|
|
Posts: 941
Location: Freedom, WI | Just got back from taking Ricks rig home and first chance I've gotten to read this post. What everybody says about him is true, the last few years we have gotten to be great friends. This last year has been so much fun for him working with the guys from Stowmaster and Lamiglass (when Lamiglass comes out with the composite he was prototyping you can thank Rick), him and Shane prototyping some baits for me and he even came up with the name for it.
Everybody did their part plus out there. Dan keeping Rick above water, Shane diving in (58 degree water), Jeremy helping lift him and doing CPR ( try doing that on the rear deck of a boat taking off and going across the lake at 50 mph), Joe almost jumped in but we were not close enough but he did other stuff instead. We were all ment to be there at that time.
He will be missed |
|
| |
|
Posts: 20257
Location: oswego, il | I am sorry to hear about this loss. Rick was friends with some real quality people, some of them were there to help in his time of need. You are all heros. I know several of the people involved and I can say Rick had some great friends. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 311
| Heres a poem that seems fitting, A golden heart stopped beating
Hard working hands laid to rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the BEST.............
My condolences to the Family.................... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 91
| My Thoughts and Prayers. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 507
| All of us at OutdoorsFIRST send our condolences to Rick's friends and family. Rick will be missed. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 512
Location: Appleton | My Thoughts and Prayers are with the Family and Friends involved in this unfortunate tragedy. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 11
Location: Albert Lea, MN | When I first met Rick, he was working in the Lamiglass booth next to me in Madison. I couldn’t help overhearing the amount of knowledge of the products and the patience he gave to everyone that asked his opinion. I though he was sent directly from the factory. I found out later he wasn’t from Lami but was just there helping out. I had to get to know this guy, and I am really glad I did. It was fortunate for me that our paths crossed many more times and I was able to call him a friend. He will be missed by myself and everyone that knew or would have known him.
My deepest sympathy to his family.
Matt Larson
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | Roger said we were meant to be there.
When we put in early that morning we agreed that if we put 2 in the boat we would pack it up and call it a day. Roger has a broken rib from falling in the boat during the Best of the Best Tourney and I had sorrows of sinking my boat Saturday. Well we didn't catch anything so we were still out there when Rick collapsed. It is a mental burden but I do feel fortunate to have been part of Ricks last day on the water. Spending my last hours out on the water with my fishin friends would be one of the better ways to go.
If Tittletown doesn't make their tourney a memorial to Rick, C & R Musky Club will do something.
Thoughts and prayers
Joe |
|
| |
|
Posts: 8
| There is a total irony in the fact that I just registered on the MuskieFIRST website. Rick, I'm sure is getting a kick out of this. His passion for this sport was BEYOND a passion most people have for anything. The fact this his wife who always gave him "digs" for fishing for something he couldn't bring me home to eat, is here posting would put a big smile on his face. There is so much I'd like to say, but just can't find the words right now. When Roger came over last night and dropped off the boat and the truck, I learned about this board. There was just so much I didn't know about his circle of friends. I went to the dinner up at the Yacht Club before the last tournament and finally had a chance to meet some of you that I had not met before. I had such a good time and was so looking forward to getting to know all of you better. Your outpouring of love and respect for Rick is just amazing. The guys that were out with Rick on Sunday - I just don't know what to say. Thank you is just too insignificant, but I can't come up with any better words right now. It's just so hard. I can't imagine what it was like out there while you, his good friends, were trying to save his life. I will be forever grateful for the friendship you all shared with my husband. To everyone who's thoughts and prayers are going out to us. Our thoughts and prayers are going right back out to you. You share in our loss. Thank you everyone for your kind words and support. I cannot tell you how much it helps. You are all very good people and Rick was beyond lucky to have such good friends.
Again, thank you.....
Terese, Margo and Corey
Edited by Terese 10/23/2007 7:03 AM
|
|
| |
|
Location: WI | This is the first time I have been able to sit down and read all the comments and emails from all of you, and I just wanted to give a big thanks! There are alot of people really hurting right now. All the phone calls, posts and emails are helping us keep it together, its not everyday your best friend dies in your arms. Your support has been greatly appreciated!
