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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Rick Stein

Rick Stein, 71, of Wilmington was reported missing and presumed dead on September 27, 2018 when investigators say the single-engine plane he was piloting, The Northrop, suddenly lost communication with air traffic control and disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Rehoboth Beach. Philadelphia police confirm Stein had been a patient at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital where he was being treated for a rare form of cancer. Hospital spokesman Walter Heisenberg says doctors from Stein’s surgical team went to visit him on rounds when they discovered his room was empty. Security footage shows Stein leaving the building at approximately 3:30 Thursday afternoon, but then the video feed mysteriously cuts off. Authorities say they believe Stein took an Uber to the Philadelphia airport where they assume he somehow gained access to the aircraft.

“The sea was angry that day,” said NTSB lead investigator Greg Fields in a press conference. “We have no idea where Mr. Stein may be, but any hope for a rescue is unlikely.”

Stein’s location isn’t the only mystery. It seems no one in his life knew his exact occupation.

His daughter, Alex Walsh of Wilmington appeared shocked by the news. “My dad couldn’t even fly a plane. He owned restaurants in Boulder, Colorado and knew every answer on Jeopardy. He did the New York Times crossword in pen. I talked to him that day and he told me he was going out to get some grappa. All he ever wanted was a glass of grappa.”

Stein’s brother, Jim echoed similar confusion. “Rick and I owned Stuart Kingston Galleries together. He was a jeweler and oriental rug dealer, not a pilot.” Meanwhile, Missel Leddington of Charlottesville claimed her brother was a cartoonist and freelance television critic for the New Yorker.

David Walsh, Stein’s son-in-law, said he was certain Stein was a political satirist for the Huffington Post while grandsons Drake and Sam said they believed Stein wrote an internet sports column for ESPN covering Duke basketball, FC Barcelona soccer, the Denver Broncos and the Tour de France. Stein’s granddaughter Evangeline claims he was a YouTube sensation who had just signed a seven-figure deal with Netflix.

When told of his uncle’s disappearance, Edward Stein said he was baffled since he believed Stein worked as a trail guide in Rocky Mountain National Park. “He took me on a hike up the Lily Peak Trail back in the 90s. He knew every berry, bush and tree on that trail.” Nephew James Stein of Los Angeles claimed his uncle was an A&R consultant for Bad Boy records and ran a chain of legal recreational marijuana dispensaries in Colorado called Casablunta. Niece Courtney Stein, a former Hollywood agent, said her uncle had worked as a contributing writer for Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm and was currently consulting on a new series with Larry David.

People who knew Stein have reported his occupation as everything from gourmet chef and sommelier to botanist, electrician, mechanic and even spy novelist. Police say the volume of contradictory information will make it nearly impossible to pinpoint Stein’s exact location.

In fact, the only person who might be able to answer the question, who is the real Rick Stein is his wife and constant companion for the past 14 years, Susan Stein. Detectives say they were unable to interview Mrs. Stein, however neighbors say they witnessed her leaving the home the couple shared wearing dark sunglasses and a fedora, loading multiple suitcases into her car. FAA records show she purchased a pair of one-way tickets to Rome which was Mr. Stein’s favorite city. An anonymous source with the airline reports the name used to book the other ticket was Juan Morefore DeRoad, which, according to the FBI, was an alias Stein used for many years.

That is one story.

Another story is that Rick never left the hospital and died peacefully with his wife and his daughter holding tightly to his hands.

Funeral Services

You can choose which version you want to believe or share your own story about Rick with us at Greenville Country Club on Friday, November 9th from 3:00-6:00pm or at the Hotel Boulderado on Thursday, November 29th from 3:00-6:00pm.

