, how are you? How's Mike? How are the kids? Everything ok at work? “
Rick took the place of my biological father without hesitation when I was barely 10 yrs old, but we had already actually bonded when I was just an infant. He fell in love with Peg and little did he know at the time, we were actually a package deal. I went almost everywhere with them. I remember being taken to the drive-in movies, where I was supposed to be sleeping in the backseat, but would not. When he took Peg out on a date, there I was with my head hanging out the window placing food orders at the Silver Frost or Dog-N-Suds drive in restaurant. And I was always willing to go chase down the plum of smoke to find the fire or chase the fire trucks so that Rick could see if “they needed help” with the Blue light flashing on the dashboard. How cool I thought I was to be a part of that.
Then I became a teenager, and there he was again. Stopping the car and turning around to come back and let me know as I walked down Briggs street that my jeans were too tight, my shorts were too short, I had to much makeup on and so on….. Endless roundtable discussions that seemed to last for hours, since they did not end until he was certain that his point was clear, understood and agreed upon. I think mine were some of the most frequent and long lasting of all. One in particular was the night of a carnival that I was told not to go to. And yes, while I was at the carnival, as I turned around, there he stood looking at me with a “caught you” grin on his face. And yes, there was another roundtable discussion.
He was also there to let me know, yes it is in your blood and if you want to be a welder I can teach you what your father taught me, and so to welding school each and every Saturday we went. Telling me along the way, “you don’t have to do this and work so hard for a living, you are smart and skilled.” He wanted me to pursue a career in quality control or testing. He let me know you can’t tell someone else it’s wrong or bad if you can’t do it yourself a thousand times. That was not the career path that I followed, but it was the work ethic. Don’t direct someone else to do it, tell them what they did was wrong or bad if you can’t do it right yourself. It has taken me through the years and I am now told it is one of my most respected attributes.
Many friends and boyfriends were brought to the house for his approval, most of which did not measure up, responded incorrectly to one of the many trick questions asked, or that he just had a bad feeling about. One did, and I am not sure why, because he was not the most innocent of them, but for some reason Rick seen something in him and gave his approval, that was my first real date and the man I married. That man turned out to be my best friend, the greatest husband and the best father to my children that a woman could ever ask for.
He was there for my father during his battle, and I so for him. If it were only as simple as moving Mount Rushmore to help him, it would have been done.
Thanks Rick,
Love and miss you “Buckwheat”
Michelle
Melanie Starcevich
January 5, 2010
Rick was an AMAZING force of life and what I personally will always cherish and remember about Rick was how happy he was EVERY time you saw him - so full of life and energy. And so caring - he always, always asked how everybody you knew was doing and actually listened when you told him. He was without a doubt "one of a kind" and there will never be another like him. He will be dearly missed.
Keith Olsen & Family
December 31, 2009
Rick, to say thank you would be an under statement for myself and so many others. You have been an important part of my life since my birth in 1964. You have been a father figure, big brother, and most of all best friend, thru all the time that we shared together. In the future any time that I may spend fishing you will always be right there beside me just as so many times in the past. You will never be forgotten and I know that I will continue to look to you thru prayer for future guidance through out the remainder of my life. With out you I would not be the man that I am today. You have given me the ability to provide for myself and my family. The same as you have done for countless others. You were not a very large man physically but for those who knew you, you were a giant in so many ways. You were not one to simply give a hand out, but you were always the first one to extend a helping hand by offering your wisdom and guidance for so many individuals.
I will forever love you and miss you, Moe
December 21, 2009
To the Cryer/Olsen Family & Business:
We were sorry to hear about Rick. Our thoughts are with you all at this time of loss. Rick and your company/workers have been very helpful to us for many years.
Ingalls Park Subdivision Improvement Association, Inc., Joliet, IL.
Gloria Rickett
December 13, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the Cryer family on the passing of a husband, father, and brother. I know he was loved by all and will be greatly missed but take comfort in knowing you will all be together again someday. Although I never met him, knowing his daughter has brought me great joy.
My condolences, Gloria Rickett
December 8, 2009
I have very fond memories of Mr. Cryer at parent-teacher conferences. He was always a day brightener. I am very sorry for your loss.My deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Cathy Bergstrom former kdg teacher to Gus.