As has been said by Joe and Roger, we were meant to be there. I really didnt expect Joe after sinking his boat, Roger who was really hurting with his ribs, and I know bouncing around in a boat on the Bay had to be torture. I dislocated my shoulder on Friday, (Rick was the one who popped it back in for me). The first thing I had to do Sunday morning when Danny picked me up was throw up a couple of times because I was still in so much pain. I was in no shape to be anywhere near the water, especially out there. But I knew how much Danny wanted to go, I havent seen someone so excited, he was like a kid on Christmas morning.
And it was such a good day, Jeremy and I had a couple of mid 40's for the day already, lost a couple of fish, and Rick and Danny had been getting into some fish as well, but we were really out there mainly to help Joe and Roger get a pattern going.
Jeremy and I were just getting back into the area after taking a run over to a different area where we did lose a couple of nice fish, we debated staying in that area but decided we will head back over to our friends and finish out our day. As we got close enough to see everyone we noticed Rick and Danny were working a big fish into the net. Everything after that is just a blur and to be honest I dont remember much just bits and pieces. I dont remember jumping in, but somehow God gave me enough strength grab Rick and somehow be able to use an arm I couldnt lift to hang onto the side of the boat with just my fingertips. But I couldnt let go. Danny and I were trying to get Rick back into the boat but Rick is a big dude. I have never felt so helpless in my life. The water may have been 58 on top but go down a foot and it was alot colder and I was in serious trouble, but I didnt want them to worry about me so I didnt say anything. Someone told me yesterday that they heard me say "I am not going to make it, just get him in the boat." I know Jeremy heard it because he jumped from his boat into Ricks and with his help, Danny and Jeremy were somehow able to lift him in. Jeremy did save a life that day. And then doing CPR on the back deck of a boat doing over 50 mph. Incredible!
One thing I remember vividly though, and at the time I chalked it up to hypothermia hallucinations, was this fish. The fish was unhooked, more or less half out of the net the net was pretty much vertical anyway so a tailkick and she would have been gone. And I remember being really uncomfortable having my face 10 inches from its head. But this fish stayed underneath Rick, helping us hold him up, as calm as a Hindu cow. It waited till Rick was on his way and I was safe out of the water before it swam away. So I also have to also thank the fish for its part.
Rick Lax upon hearing about this has generously offered to make a replica for us of Ricks fish. You will never know how much that will mean to us. Thank you!
I hope out of this tragedy that some good will come of this, that Ricks death is a wake up call to everyone. We are all guys who spend ALOT of time on the water several thousand hours a year on the water collectively. Stuff like this happens so quickly, and Green Bay is not the place to have this happen. Frankly I am surprised with the volume of people fishing there pretty much till ice up. that it hadnt happened sooner. I grew up out there, and I have seen how quickly the water can turn ugly. We had alot of rain recently and alot of wind, there has been alot of current of late. PLEASE wear your life jackets at all times in the boat when you are out there. Do it for Rick.
Thank you all again for keeping Ricks family and friends in your prayers it means more than you know.
|
|
| |
|
| terese,
thanks and hang in there.it was a pleasure meeting you and corey under such horrible circumstances.
my wife ,3 daughters and i will be there thursday, please post the details here when you can.
joe, you can count on the Muske Nutz to step up to the plate as well here. im working on this and will let everyone know.
jeremy, we have to hook up on much better terms soon. shane has my number, call anytime my friend and thanks so much for helping man.
shane, thanks too. what you did and everone did was awesome. we will fish again soon and find another giant muskie for rick.
and roger and joe as well.
can someone help me post a picture of the muskie rick helped me catch? his gift to me. what a pleasure meeting him and his giving qualities.......
dannyboy
|
|
| |
|
| Although I did not know this person,after reading this Story
Dany,Shane,Jeremy
You guys are my hero's
Your efforts and kindness in acting upon this tragedy in the manner you all did demonstrates what people should be
May God shine on you all
May God shine on Rick's family
Beyond any great big fish,human kindness is the most touchfull act one could accomplish
You 3 demonstrated this
Marc Thorpe |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2091
Location: Stevens Point, WI | I was with MuskieE on the river and bay and saw him a few times as well on Sunday. Being a Paramedic I wish I would have been closer and known about it to assist. My heartfelt condolences to Terese, Margo and Corey and the rest of his family. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 910
Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | My thoughts and condolences are with Rick's family and friends. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 114
Location: New London, Wisconsin | My family will keep Rick's family and friends in our thoughts and prayers... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 8
| Hi all - we are set with arrangements - please can you all pass these onto everyone who might need them. I just have no idea where to start so this seemed like a good place. Services will be held on Thursday, October 25 at St Paul's Catholic Church at 410 E. Wallace St, Combined Locks. We can all say our goodbyes between 3:00 and 7:00 and there will be a Mass at 7:00. After the Mass we will have snacks and non alcoholic (sorry all) beverages in the church basement. That's all I have for now...again, thank you to all.