Condolences

    Leigh Johnstone writes,
    Susan...Jimmy and all of Rick's Family.... Obviously Kitty and I were stunned to learn of Rick's passing....But so glad we had the opportunity to spend an hour with him the Sunday before he went up to Hospital in Philly. Rick was a genuine "Character" in all the most positive of ways...and that is how I shall always remember him and the hundred of great fun times I had in his company...."back in days"...!!!! Congratulations to whom-so-ever authored Rick's "Obit"...it was masterfully crafted and OH so fitting....Please understand ...I'm in no hurry...but if you'd like to have a go at writing an obit for me...well I'll give you 3-shots aside and play you for what ever stakes you'd like. Please know that Rick and You and all of Rick's Family are in our thoughts and prayers.
    10/07/2018 05:32 pm
    Michele lit a candle and writes,
    I did not know Rick, but I light this candle in condolences and in admiration of your collective creativity that is certainly reflected of a great family love and a life well-lived.
    10/08/2018 12:17 pm
    Ed Hynes writes,
    I never met Rick, but sounds like a great character. Congratulations to whoever wrote the obit, it was a classic. Would love to hear more stories about him! How about a sequel after all the story telling at the memorial service!!!
    10/08/2018 01:11 pm
    Chris Morrison writes,
    What a wonderful remembrance of him!
    10/08/2018 01:12 pm
    Keysha and India writes,
    Alex, Indie and I offer our condolences to you, Evan and the rest of your family. You did a wonderful job on his obituary. I am sure he is proud. Sincerely, Keysha and India
    10/08/2018 03:32 pm
    Michael c Hemphill lit a candle and writes,
    Rick & Jim Stein very much believed in me & my Salon Michael Christopher when they rented me a big space in there building @ 2006 Pa Ave Wilmington De . Rick thank you , because of all the crazy jobs your family say you had , you were able to understand why I wanted to join the circus called life . Rest In Peace . Michael
    10/09/2018 08:21 am
    Dennis writes,
    While Rick was helping me install the turbocharger in my El Camino he somehow talked me into hiking the Appalachian Trail with him that winter. We made it home alive but just barely. Never saw anyone wearing only a Speedo fight off a bear before. Anyhow -- great trip, great guy!
    10/09/2018 09:38 am
    Rhonda Binnebose lit a candle and writes,
    I didn't know Mr. Stein but this was the best obituary I've ever read. Warm thoughts and best wishes to his family during this time.
    10/09/2018 01:26 pm
    Kim Wolf writes,
    Wish I’d have known him-what a magnificent obit! I “ugly cried” .Actually sobbed. What a creative and funny tribute..Prayers for you all .If the drinks are on Rick I may just show up in Greenville on Nov 9-with a story of my own. I remember when I was in nursing school-Rick was a patient of mine,in for a simple medical procedure.It was 1989..........
    10/09/2018 06:26 pm
    Elizabeth writes,
    God bless
    10/09/2018 11:22 pm
    Ted Dinsmore lit a candle and writes,
    My fondest memory of Rick is the time we spent in a holding cell in Washington, DC after a two day march against Red Dye #2. Crammed into an overcrowded cell with no food or water for two weeks, Rick kept our spirits up, regalingus with stories of his years living with the bush en of the Kalahari, and led us in rousing choruses of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. He also taught me how to make jailhouse Pruno, and subsequently visited me during my subsequent incarceration for doctoring crowd photos of Jimmy Carter's inauguration. Some will miss him, but I don't. He is currently a cashier at a 7-11 in Seattle. Congrats on a life well-lived, Rick. It's clear that you are a wonderful dad to a wonderful family. My condolences. Stu Coverdell
    10/10/2018 01:16 am
    822 from SF writes,
    Awesome! Im going to write my own similar to this but about my adventures. RIP Rick.
    10/10/2018 01:48 am
    Tania Stevenson writes,
    Sending your family much love Rick sounded like an amazing man of mystery.I do believe he was in our group who climbed the Sydney harbour bridge I Australia last may. He had a great laugh and spoke of the great loves in his life his family.
    10/10/2018 05:41 am
    Denise Eavers writes,
    To the family ...I was touched by this remembrance of your father, husband, grand father, brother. A celebration of a man whose character, humor, and compassion is a dominant trait in the family genome. How lucky all of you are to have each other. Best to all as you go forward to more adventures with your treasured memories.
