I have more than a few memories involving my friend Rick. If you grew up in Covina in the 1950’60’70s you probably attended Covina Second ward on Glendora Avenue. I’m the same age as his notorious older brother Gary. As kids, we apparently needed more Church time so luckily Primary was during the week. So we had to walk outside after the meeting with our arms folded and pretending to be reverent ..once outside it was a free-for -all with kids playing tag, football and all manner of fun and chaos on this huge lawn in front of the church.. Even though Rick was about 7 years old he was a tough- as- nails kid. He literally could wrestle two kids at a time beating even the older kids. I felt like Gary and I were budding fight promoters basically challenging the other sweet Primary kids to try and pin him. I’m sure Rulon and Barb were thinking why are Ricks clothes so dirty, grass-stained and torn while simply sitting quietly in Church? Mystery solved.

I have fun memories in my thirties playing Tennis, Ping Pong and Racquetball with Rick. I thought I was a pretty good player at all three until I played Rick. . We were doubles partners in a 200lb and up Racquetball league. That’s right, you had to weigh over 200lbs…don’t judge. If you get hit by a ball traveling over 100mph it hurts and leaves a mark. So, this big guy on the other team drilled the ball and Rick turned around at the wrong moment and it hit him right in the mouth. Of Course, we stopped the play because Rick’s mouth was bleeding and his lip was swelling. I’ll never forget this, without missing a beat he says ‘’ let’s keep playing I’m fine” ! Blood is literally dripping down his chin he smiled and it looked like he ate a red Oreo.  After the other team saw this they said, ‘we're done, you guys are crazy’.

On a spiritual note, I was Ricks 1st councilor in the CovinaStake Mission Presidency. Under his leadership the Covina Stake was out baptizing the other Stakes in the Arcadia Mission by more than a lot. The Arcadia Mission Pres dropped by one of our presidency meetings and wanted to know the secret to what we were doing. It was the ‘Rick Kartchner factor’, he was focused, driven and prayed for inspiration all the time.

One more memory, I’m a little sketchy on all the details, Carolee might remember. I was in Las Vegas on business, and I went to dinner with the Karchner family. All the kids were little. We went to, I think, a Van de Kamps restaurant. The waitress was wearing a blue and white dress and a curious hat like the flying nun wore. She spoke with a funny Dutch accent in a really high-pitched voice. After she took our order the ‘adults’ decided to mimic her cute voice. ( Rick’s voice was spot on)… This got the kids in the act and the adults laughed so hard one of them shot their drink out of their nose. We couldn’t stop laughing. I had tears and my stomach was sore from all the laughter. I miss him and that smile already.

Dear Kartchner family, 

We are so sad about cousin Rick’s passing. He was a light, fun-loving, generous, funny, and had a laugh that is unforgettable! What great memories we all have of spending time at the Covina house in the summers with Uncle Rue and Aunt Barb and you dear cousins! Caralee, we love you dearly, along with your kids, and pray for you all daily in this tender time. Take care, and may you feel peace and the Lord’s presence with you. 

Love, 

Randy, Kim, ShiRey, RaShel  (Kartchner)

In 1983, then Elder Kartchner was serving his mission in Pendleton, Oregon.  He taught a young 18 year old girl (Beth) the gospel of Jesus Christ in our home.  We spent countless hours with this great missionary.  His love of life and love for the Gospel was infectious.  I can still hear his hearty laugh and still see his quick smile.  When I returned from my own mission, I married that girl.  We now have 5 children, all grown, married in the temple and with children of their own (20 grandchildren in total).   Both of our boys served missions as well as one of our daughters.  As each of them departed for the mission field, their mother would tell them of the missionary (Elder Kartchner) who came and taught her the gospel, and remind them that they, too, were to go and find “the one”, just as Elder Kartchner had done.  

When he came to our daughter’s reception in Henderson Nevada (she married a Nevada Boy) Beth saw Rick for the first time in nearly 25 years, since her baptism.  She hugged him and cried, thanking him for serving a mission and teaching her the gospel.

Our hearts are temporarily broken.  Our deepest condolences to beautiful Caralee and your family.

What a great man!  We love you Rick Kartchner.  You have given us the greatest gift of all!  Until we meet again……..Thank you forever!

From all of us:

Dave and Beth, our 5 children, 5 sons and/or daughters in law, and 20 grandchildren.  

To my good friend and brother in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I can truly say that your friendship and Christ like life made me a better person. My life is better because of knowing you and your family. The time we spent together was a joy. The fond memories of trips and many good dinners will always be remembered.  Especially the time that your snoring was so loud in Mexico during the night I slept out on the balcony. But I still love you. I will miss our conversation and your plans for the future. I will miss your Harty laugh and your big hugs that you alway had for me.  We will see you on the other side and I hope you have some of the missionary work done before I get there.  Please tell Yvonne hello for me that I love her and miss her a lot.  

Love Darrin Houston