Terese |
|
| |
|
Posts: 327
| I didn't know Rick , but from what I read he was someone everyone would have liked to get to know . My prayers go out to his family !! My prayers also go out to thiose who were there to help out , you guys are HERO'S for sure !! I'm sure that none of that was easy for any of you , but you did what any friend would do . I hope that someone will be there to help if I ever need it . And I also hope that I have the courage and spirit you guys did if ANYBODY ever needs my help !! God bless you all , and god bless Rick and his family !! |
|
| |
|
| I just want to wish Rick's family and friends my condolences. Dannyboy, what you and your friends did, was something that his family will never forget. You must remember that it was his time and he passed doing what he loved. You guys are heroes in my book, and his family knows what true friends Rick had. I sincerely hope all of you can get through this tragic event, and realize you did everything you could. My family's thoughts and prayers are with Ricks family and also all of you. Clint |
|
| |
|
| Krappie has offered to throw together a slide show for us, if anyone has any pictures of Rick please email them to [email protected] |
|
| |
|
Posts: 8840
| My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 174
Location: Wis. Rapids, WI | Fisherman's Prayer:
God, grant that I may live to fish
For another shining day,
But when my final cast is made
I then most humbly pray,
When nestled in your landing net.
As I lay peacefully asleep,
You'll smile at me and judge
That I'm " Good Enough to keep."
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all his friends too.
Todd Forcier
Edited by TForcier 10/23/2007 4:30 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 419
Location: Appleton, WI | You can also send any pictures to this email address in case my road runner mailbox is full:
[email protected]
thanks,
Krappie
Edited by Krappie 10/23/2007 4:42 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 101
| Wow, I just finally had a chance to sit down and read this post. I saw it yesterday, but had to leave the computer. I wish I would have sat down a little sooner. I thought I recongized the name, but couldn't place it. Here I actually talked to Rick alot online here, and even met him once to purchase some things that he was selling. I always wanted to hook up fishing with him, and thought for sure that was going to happen. 
For anyone that didn't know Rick, he was an awesome individual, who treated me like family the one and only time I met him in person. I think I sat at his house for 3 hours talking muskies, lures, and rods.
The musky community has lost a great sportsman, advocate for the sport, and great fisherman.
My thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to all his family and close friends.
~Matt |
|
| |
|
| First I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you guys who tried to save Rick's life out on the Bay. But I guess it just wasn't meant to be. The old say "only the good die young" sure as heck applies to Rick.
I've known Rick and his family for well ever 20 years. We met at the old HMK sportshop in Combined Locks quite by chance. I was in the tackle manufacturing business at the time and Rick was at HMK getting rods to repair from the owner, Ken Hamilton. Rick introduced himself to me and the rest is history.
We immediately struck a friendship, mainly because we were both into the fishing industry and we loved to fish and we were alot alike in many ways other than fishing. I guess I'm the one that got Rick hooked on fishing Highfalls and Caldron Falls. I had a summer place up there and after a few years talked Rick into buying a place a few hundred feet from mine. I was guiding on a part time basis up there for a few years and was giving it up. Rick and I had talked alot about guiding for a couple of years previously and I tried to incourage him to get into it. I finally figured out that he was afraid that he was going to "step on my toes" so to speak. He finally got into it and was doing a great job, not only as a fisherman, but as an educater.
Rick was the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. He was always willing to help anybody out. He was THE ultimate teacher and had more patience than Jobe.
He, Terese and the kids spent many hours up north around the campfire with us. Shared a few beers and lots of BS.
Back in around 1995 he was up north one weekend and my son was punting the football. He was a 2nd team all state punter and was kicking the ball a country mile. BUT, Rick and I just knew we could kick it further than my son. Yep...you guessed it. Rick and I spent the next hour kicking the ball down the road. I gave up before Rick did, because I could barely walk on my sore ankle. Rick kicked for another 15 minutes or so and all but collapsed. I called him the next night at home and he said he could hardly walk. I told him that my ankle didn't bother me at all. Truth be told, I had ice on my ankle as I spoke to him on the phone.