    10/10/2018 08:26 am
    Patty Beaudry writes,
    Ricks passing is a tragic loss for everyone who knew him. His zest for life was exceeded only by his compassion for the human condition. Our paths crossed while working with habitat for humanity constructing the St. Paul Winter Carnival Ice Palace. Rick would harvest huge blocks of ice from Lake Peppin and effortlessly stack them to form the glacial castle walls, which became a winter refuge for frosty snowmen and snow angles all winter. Thank you for sharing Rick’s story with us. His obit was magnificent, as must have been his life My sincerest condolences
    10/10/2018 08:46 am
    Cheri lit a candle
    10/10/2018 10:23 am
    Alyssa lit a candle and writes,
    I did not know Rick, but I wanted to send condolences because it’s obvious from this obituary he had a wonderful life and and wonderful family.
    10/10/2018 10:36 am
    Robert writes,
    Like thousands (millions?) of others, all I know of Rick is from his obituary. It's not enough, but at the same time tells everything you need to know: he was surrounded in life by love and humor. Aloha, Rick.
    10/10/2018 01:19 pm
    Marc Mayerson writes,
    I am reminded of the delightful movie "Chan Is Missing." It is very likely Mr. Stein will turn up in Los Angeles' Chinatown!
    10/10/2018 01:22 pm
    Stranger from no where writes,
    Amazing obit, I'm sure he loved it as much as we did...if not more. Thank you for sharing him with us. Rest Easy.
    10/10/2018 02:06 pm
    Cait Boyce lit a candle and writes,
    I am so sorry for your loss and overjoyed at your amazing memorial tribute to this man. What love...
    10/10/2018 02:24 pm
    Nick lit a candle and writes,
    "You got to suck the venom out", I'll never forget those first words Rick said to me in the back of our '98 Cherokee we used to drive through the last 1,000 Kilometers of the Triangle of Death just outside of Baghdad. From old cribbage teammates, to future munitions runners, I respected the very man before my eyes that day. A man filled with only pure, unconditional love of family and humanity, and also enough viper venom to take out several herds small-to-mid-sized adolescent elephants. I'll never forgot the calm, father like presence Rick always exuded during those times. The last time I saw him was while we were escorted out of the Vatican after we accidentally sold half of the Catholic Church to the Democratic Republic of Congo to payoff our time share Ski Chalet in Nova Scotia. I was a mess and wrought with shame, but it was Rick who guided me out of my storm. "Don't worry Nick, God forgives and this too shall pass. The only sin we'll need to worry about is for how hard we shed the slopes at the Chalet." Rick, myself and our Vatican Police escorts laughed, cried and woke up the next morning in Cancun. Rick's light shined brightest and it's a light we would all be better served to carry in our own lives. Godspeed. Rick Stein: 1947 - 2039
    10/10/2018 02:39 pm
    Beth Tipi writes,
    From Morgantown, WV.....I read Mr. Stein's obituary. Very moving. I picture him being a sweet, entertaining, super smart man with a great sense of humor. God bless.
    10/10/2018 03:21 pm
    Ruth Openstone writes,
    I did not know Rick Stein, but this obituary makes me wish I had. I truly hope your family will be enriched by wonderful and (obviously) humorous memories of him.
    10/10/2018 04:05 pm
    Chris writes,
    Susan, Jimmy and all Ricks family, I’m very sad for your loss. Rick’s passing will be felt by many people coast to coast. I have fond memories of when he would visit Vermont and guest instruct at Okemo Mtn. He showed me how appreciate some of the best powder they had to offer. Not only did he teach me how to carve the perfect turn and crest the biggest bumps, he taught me how to be at one with every run we made. He was a friend to everyone on the slope and in the lodge. His spirit will be missed.
    10/10/2018 08:34 pm
    Billy Rodgers writes,
    What can one say about a life lived so large. I met Rick in a small pizzeria in Skopje, Macedonia. He had information about a significant criminal enterprise being run out of the US Army military installation I had been investigating for months. I never found out how he obtained the files but it was instrumental in solving the case. Many years later I bumped into Rick at Camp Victory, Baghdad. He said he was passing through. I bought him an Odouls and we chatted for a bit. Nice guy. RIP Rick. Till Valhalla.
    10/10/2018 10:04 pm
    Jack writes,