Tim Zobel
December 8, 2009
My deepest Sympathy. A O Marshall and Gompers with Ricky, sitting on Cass St. naming the cars going by. Ricky was a good friend.
Louis & Meri Knauer
December 7, 2009
Dear Peg, Lisa, Gus and Family,
Our Rick is waiting to greet us all someday.
He is in every step we take
He is in everything we do
He is the air we breathe
He is every beat of our hearts
He is like the wind.
We can’t see him...but we will always feel him.
He will be sadly missed, but leaves us with such great love and memories
Love and heartfelt prayers to all of you.
Louis & Meri Knauer
December 7, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Tammie Shaw
December 7, 2009
I remember RIck to be a wonderful man. He was always so sweet to me, as was the entire family. It has been a long time since we have seen eachother, just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all! Love, Tammie Pickens-Shaw
Dawn Joseph
December 7, 2009
Dearest Peggy and family, I was so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He, indeed was a joy to my day when I saw his bright smile! I shall truly miss him and his wonderful sense of humor. Know that he is in a better place and looking down on all of us and smiling. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Coldwater
December 7, 2009
Peggy & family,
I went to Joliet East and a graduate of 1969. Rick was a classmate with me and in fact one year in study hall with me. He would seat next to me, but sometimes we talked more than study. I always liked talking to him. I have not seen him since high school. But I never forgot him or his great smile! What a successfull family man he became. You have my deepest sympathy.
Jen Bourg
December 6, 2009
My thought and prayers are with you all as you grieve the loss of Rick. I remember coming to your house with Julie when I was a young girl and Rick was always so kind and generous. I remember the Christmas he got his new puppy Sir Pugsly (I was trying to convince him to let me take the puppy home) he was so in love with his new pal. I have prayed for Rick and I continue to do so. Rick will always have a place in my heart. He will be missed.
December 5, 2009
"Rick was the kindest and most genuine person that i ever had the pleasure of knowing...if we were all the type of person that Rick was,and treated people and life the way Rick did...well it would be Heaven on Earth
Love and prayers to the family.
Vicki and Michael Martin (Louisville,Il.)
December 5, 2009
You have our deepest sympathy. Rich was in my homeroom #105 at Joliet East. We took many shop classes together, and a good friend to me.
With our prayers for the whole family,
Al & Carrollyn Brady
Tina Beanna Frost
December 5, 2009
The time has come to say Goodbye
I will try not to cry
It' been so hard to let you go
To be in heaven don't you know
But you did not go alone
Part of us went with you
The day God took you home
You will forever be in our hearts
Your memory will keep us from falling apart
You should hear the kind words people say
How you touched their lives in so many ways
I am so proud and blessed to get to say
That's my Uncle in every way
Thank you Uncle Rick for all you gave
For everything you showed us along the way
Now I want to say to you
How much I love and miss you too
So rest in peace My Uncle Rick
I'll see you again when it's my time
Forever in my heart xoxoxo
Your Tina Beanna
AL HENTSCH
December 5, 2009
I`m so sorry on the passing of Rick.I will always remember when he took me on my first fire call at East Joliet.He was always doing somthing to help.He will be missed................
Joe Huff
December 5, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sally Skiotes
December 5, 2009
My deepest Sympathy, he was always wonderful to talk to. God Bless you all.
Lowell White
December 5, 2009
Peggy -- our thoughts and prayers for you and family. Rick plumbed my house in NL in 1973 allowing me to work with him by measuring, cutting pipe, teaching me to 'sweat solder', etc. He was a delight to work with and one of the few subs to 'be there' when promised. I will forever look back with great memories of our short teaching/learning time in my basement.
Lowell White
December 5, 2009
Peggy -- our thoughts and prayers for you and family. Rick plumbed my house in NL in 1973 allowing me to work with him by measuring, cutting pipe, teaching me to 'sweat solder', etc. He was a delight to work with and one of the few subs to 'be there' when promised. I will forever look back with great memories of our short teaching/learning time in my basement. Lowell White
David Nelson
December 5, 2009
To the entire Cryer family, sorry for your loss, Rick was a great guy and he will be missed, God bless you all.
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