Richard William Hersey

02/02/1982 – 06/09/2012

Richard – Ricky, Rick, Rick Dog – William Hersey; son, brother, companion, nephew, grandson, cousin and friend; passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2012, after thirty cherished years of life.

In the face of tragedy, we remember. We remember the many images of Ricky. The compassionate soul instilling camaraderie, the competitor no one could conquer, the man with a perfect physique and a playful outlook on life. A friend. A cousin. A grandson. A nephew. A companion. A brother. A son.

We are reminded of family gatherings, and how they were exceedingly happier when Ricky was present. We recall a mother’s smile, and how it expanded when her youngest snuggled her. We reminisce on a father’s pride, and how much fuller it was when his only son defeated every ambition. We hear a sister’s voice, and look back on how much sweeter it was when it was directed to her baby brother. We bask in a girlfriend’s glow, when her lover showered her with affection and doted on her with only respect.

Friends bless us with stories. Stories of the ocean and how it was Ricky’s playground; surfing, fishing, swimming and breathing it in. Stories of the roads and how Ricky dominated them with his bike. Stories of the mountains and how Ricky climbed them with ease. Stories of charisma, laughter, play and respect.

There’s an ache in our hearts that will never fully heal. There’s a hole in our minds that will forever be destitute. There are endless tears to release and continual sobs to choke, but in the midst of it all we will remember, grasp and cherish the moments that you instilled in our lives. We will find comfort in our combined strength, faith, mutual and undying love for the man you were; the man that graced us with your presence for thirty years. Ricky, you will never be forgotten and we hold you with us, from now until we lose our breath and meet again.

We will be celebrating Ricky’s life on Sunday, June 24th at the QAD campus located at 100 Innovation Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, at 2:00 in the afternoon.