A TRIBUTE TO RICK FROM DAWN
After fifty years spent with Rick it will take a long time for me to adjust to being without him. Rick was VERY special and he achieved many things in his eighty-three years. He was not without sadness in his life, but did not dwell on it. His mother died when he was seventeen, and he left behind his beloved occupied Latvia and started a new life in Australia when he was twenty-five.
Rick became a "real" Aussie. He had one trip back to his homeland in 1979 (which was still under communist rule). We all went with him on that special trip with all his old childhood friends whom he hadn't seen for forty years. We did thirteen countries in thirteen weeks - visiting his Father in Sweden and Brother in Austria.
Until we retired to our beloved 'River House' in 1979 (Rick at 56 and I, at 43) the ever-organised Rick was always in the public eye. I know he was an inspiration and a mentor, and our Brisbane home was like Central Station, with friends and people connected with music, coming and going.
Rick also loved the simple things in life. We always worked side by side, and in our retirement, loved gallivanting around the country visiting family and friends in our little caravan with our poodles, until after nearly seventeen years, they left us for 'doggie' heaven!
We did not always see eye to eye. Rick THOUGHT he was the 'Boss', and I knew, I WAS, as the family will attest. But our words were said and then it was over.
It was difficult for Rick in the past few years having to hand over to me the responsibility of things he had always taken care of. He had always been my protector. He never complained about his illness and accepted what was to be. He reminded us that he had had a good, long, full life and was very content. He was looking forward to going 'home' to God. Always an optimist!
I am comforted knowing he is in a better place with no more pain. I loved him dearly.
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