    Rick clearly had a great love of life reflected in his families love for him that shines through his obituary. My deepest sympathies. My prayers are with you tonight. Fly on forever Rick!
    10/10/2018 10:41 pm
    Frank Abagnale Jr. writes,
    "Rick Stein" a man of many hats. I salute you.
    10/10/2018 11:36 pm
    Major Kevin Wolfe writes,
    I haven't thought of Rick in years. We were in California in the early 1980s and we both wanted to learn martial arts. We studied and trained under a pretty intense instructor at a big popular dojo. Rick and I would run through the streets after class chanting "strike hard...strike first,". Later, at one of our first competitions, the instructor wanted Rick to win the match by sweeping the leg of his oppenent. Rick knew this was an illegal move and refused. I remember Rick stating, "I can take this guy", but our instructor insisted. Rick just smiled and turned to me and said,"there are two types of people, the ones that life plays with, the ones that play with life". Rick walked out of the dojo smiling and I never saw him after that, but I'll always remember him.
    10/11/2018 12:37 am
    Katharine Kim lit a candle and writes,
    This is the ... Best. Obituary. Ever. Blessings to you, Rick ... and to your family ... and to the one(s) who wrote this obituary. Namaste ... Katharine and Simon
    10/11/2018 01:42 am
    Tamara Tatum-Broughton lit a candle and writes,
    RIP to Rick Stein & tip of the hat to his story, whichever version one believes. He sounds like he was a hilarious person &I'm sure he will be missed dearly.
    10/11/2018 03:35 am
    Linda M lit a candle and writes,
    Rick Stein May you rest in sweet glorious peace❤️Thanks for beating Aquaman in a swim race in Atlantis!
    10/11/2018 09:21 am
    Dave writes,
    I'm blown away. I've never mourned the loss of of someone that I'd never heard of, let alone never met before. The world is a sadder place without him here.
    10/11/2018 09:24 am
    Chris Taylor lit a candle and writes,
    It was a dark and stormy night when I encountered that mysterious traveler in the lovely, dark and deep woods. We were not far from the village, yet seemed so removed from the warm hearths of the inviting farmhouses. I was typically indecisive, pondering which of the diverged roads to take. The stranger introduced himself as Rick. As downy flakes fell he regaled me with unforgettable stories of his breathtaking exploits and legendary adventures. It is not every day one crosses paths with a Nobel laureate, an Olympic gold medalist and an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony recipient (the elusive NOE-GOT). Although our interaction was brief, the impression he made was indelible and inspirational. Needless to say, he persuaded me to take the road less traveled by. It truly has made all the difference. Rick thoroughly embraced his one wild and precious life. May we all follow his example and one day be worthy of fond remembrances from our loved ones, as well as heartfelt tributes from those of us who never had the chance to be in his orbit. Well played Mr. Stein, well played.
    10/11/2018 10:19 am
    Rick Lopez lit a candle and writes,
    While Rick and I were traveling through Germany, we happened upon an expert in genealogy. Through much research, we determined his great-grandfather was the true inventor of the German stein. We hoisted our beers with great delight, at this discovery. Later that day, Rick and I ventured into a wonderful antique parlor, where he discovered a stein with his great-grandfather’s name inscribed on the bottom. As he looked at me, gleaming with delight, he presented it to me as a token of our friendship. Realizing the importance of the moment, he also pulled a pen from his inner coat pocket, and signed his name under his great-grandfather’s. We continued to celebrate throughout the evening. With one final toast, he said goodbye as he boarded the plane back to his dear wife. Upon returning home, I placed the stein on my mantle, where it remains. Thank you, Rick, for your generous gift and friendship.
    10/11/2018 11:17 am
    Dr. Joel H Schiffman writes,
    I first met Rick back in 1980 when my wife and I bought two Dhurrie rugs from him at the Stuart Kingston Gallery for use in our Sea Colony condo. Rick told me then that he had studied in England with Sir John Charnley, the father of modern total hip surgery. Rick graciously came to Alexandria, VA with me and scrubbed in for guidance in replacing an arthritic hip with a custom non-cemented bone ingrowth hip replacement. My long career in advanced total hip surgery would not have been possible without Rick Stein
    10/11/2018 11:43 am
    Javier writes,