I'm sure going to miss ya Rick. We still didn't get to Winnebago ice fishing together. We always planned on it but....
Looks like I'll be joining you in a year or so buddy. Save a few big ones for me, will ya. We can make a few jigs together and give them a try.
Your Old Buddy,
Gary Luedeke |
|
| |
|
| I write this message with great sorrow. Upon receiving a phone call from Rick's son Corey, my life was forever changed. You see, Rick was a very, very close friend of mine. We first met when I worked in ShopKo's legal department. I had heard there was a guy in IS that also loved muskie fishing. I found out who he was and introduced myself. Let's face it, if you liked fishing and are on the eternal quest for big muskie, you were in! He offered to take me out and the friendship took off and grew over many years.
He was an amazing person. Over the years, we enjoyed many hours out on the water. He took me to lakes I never knew even existed. He always shared his knowledge and never held back on secrets he acquired over the years . He was more then a fisherman but rather an educator. I never went out with him without learning something new. Unfortunately, I had planned to learn a lot more from him but that can no longer be. I guess that secret sucker harness will go with him. I guess I should have paid more attention but you take life and time for granted.
I will forever cherish the ice fishing outtings to get through the winter, walleyes on the Wolf in anticipation of the muskie opener, the Spring Classic tourney, trips to Canada, and the many outtings in between. How do you say good bye to a guy that filled every season of the year with you?
Fortunately, he was more then a fishing buddy, but a dear friend. The guy made me laugh with his #*#* ass grin and a slight head shake in response to my childish sarcasm. He was always there for me to offer advice in life. From my job change, to raising my boys, to our discussion last week of a boat I wanted to buy...always there.
I was there for the fish that sent hooks through his hand, for a hilarious trip to the ER and most importantly, for his son's first legal muskie. What a day! We got it in Canada and it was quite the moment. Son fighting fish, dad with a big smile, son running to the other side of the boat afraid it would bite him, dad with a big smile, and finally, son with a big smile! We didn't get many fish that trip but it was Rick's best day. We often spoke of that fish and how proud he was. He loved his family. He always gave me the update on Margo in Madison, Corey and his college major of the month, and how great Theresa was doing at her work. He glowed when it came to family and fishing. Nothing else really needed to be discussed.
Well Rick, I need to say good bye...not ready... but must. You were a quiet man that said little but what was said was a lot. I will never forget the laughs, the many Drift Inn burgers, the voice messages that always began with "hey fuzzy..", the nickname "booter" I unfortunately received in Canada, the fishing lessons and finally, your friendship. I will take all of it with me as I teach my little boys those lessons. Thanks for the good times and the memories. I will have a Captain and diet coke to you every so often. And yes, you got the 50 incher before me but I didn't see it so it doesn't count. If you have any pull up there, direct one my way (preferably in a tournament) Goodbye my friend and watch over us all.
In closing, thanks guys for trying to save him. Really something. Keep your chin up and be proud.
Corey and Margo, you had a great dad. You probably never knew how much he touched people. We all loved him dearly. Again quiet but unforgetable!
God bless,
Larry Gille
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1
| Gentlemen,
When it comes to fishing, I really can't hold that intelligent of a conversation, but I want to thank all of you who did what you could for Rick on Sunday. I have been fortunate to know the Meverden family for a long time, their son Corey has been my best friend for as long as I can really remember. Losing somebody like Rick is never easy, but coming from somebody who knew him and was touched by him, thank you for your efforts. I always thought of him to be another father to me, and as most of you know, he would do anything for just about anyone. It deeply saddens me that I cannot be back home to pay my final respects to a great man who has given me so many memories to look back on. Terese, Corey, and Margo, I am so sorry for your loss, but please know that my phone rings 24/7 and you know I'll answer it. I miss you all back home and I cannot wait to come home and see you.
As for you, Big Diesel, thank you for all of the great memories over the last few years. Getting to know you and spend some time with you has been nothing short of a blessing for me. Please keep us safe up there and let us know when you get the big catch. We all miss you and love you. Thank you for always such a great man to look up to...literally.
