2004, Big Bend National Park, TX, USA
3
Rick was a gentleman in the truest sense. I worked as an intern one summer in Sherman, and he couldn’t have been more welcoming. I scored an invite to some of the gatherings he and June hosted at the Sherman version of Club Sandwich, which were lots of fun. I remember riding in his van one day when he was on the hunt for column ideas and he pulled into a junkyard. He said there’s all kinds of stories out there, including in the things people throw away. And he talked to several people out there. Most of all, he was genuinely interested in all the people he talked to — just a great role model of decency.
2
When you dropped your hiking pole down a 12-foot rock face, Rick was the guy you could count on to pull a 15-foot length of string out of his pocket and lasso it for you. We miss you, friend.
2
Our condolences to Dr. Smith and her family during this time. I know he is a man who will be truly missed.
2
A sad day indeed, but I rejoice in having called him friend. My deepest condolences to June and the family. What a special guy and great writer he was. The Guadalupe Mountains and the Rio Grande will be a lonesome place without him leading the way for us. Hike on, old pal, and save a resting place for me.
2
Condolences to Rick's family. There aren't enough Ricks in this world; otherwise, the world would be a much better place. It would be friendlier, kinder and filled with more smiles than tears. In your honor, I will get to the know the old man who is a school guard down the street. I'm sure he has a story. RIP Rick.
2
I will certainly miss Rick. I really consider myself blessed to have the relationship I had with him and with June. I will miss him and treasure my memories of this truly great man.
2
A true gentleman and gentle man. May God’s peace surround all of you and bring comfort. Rick is scoping out the bluebonnets in heaven.
2
Normally, I have too many words. Today I have none except to say I'm truly sorry June, Anne and Kate. It was an honor to sit across from Rick and to meet his family. I will be making a donation in his name to the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration.
3
My thoughts are with June, Anne, Kate, and the many, many friends Rick made over the years. He was a great friend, husband, father, brother, adventurer, writer, and chronicler of all things offbeat and overlooked. There was no better person to share an excursion with. If you were lucky enough to go with him on a road trip, a wilderness hike, or even a downtown walking tour, you were guaranteed a rich experience that you would never forget. Happy trails, old friend.
2
In 2019, June read the following excerpt to a column from Rick to me and a colleague: “We’re going home from the Shannon Hospital where Granddaddy had just died. A short way out of San Angelo, Daddy pulled over to the side of the road and wept. It was the only time I ever remember seeing my father cry. After he regained his composure, he patted me on the shoulder and said, ‘Son, we will have to try awfully hard if we’re ever going to be as good a man as Granddaddy was.’ Evidently, he made it. I’m still trying.”Rest assured, Rick, you made it. You were a great mentor and you will be truly missed. Condolences to June, Annie, Kate and the Smith family.
3
I only knew Rick through Gary’s writing, which spoke volumes of their brotherly love. My deepest condolences go to his family.
2
My heart is broken. My love, deepest condolences, hugs are with all of you.
Rick was unique, a hoot, a sweetie, a fine, fine human.
It was my privilege to not only have worked with him but also to have been considered a friend. He had a gift, and I doubt there is one person he encountered who didn’t like him. If they did, they’re not worth spit.
The world is a much lesser place without him.
2
We are so sorry for the loss of Rick, especially the long and difficult path you all travelled to the end. He and his writing will be remembered fondly by many.
God bless June and all his family.
2
June, Annie, Kate, Mike, and Gary:
Rick was a great husband, father, son, and brother. He also had more friends than he could count. I'm honored to be one of his friends. I'll bet everyone he reached through his writing and personal contact with the public also considered him a friend even if they never met him.
The measure of a person is how highly thought of they are by the people they touch. By that measure, Rick was a giant, but y'all already know that.
Keep all the good memories close when you feel sad or lonely for Rick. That's the best medicine.
God bless Rick and all y'all.
6
I am sorry that Rick has moved on but know he has joined many beyond that were waiting to greet him. Always with a smile and a laugh he would take my calls when I had "story ideas" for him or news about "Piccolo" that the community might enjoy. He was always happy to greet me and see me. Keep smiling my friend!!!! We have all been missing you but your journey and story now is beyond our imagination.
2
Dear June, Prayers of peace and comfort for you and your entire family. Sorry for your loss although it’s been a long road. Thanksgiving for Rick and a life well- lived.
Jane Stricklin
2
I’m sorry for your loss, but take heart in knowing what a great legacy Rick left for all of us! May God hold you close and bring you comfort and peace during this time!
2
Rick will always be remembered and loved in San Angelo, Texas. I so enjoyed talking with him and listening to him. I had the opportunity to work with him on Hope for the Holidays - what an amazing talent! Heaven will be a little brighter with Rick Smith. He will truly be missed. Prayers for comfort to his wife and family ❤️
2
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