Carol Pridgen, No words can express the emptiness in my heart. Auntie loves you big guy. Save some room for me in heaven!

Rick has been a positive influence in my life. His soulful smile and personality will always put a smile on my face.

Barbara, I am so sorry for you and the kids. Always remember that God needed him to work for him. Family is in my prayers. Jean Stanley

Sorry to hear of Ricks passing. Got to know Rick and Barb on our trip in Ireland in Sept. He was full of jokes and stories. Very friendly man. I enjoyed his company. My prayers go out to Barb and the kids

I am very sad to have lost a good friend this week. As I reminisce the time I spent with Rickie, there are many distinct memories, but meeting Rickie at Corkscrew swamp in 1972 with Tom Collins stands out. Rickie was working with the rangers repairing and building boardwalks for the 10,000 acre Audubon Sanctuary (an hour inland from Naples Florida). It was in hot August. Rickie was in unbelievable good shape and knew everything about the wildlife and vegetation in the swamp. the three of us (Rickie, myself and Tom (and couple of Rangers) drove around the perimeter of the swamp to stay one night in a remote cabin where naturalist would spend time observing nature. While playing cards and drinking beer, we concocted this plan that we would (less one ranger who would drive the jeep back) hike back through the swamp to camp. One of the rangers did not think any white man had ever done this (only Seminole Indians). He said that he had gone about half way before but never the entire distance (approximately 10 to 15 miles). So with youthful blind optimism, we embarked on this journey the next morning without adequate water (we had beer) and without a compass on a cloudy day. At the beginning of the hike it was amazing to see the beautiful orchids hanging from trees and the amazing birds in their natural habitat far from human intervention. The hiking got rougher though as we progressed with Rickie and the ranger trading front position with a machete blazing the trail. There were times where the water would be chest high and other times the brush was so thick that every foot forward was a major struggle. At one point we realized that we had made a circle coming back across our earlier trail. At that point there was much concern, as we were utterly unprepared to spend a night in the swamp. Rickie and the ranger were then climbing up Bald Cypress trees to try and see the outline of the Great Horseshoe Marsh which the camp bordered. They finally thought they could see it and

5 files added to the tribute wall

4 files added to the tribute wall

My heart is broken. Rick was one in a million and will be greatly missed. Love to all of you. Linda

Here is a wonderful picture that captures my last day with Mr. Nelson. Full of laughter, stories, shots and of course his new 1,000lb bar! I couldnt have asked for a better time with him spent talking about life and what truly matters. He will be missed greatly but will live on in every joyful part of life! Love you!!

Frank, Alex, Tripp and I are totally heartbroken with this loss. Rick was a very large part of our entire family's most cherished memories and we will forever remember the fun times we have all shared. Our sincere thoughts, prayers and love to Barbara, Scott and Kate. May you find peace in the fact that were all so fortunate to have had Rick in our lives. God Bless you all!

It didnt look like my first post was registered. But Rick was a man who loved life at its fullest, and always shared it with his family and friends. A big void has been set. Love you, all Nelsons, and so sorry for your loss. :heart:

This guy is one of a kind! Youve been mixing me some of the best cocktails since I was 17, youve been giving me the best advice and youve been a second dad to my husband. Thank you for all your kindness, love and laughs! You will always hold such a special place in my heart! The photos below bring me such joy- happy to have had these memories. Much love xo 🙂

So sorry to learn of Ricks passing. I remember him on the sidelines and on the field when our boys were practicing and playing football from about 6 or 7 years old through high school. He always brought excitement and encouragement with him to the field. It was infectious to say the least! Grace and peace to all of his family. With love, John and Elizabeth Murphy

Rick sure loved his life: fun, friends...but most of all - his family. :two_hearts:

Oliver has just shared with us this very sad news which we are shocked to hear. I will never forget Rick's tenderness and care for us when our youngest son died as he sat with us at our table on Mapleridge admitting that he could not think of words to say. But he was brave enough to stand at our side along with sweet, caring Barbara. We have always regretted losing touch and have kept you all in our hearts along with Uncle Scott and Kate. I am so sorry for you to lose this loving husband and dad, along with the friend he was to so very many. We have a lot of sweet memories of you all and Oliver has the most of all. Love to each of you.

