Caro, I was looking for you, but couldn't find you.
I'll re-post in part what I've posted elsewhere because this is about Rick. Man, he will be missed.
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It was evident by the people who spoke, just how beloved Rick was as a local. He was one of us. I think the story would have a different ending had he just moved away or faded into obscurity. I didn't recognize one or two of the speakers ( his golf buddies ), but Bert and Rene's words should have come shining through. I'm trying to keep personal conjecture out of this, but it's hard
The ceremony did me proud. It brought to life what Rick was like in his personal post hockey life vs the Rick whom people may have only seen on tv and skating as 1/3 of the FC.
My guess is that most were just average folks. I saw people who probably took 3 busses to get there, and those that spoke nothing other than what it was like sitting in the Aud watching him and never saw him off the ice. They were like a bunch of ferret's who knew every his stat, his every move, and came out in droves no matter what their social status to show their respect for their "idol."
I think I expected a bit more of his on ice contributions to have been chronicled. That fact that it wasn't goes to show how many lives he touched in the last 30 years off the ice. Each and every time I heard of yet another benefit he attended or visited a sick child, made me see a much bigger picture. Every time I worked, and hoped he would come in and didn't, I now know it wasn't because he was sitting at home watching television.
His son words were very touching. This was the son (Cory) who played in a local band for a few years and Rick was so proud of him.
I personally am glad that Pegula knew his place and didn't speak, but was instrumental in helping Larry Playfair put this entire thing together and take the burden off of the family. It was evident the family was relieved as well.
There were a few jokes re-told that I had already heard umpteen times but the one I never heard was the one about his eye sight being so good that he could read the Budweiser label from 40 feet away and that had everyone in happy tears.
It was an incredible morning/afternoon in which celebrated the brightest accomplishments, friendships, and aspects of his life cut short.
I held up really well until the ceremony ended with bagpipers. I didn't realize how heavily the tears where streaming down my face until the lady in front of me turned around and gave me a handful of tissues.
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RIP Rick. It was my pleasure to have you as a friend.
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