    Rick Stein... the most interesting man in the world. To be so love as to have family and friend (and strangers) share in an open manner, is truly the mark of life well lived. We should be so lucky. Condolences.
    10/11/2018 11:57 am
    Maura Casey lit a candle and writes,
    Rick is actually deep undercover, training the next ‘World’s Most Interesting Man’ and presiding over the 2018 Barcelona Flamenco Open Competition. I send my condolences and also my appreciation for a life beautifully lived. I’ll raise a glass to him tonight.
    10/11/2018 12:00 pm
    John Cocktoasden writes,
    What you did for your dad is outstanding. Im around your age, but I think your father and I would have gotten along hilariously well, probably to the point if it bring obnoxious at times. It’s fantastic to see people like yourself are still out there doing things like this. Well done! Also - I’m sorry for your loss. I probably should have started off with that. Yeah. Take care, and try to keep your head up. Chris G.
    10/11/2018 12:10 pm
    Andrew lit a candle and writes,
    I ran into a stunning gentleman and a gorgeous woman in Rome just last week. The gentleman was identical in looks as your father, but had flowing blonde hair which fell almost magically across his shoulders. He was advising the Pope on all things spiritual and the eloquence of his words made the Pope shed a single tear from his left eye. As the crowd was overwhelmed with the magic of that moment, he tipped his hat to the crowd then got into a sports car with your stepmother and sped into the night. The next day, I was reading a story in the paper and a gentleman that fit your father's description was discovered to be a covert operative of an interstellar peacekeeping organization not unlike the Men in Black. In all seriousness, I extend my condolences to you and hope my children honor my life with such an amazing tribute when I am gone. I can tell he was an amazing man and I hope he and my father cross paths in heaven someday.
    10/11/2018 12:24 pm
    Franco Gottardi writes,
    I know this man. But not as Rick Stein. I know him as Erich Paulkner, when he was in command of a company of Nung Mercenaries in Vietnam. We crossed paths many times during the incursion into Cambodia in 1970, always at night. Last time I saw him was at the airfield at An Loc, right before the siege. He and two of his bodyguards came out of the jungle and camped on the airfield for about two days, when an Air America helo came in to pick them up. The crew called him Carl. So I don't know who he really was. Didn't see him again for many years. Last time was at Diego Garcia in 2009, when a recon team came back from the Af-Pak border. He was debriefing them. Still carried the P-38 and Swedish K he carried in Vietnam.
    10/11/2018 12:51 pm
    Peter Gould lit a candle and writes,
    I think this whole exchange of Totally True memories of Rick--how I wish I had met him, and what HUGE RESPECT I have for his daughter, and whole family--- should be a book. I know who should publish that book, my publisher right here in Vermont. Thank you for making my day, my week, my month, in this terrible year in our country. Think of the horrible, violent, negative, dismissive way that people at the highest levels of power in this country speak to each other and about each other. Contrast that with the dear and loving sparkle in all these words, all these unexpected, compassionate, imaginative replies. BRAVO to the family who found such an original way to express their love and reverence for their Dad.
    10/11/2018 01:07 pm
    Lucy
    10/11/2018 01:17 pm
    Sidney Merritt writes,
    Rick taught me everything I know about being a doctor and a rock and roll musician. I sadly never had the chance to attend his flight school. Condolences to his loving and hilarious family.
    10/11/2018 01:25 pm
    J.G. Collins lit a candle and writes,
    So very sorry to hear of Rick's death. It seems just yesterday that he was managing a young Madonna in '79 when she was just another face in the crowd at "Open Mic Night" at the Back Fence on Bleecker Street, singing for drinks and bar food. I remember he said she might go places if she did something with her hair. RIP.
    10/11/2018 01:37 pm
    Jack omstead writes,
    Your obituary was a wonderful way to celebrate a life well lived. Thank you for sharing and please accept a strangers condolences on your loss. Sincerely Jack Omstead
    10/11/2018 01:39 pm
    Kathy Norris writes,
    If you look closely, you'll see a man resembling Rick's description behind Martin Luther King in photos from the August 28, 1963 March on Washington. He was only 16 at the time, but my older brother, the man next to him in the photo, remembers his energy and fearlessness. March On Rick!