Please keep the Meverden family in your thoughts and prayers. We love you all so so much. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1
| This is Margo, Ricky's daughter. I wanted to thank everyone that was out with my dad on Sunday - fishing meant the world to him and I'm glad you were there with him to help. You see, you all knew him as the "musky man," the man with all the gps maps to the lakes, the guy who could b.s. on the lake with the best of them. And while I agree to that, those are sides of him I did not see often, unless of course he was asking mom for a new "toy."
The man I knew was always there to answer the phone and talk to me if I needed him - even at 4a.m. He was the man I could not drag out of the bar even when we had an early t-time at a well-respected course. He was the man that moved my ENTIRE apartment with me one day in August - and we ALL hated moving that huge couch. He was my rock.
My memories on the lake are mainly from younger years. We would park the boat up on High Falls and go blue gill fishing because we used to tell him we actually wanted to catch something. Or when we would be going through the "slow now wake" he would let one of us kids drive so he could troll. And hen I was young I would always beg to drive the truck and scary for me, when I was little, the only time I could drive it was when we were pulling the boat out of the lake and he chose to just drive the boat up on the trailer (when I put that truck into gear and it slipped back I will never forget the expression on his face).
I could go on, but for now I just want to say thanks. Thank you all for being there, and all of you for being part of his life - because I know with as much joy he brought to you, you brought him the same or more amount of happiness. |
|
| |
|
| Margo-
I wish you would go on, and on, and.... Those are truly some awesome, funny, insightful and at least somewhat light-hearted tidbit stories about a man who sounds positively remarkable and enjoyable to be around. Truly sorry for your loss.
The only positive thing I can say about this is, man, what a way to go. To go quick and tip over into the drink with a big fish. Isn't that literally the ultimate babtism for the next world? How many of you have ever swam with a musky? Me neither.
When I finally "go," I want to go exactly like that: peacefully nose dive into the water with a big muskie I just conqured. I can't think of a better way to punctuate a fishing career.
Sorry if this post is like petting a cat backwards to some, but honestly, I think this is one of the happiest things I've ever read. A whole bunch of folks came together to help someone else in need, lots and lots and lots of people said lots of great things about this man, who died doing what he clearly loves to do.
Given the current situation, what could possibly be happier than that?
-Eric
|
|
| |
|
| Sorry to hear about this loss.
Our condolences to Rick's family and friends
Roy and Wendy from Holland |
|
| |
|
| I’ve known Ricky for more years than I can count. He worked for me and with me at Humana for a long time. I can honestly say Ricky taught me everything I know about fishing; whether it was how to filet a northern, how to catch walleye’s or anywhere in between. I’ve fished on the frozen and open water with him and never had a bad day on the water.
I had the privilege of fishing in Canada with him twice and what a thrill. He could go into a body of water he had never seen before and in no time was on the fish. He used to give us all a hard time about the hook set and how come the rest of us missed fish. I never saw him miss one. He had the most unbelievable snap of the wrist and could do it all while laughing and joking. I have some pictures of a huge Northern he caught and released in Canada – a fish just about anyone else would have had kept and mounted. Not Ricky – he left it go so someone else could have the experience. I will email those pictures to the contacts listed in the threads. I remember when he found out how much the replica would cost to have made from that fish and I gave him a hard time about how he should have kept the fish. His answer was he had a great time and got a picture so what else did he need…
I’m sitting here with wet eyes to say the least having read all the other comments and the common thread is Ricky’s ability to touch everyone. He would give you the shirt off his back and then some. I have never met a more genuine and sincere individual than he. He was no American Idol but could do a mean karaoke to some old country song – I hope he gets the chance to sing with the original artist now.
I regret I didn’t spend more time with Ricky in the past few years. All the times he asked if I wanted to go fishing and I always had something going on. Something that in hindsight surely wasn’t that darn important. We had talked about joining a golf league together next year and I guess he's playing courses better than Village Green now.
Like many of you I have many other fond memories of Ricky. I’ll think of him every time I use one of the rods he built for me. I’ll think of him every time I’m in the boat he convinced me to buy. I’ll think of him every time I hear Skynrd playing on the radio. Many more that I can’t type as everyone is wondering why a grown man is sitting here crying.
My family sends out their prayers to Terese, Margo, and Corey and to all that knew Ricky. I look forward to the day I get to fish with him again.
Jeff Fehling
|
|
| |
