Monday, February 5, 2024
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A teacher back then, I first met Rick in the summer of 1973 at CFB Cold Lake when invited to audition for the band which became ‘Four’, later ‘Betty Plus Four’. He was a talented, experienced lead guitarist with different techno effects, which enhanced our sound. Several years older than me, he took me under his wing to help me buy a ‘proper guitar’ in Edmonton: a Gibson ES335 which I still play today.
A very persuasive bandmate, he convinced me to play a week-long gig with him as a duo at the Cheemo Lounge on the base; despite my misgivings, we were very successful as he had predicted.
Rick was a great kidder and once phoned on Christmas holidays to convince me he was hopelessly trapped in a Montana snowstorm and wouldn’t be able to make it to the next gig. Then he called back to say he was really in town!
I only knew and played with Rick till the summer of ’75 when I returned to Edmonton, but our bond was short and sweet. He was fun to perform with, always reliable and supportive of my lead vocal/rhythm guitar efforts. He was a truly remarkable, likable, friendly guy I looked up to.
My sincere condolences to the family.