    10/11/2018 01:52 pm
    Dave Giaimo lit a candle and writes,
    Rick Stein taught me how to play the didgeridoo, and how to filet halibut. He was a legend amongst men for his encyclopedic knowledge of the lowland gorilla, and will be greatly missed by man and primate alike. Fair winds and following seas, good sir!
    10/11/2018 01:55 pm
    Charles Marsh writes,
    Transaction in Rue de Richlieu complete -- no complications. Consider Weggis. Juan sends blessings to world-class daughter.
    10/11/2018 02:04 pm
    Bj olsen lit a candle and writes,
    This story is impossible; Mr Stein lives in Carrickfergus, and he was teaching me irish dancing on Mondays! Xoxo
    10/11/2018 02:26 pm
    Jay Thompson writes,
    Rick was a customer I served while I was working at a waiter at the Moqui Lodge on the edge of Grand Canyon National Park in the summer of 1981. There was not much to boast about the lodge, which stood out with its A-frame amid a sea of Ponderosa pines on the sundown side of Highway 180, a stone's throw from the park boundary, He was by himself but not alone. I learned that Rick saw the bright side of this dull, unpolished jewel -- actually the best in everything and everybody. He praised the Magic Fingers in his spartan room. that had no TV or phone; just an unworking intercom. And he expressed amazing confidence in someone with potential but not much direction. But he lives on in Moqui lore. Later that night in the bar, he asked Calvin Kristofferson, one of local salon singers, if he would borrow his guitar while Calvin nursed the Jack Daniels neat that Rick ordered up from the barkeep. "Help yourself, " Calvin smiled. Rick prefaced his song with a story about a screenplay he was inspired to write after enjoying the Magic Fingers in his room, The story follows the lives of four gifted siblings who enjouyed great success in youth, only to summer greater disappointment — and failure — in adulthood. The children's eccentric father, based on Rick’s own grandfather, leaves them in their adolescent years and returns after they have grown, gradually reconciling with his children and his ex-wife. The story ends with the protagonist’s death, but the family salutes their father with this tribute on his gravestone, he told the crowded bar: “Died tragically rescuing his family from the wreckage of a destroyed sinking battleship.” Rick next launched into a Jackson Brown song made famous by Nico, "The Fairest of the Season." The alcohol-addled crowd, mostly a rag-tag collection of Moqui resort workers, was, well, mesmerized. He ended the song with these lyrics: "Now that I smile / Now that I'm laughing even deeper inside / Now that I see / Now that I finally found the one thing I denied / It's now I know do I stay or do I go / And it is finally I decide / That I'll be leaving / In the fairest of the seasons” I remember it today, as clear as when I heard him. I and my Moqui brethren standing as one, each with a liot bar candle held aloft -- some 30 cynicall burnouts who were —inspired! Twenty years later, that film was released to rave reviews. Good night, sweet prince.
    10/11/2018 02:28 pm
    Ed Gallagher writes,
    “...long regarded as ‘The Fifth Beatle’... My mother-in-law passed last week and this obituary has been a ray of sunshine. My condolences to Rick’s family.
    10/11/2018 02:38 pm
    T.E. Lawrence, Jr. lit a candle and writes,
    The sandstorm had come upon us quickly just as we exited the last checkpoint out of Riyadh headed for the Hungry Bunny In Hofuf to meet Abdullah our informant. We were quickly forced to the side of the road by the driving wind and pelting sand while heavily loaded lorries screamed past us. We sat for what seemed like hours waiting for the storm to abate and preying we would not be struck by the endless caravan of fearless third world drivers steering cargo towards Madinat al Jubail. Suddenly, a man in Arabian mufti appeared out of the sandy oblivion riding a pale white camel. “I am Rick...Abdullah sent me, follow me closely he shouted. We placed the Rover in gear and crept off the highway into the desert just keeping his barely visible silhouette in view until we reached Hofuf. We would keep our meeting with fate thanks to this stranger.... May the peace of Allah be with you Rick Stein, and with your wonderful family and friends. Ma’a salama.
    10/11/2018 02:42 pm
    David S., CAPT, USN writes,
