I can't begin to say how sorry I am for the loss of Rick. I won't pretend to know him nearly as well or for as long as many of you have. I met Rick through the Mudcat. I will say that I considered him a friend.

Rick was an extraordinary person who inspired me not only musically, but personally. I don't think that I have ever met anyone so in tune with who he was. He lived his life according to his rules, having foregone having to play Jimmy Buffet songs to drunks in bars to play his music on his terms. Rick was creative, inventive and most of all supportive of anyone who was interested in being supported by him. I could go on about his incredible love and knowledge of music, but I won't. We've all seen it here. It was Rick the person that I was drawn to, and it is Rick the person that I am missing now.

I always thought that Rick and Heather were one of the most remarkable couples I've met. Rick could not have been Rick without Heather. I know that Rick's pain is now over, Heather's is just beginning.

I know that Rick was an agnostic. I am not. I hope that it is me who is right.

Rick, thank you for making a difference in my life.

Heather, Karen and I are both thinking of you. God Bless.                     

Steve and Karen Latimer