R.I.P. to my uncle Rick, the Codfather

Aug 10, 2022, 7:40 AM

My uncle Rick was a surfer, and a beach bum - often literally.

He spent long chunks of his life out of touch with his family. Most of the time we didn't really know that much about what he was doing or exactly where he was. We did know his life revolved around surfing every chance he could. We knew he always wanted everyone around him to have a good time, and was funny and charming and loved the ladies. They loved him too.

Rick doing a headstand:

It was only after Rick died that we learned the extent of his surfing family. They ranged from homeless vets to business owners, professionals, ex-cons, preachers, kids, musicians and artists. They got together and raised money for his funeral expenses, and arranged a memorial service for him on the beach - his beach - in Surf City, NC.
Over a hundred people showed up this past Sunday to pay their respects and participate in the service.

It turned out to be one of the coolest things I have ever experienced.

He'd spent time in the Navy and a military flag-folding service with Taps was first, then some music and shared words about Rick.

Flag presented to Rick's brother (my dad):

Telling Rick stories - more laughs than tears:

Afterwards was the highlight, a paddle-out to scatter flowers and his ashes at sea. Rick's surfing family invited my brother and I to participate in the paddle-out, and even provided surfboards for us to use since we are definitely NOT surfers.

Paddle-out circle from the pier:

A local sign shop made a sticker in his honor and handed them out. After the paddle-out we gathered for drinks at an oyster bar overlooking the scene.

The Codfather sticker (with pants):

Everybody had funny Rick stories. In the water, he was famous for his skill, his enthusiasm for surfing and having fun, his encouragement of others and his iconic headstand, which he performed both with and without pants.
Out of the water, he was a great carpenter and a hard worker - as long as the waves were flat. He always had a smile on his face and a beer in his hand, and although he couldn't or wouldn't stop himself from drinking, he helped save others from their alcohol demons. More than one person swore they owed their life to Rick and many more said he'd helped them through the hardest parts of their lives. He loved to help his friends and was incredibly generous with what little he ever had.

From the outside it was easy to think that Rick's life didn't amount to much. He didn't last in the Navy. He never made much money, and he usually didn't have shoes on. He never married or had kids of his own. When he died he didn't even have a car, or a home, or enough posessions to fill a box.

But Rick knew how to live life, maybe better than most of us. And he was loved.

Rest in Peace, Uncle Rick.

The Codfather:

Cool video of the paddle-out from a drone:
(0:52 for surfboard pathway and crowd; 1:13 for surfers going in; 2:55 burial at sea).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeoKMqlpS7o

BTW: A thousand thanks to Wes Rider for spearheading the memorial.

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R.I.P. to my uncle Rick, the Codfather

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