The Robin Smith and Rick Rose Families at 2006 Holiday time. How young we all look!

I haven't entirely accepted the sad reality of Rick's passing. Perhaps because Rick's last email to me was infused with his plans. His mind was fertile with ideas and interests, and his body seemed to cooperate with his active lifestyle and athletic passions. Rick and I shared a friendship that began in college, and we kept up peripherally through the years. In the past few years, our contact was frequent, and he and I found a repository in each other to dump our deepest thoughts and share our love for family and life in general. Rick introduced me to new intellectual pathways I will follow as long as I live. We vowed to visit, to get our families together, but it wasn't meant to be. I am as introverted as Rick was extroverted. The parts of our lives that intersected were enough for each of us. We genuinely rejoiced in each other's personal and professional achievements. But, the most significant achievement for each of us was our gratefulness for having been granted a term on this earth. That Rick's time on earth ended with an abrupt punctuation mark feels awful and unfair, although, for him, the end was a gift, just way too early. We shared a casual, unpretentious spontaneity, through which lens I got to know his immediate family, his closest friends, and of course, his Chopper. There is no end to grief or love. I will carry memories of the remarkable man Rick was with me for the rest of my life. I send my love and empathy to Kathy and extended family and a multitude of friends who grieve with me for what is lost.  Let the light of our love for Rick and his family be a beacon of hope and remembrance in Rick's honor.  

Beach Boys Concert

Out on 'The Puffer Fish' with my Auntie & Uncle.

2/17/23

Dear Kathy,

I just heard from Tom Perkins that Rick passed away

A few days ago.

Even though I have been off the grid, you should know

that both of young your family  played a significant part in my life. 

Traveling to Sweden, London, meeting your father and sister, and

sharing an office with Rick underlined for me what is important

In life and what was not. His sense of humor, enthusiasm for life,

 as well as his work ethic was off the charts. AquaLearn bathing suits are

responsible for teaching 8 of my 13 grandchildren to swim.

Given the pictures posted the internet, I am sure

that his legacy will live on through you, your family, and

his friends. It has been a long time. Please et me know if I can do

anything to be of help.  Best,  David. Donnelley

Lovely lunch with my aunt an uncle x

Rick with his brand new grand niece from the UK. Very happy memories x

Touring with our Marin friends

We spent a day exploring in Oman

A great friend and terrific business associate.

           This horrible loss is to me, and to all of us, altogether staggering, truly heart breaking. His intellect, his wit, his compassion, his physical prowess, his heart was truly unique. He was a joy to be around. A remarkable, truly wonderful man. In our Institute meetings we would pass the mic around and I was, admittedly, envious. Everyone would listen, fully engaged, to what Rick had to say, what he was thinking. He was so insightful, and his ideas so penetrating, and his emotions so caring and infectious that we all loved him, political spectrums notwithstanding.

We would go on walks with Chopper and my Else and the day would sparkle, even in the rain. It was just downright fun to be with Rick. We would play a game, let’s say ping pong, and he would just blow you away. And he listened, you knew he was interested, and he brought out the best in all of us. What a hero.

Ladies lunch

Soccer Fanatics

Recent meeting of men's book club that Rick participated in for over 15 years.

Dear Kathy, dear Tim and Jerry and families,

We can hardly imagine Rick not being there anymore. Dear Kathy, visiting you and Rick was allways so important/special to us. We share so many lovely memories about beeing together with you. I do remember the first x-mas you had me stay with you all in Tiburon 2001 - (still have the special gifts from you all- including your boomerang, dear Tim or was it Jerry, who was in Australia?). Thank you so much for allways giving me the feeling to be part of your lovely family!

I cannot imagine coming back to California and not seeing you or not beeing able to speek with Rick on the phone. I would love to come to the funeral, but unfortunately amnot able to - however, I will be there with all my heart. I love you and my thoughts are with you! We will pray for you Rick and you all!

With fond memoires and lots of love Ariane, Xavier, Pia and Anabelle

Pia loved you the moment she met you — with Ariane Germeyer

— with Ariane Germeyer

Visiting Rick and Kathy — with Pia Germeyer and Anabelle Germeyer

Kath & Rick and some of the UK fam ♥️ — with Kathryn Rose and Jane Russell