Wednesday, February 19, 2020
I met Rick around 1975 or ‘76 when we were both serving in the Navy aboard USS Enterprise. We worked closely together many long days and nights while overseas. We shared books, played music together, made homemade wine from ingredients we absconded from the mess decks, and had many great laughs together. He was our "hooker" on the ships' rugby team...which competed with other ships teams from both the US Navy and our NATO friends as well. My most memorable experience with Rick was when he invited me to join him on a ski trip up into the Sierra Nevada mountains. Being in California, I did not have any cold weather gear with me. He borrowed warm clothing and skis from his brother (who was serving on the ship as well). He convinced me that in spite of the fact that I'd never been on skis before ...we would have a great time. We lit our for the mountain with a cooler full of beer and other party favors that I can't mention specifically. He was bound and determined that he would teach me how to ski by the time we reached Sierra Ski Ranch. By the time we arrived he had taught me how to "snowplow", make turns , and "bail out " if things got too far out of control. Needless to say, things were already out of control. Upon arrival we bought lift tickets and headed straight for the chairlift. The 20 yards between the ticket office and the lift gave me ample time to fine tune my new acquired skills. We then jumped on the chair lift for a ride up the mountain. It was a glorious ride...amazing scenery especially from a boy from back East who had never visited the western mountains . I didn't begin to sweat or get nervous until we exited off the lift. It was then I realized that we were at the very top of the mountain ...at the "expert level" run. My old pals advice was "don't worry...you're good! It's just like swimming. If you can swim in 10 feet of water you can swim in 1000 feet of water!" Maybe it was the beer...maybe the altitude...but I struggled wrapping my mind around that concept. Ultimately he looked at me and shrugged and left me with one last thought before he took off down the hill: "F#%k it...it's way too far to walk to the bottom...may as well give it a shot". I made it about 150 or so yards down before I built up enough speed to where turning or stopping didn't appear to be an option...so I "bailed out". I flopped, flipped, rolled, and spun 100 yards or so before I finally came to a stop. One glove, both skis, my hat and my fear of dying on that mountain we're all gone. I looked around to see just how many folks witnessed my personal "agony of defeat" and saw Rick standing about 5 feet from me. He said " I knew that my lessons would work...you're a skier!". We laughed like hell for a solid 10 minutes. What an experience! When my Navy obligations ended I headed back East with another Navy buddy of ours...Larry Howell. We stopped in Colorado where Rick was visiting home on "leave". We went to a stadium concert and saw The Marshall Tucker Band and others. Needless to say we had a "BLAST" at the concert. I'm terribly sad about Ricks passing. I hate the fact that I never made back out too see him before he left us. Larry Howell is no longer with us either...cancer. Because of his relatively close proximity to where I live I was able to pay him a visit just a few days before he crossed over. It made my heart swell to share a few old memories with him while he was here. I regret that I didn't get to do that with Rick. He was a good man. An honest to goodness Good Guy. I will cherish the memories of the time I spent with him on the west coast, Hawaii, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Kenya, and especially Tasmania. i wish that I could share some stories with those of you reading this...but they will be better off remaining in both Rick's and my memory banks.. My condolences to all of his loved ones. I'm sure that he will be sorely missed. God Bless. Rest well my Brother...I'll see you on the other side. Owen Margolis Zionville, NC
(719) 207-8855