I will always have the memories of spending summer vacations with my cousins on the beach in Longboat Key with our Granparents:desert_island::beach_with_umbrella::sunrise:

I am a very old friend of Rick's. Went to grammar school and High School with him. We played together on Oak Parks State Championship Football team. We also played together in Grammar School at St. Edmund's. Rick was a good friend and a great teammate. I am very sorry for your loss. Rick will be in my prayers. Patrick Sullivan

Gone way too soon. Very sorry to hear the news. Rick Nelson was a great guy, the life of the party, a fabulous husband and wonderful father. He will be missed. A donation to the Audobon Society has been made by the Storey Famiy in Rick's name.

I met Ricky while traveling in Ireland. He was so much fun, and such a warm and friendly person. My sympathies to Barbara and his family, he really was bigger than life. The good ones really do die young.

I knew Ricky in the Oak Park neighborhood back in .....yeah, way back. Yep, he was a great guy, wonderful family, always positive. Condolences to his family.

So sorry to hear Rick passed, my condolences to his family. I worked with him for a couple years and he was always so nice and helpful and he always had a piece of chocolate in his apron for me.....may he rest in heaven...he will be missed.

We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. David, Jennifer, Trey, Ty

The Nelson family: George, Lois, Tom, Rick and Janet were an integral part of the Oak Park, IL 100 South Scoville/ South Elmwood avenues (common alley) scene and consequently of my childhood memories. George and Lois hosted the best and probably wildest parties on the block as would be permitted in the sixties. Rick was my brother Greg's age, I was Janet's age. My sister, Mary Jo and I were often over at 114 So. Scoville. Rick would walk through our yard, by the side door to go over/come back from his friend Tony Lazarus' or to see Greg. At that time, neighborhood kids were in and out of other neighborhood kids houses, all the time. So, in spite of the four year age difference, I was able to get to know Ricky. He was an exceptional person, full of life and full of love of life. A lot like his mom. Rick was knock-out good looking, like Ricky Nelson (teenage idol singer of the times) good-looking, like James Bond good-looking... He was smart, very smart, he was incredibly athletic, quick (Varsity Football team at OPRF HS, you have to be good, he was). If that was not enough, he was nice, wasn't caught up in himself; He had no problem speaking to a little ignorant runt like myself (at the time); I remember him explaining how they dissected a pig in his Advanced Biology class, he was so totally enthusiastic, named and explained the organs in detail, pulling them out, not sure what else, but he actually made it sound fascinating. Those Nelsons were/are really smart. In the same way I remember him talking about Marine Biology and Florida, what he was doing at the time. I had never heard of Marine Biology. A smart, sensitive man, the devotion to his loved ones, family or friends will be missed the most. My heart goes out to you Barb, Scott, Kate and Janet. God Bless and keep you safe, Maureen Kuenster

Lit a candle in memory of Richard C. Nelson

Lit a candle in memory of Richard C. Nelson

We were shocked to hear that Rick has passed. We have so many fond memories seeing your family from time to time at Tom's and were looking forward to your plans here at the lake . One of the best memories we have of Rick and Tom together was when Tom was very sick and Rick brought him to our home for a visit. We sat on the porch, looking out on the lake and Tom, who hadn't had an appetite for several days, devoured an entire platter of ginger cookies. Rick was thrilled that he had this small moment in time of feeling a little better, reminiscing about the past and talking about the future. It was obvious that Rick enjoyed life and time with friends, but most of all treasured his relationship with you, Barbara and with Kate, Scott and time with you too, Janet. A life well lived with a focus on what really matters. Love and prayers to each of you. Bernie and Meg

Praying for the Nelson family in this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. A donation to the Audubon Society has been made by Kates WARC family (and their friends). We love you.

So deeply sorry to hear about Ricky's passing. Growing up in Oak Park, I have very fond memories of Ricky's larger than life personality, good natured teasing and many great conversations. He was the big brother I never had. I know his family was very important to him. My sincere condolences go out to Barb, Scott, Kate and his sister, Janet. He will be missed. May he Rest In Peace. A donation to the Audubon Society has been made in his memory. Ellyn Gullo

Barbara, we are so sorry to hear about Rick. Please know we will be thinking of you and your family.

I worked with Rick for about a year at Pro-Home. I agree with everything in his obituary! He was a fire cracker! He loved cooking and building! And he loved his family!!! My deepest sympathy

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Bill and I have been praying for Rick to recover and for God to give the family strength.