    I flew black ops missions in and around Anbar Province before the surge. They were always one-way trips, once we dropped the guys off we never saw them again. They didn't mix with the crew prior to launch, preferring to stay in a tight bunch in a corner of the hanger. They always used one-syllable first names, I assume never their real ones. I remember Mr. Stein was with one of the teams on a mission back in 07 or so. As others have stated, his guys called him Carl, and the way they deferred to him he was obviously the team leader. There's a memorial picture of him in Corridor 10 at the Pentagon, just off the E ring. Shame most folks will never see it.
    10/11/2018 02:42 pm
    Ginny writes,
    I feel like Rick was the man in every woman’s dreams! This obit took me on a lovely journey and it seems as though Rick’s family and friends are very blessed having had him in their lives and now their hearts and memories until they meet again! I also see that you blessed him as well! You are all very special people who know how to glean the best of life and each other! God Bless ~ from a total stranger...
    10/11/2018 02:43 pm
    Michael Colleary writes,
    I thought Rick had shown me the wonders of the universe when he snuck me into Area 51 and hot-wired that UFO. But even that was a yawn compared to this magnificent show of love from his family and friends. I'd say "condolences," but, in this case, "congratulations" are perhaps equally appropriate. God bless for a life well lived!
    10/11/2018 02:49 pm
    Jamie Johnston writes,
    How could anyone ask for more than the loving family he clearly has and the humour that must have filled their lives. I've seen a lot and laughed a lot...but this brought tears to my eyes. Thank you and Godspeed sir.
    10/11/2018 02:51 pm
    Rob writes,
    Although I never knew Mr. Stein, he sounds like a really great guy, (and very accomplished, according to the obit). My sincere condolences.
    10/11/2018 03:11 pm
    Jason Meagher lit a candle and writes,
    Heartfelt condolences and profound thanks to this wonderful family. The creative chord you have struck that resonates so clearly with so many, will continue to reverberate in my soul, likely for the rest of my days. Maybe I'll get to meet Rick one day, or perhaps I already have. -jm
    10/11/2018 03:19 pm
    Ross O'Bannon writes,
    Rich was a great guy, and I am blessed to have known him. He saved my life the day we were both abducted by aliens while on a top secret mission in Siberia. Without his help then, and his help latter building a small army of rebels, I would not now be the ruler of my own island kingdom. Rest in peace, warrior.
    10/11/2018 03:20 pm
    Rob writes,
    A lesser known fact about Rick is that he was the first (and possibly only) person to live among the Sasquatch. Rick had been scouring the woodlands along the Columbia River searching for hints to the location of D.B. Cooper during one of his many holidays when he got "hopelessly lost because every damn tree looked the same). After a brutally cold night he said he was rescued, half frozen, by a large and rather hairy creature. It was only when he awoke the next morning that he realized he had been taken in by a tribe of the elusive mythical Sasquatch (He said they hated the term Big Foot and felt it was an insult). They nursed him back to health, allowing him to live with them over the next several days until he felt well enough to find his way back to civilization.
    10/11/2018 04:16 pm
    Jacques Aphewfor DeRoad lit a candle and writes,
    Hey Rick, Waited all day for you at Murfreesboro airport with the passports you requested. At sundown, the most stunning beauty emerged from the longest whitest limousine I'd ever seen. Her chauffeur loaded up her suitcases without saying a word, she tipped him, said goodbye and handed me the letter. I'll save your mourners from the contents, but you're the best friend any man could ever ask for. It finally made sense why you asked me to get three passports, one of them being expired; it was your way of saying you wouldn't be coming along, yet here I was thinking I'd be a third wheel on some doomed adventure. Madelyn and I are arrived safely in Kotor, and Montenegro has never been more beautiful. I love what you did with the house, and love the never ending surprise menus you insisted the chef serve us for the foreseeable future. You are dearly missed at the dinner table every night, and on the sailboat every morning. Should you change your mind and decide to join us, there are seventeen spare bedrooms that will remain unoccupied until I receive another letter to the contrary. In the interim, I hope you're enjoying the sunset somewhere as delightful as you are. Adieu my friend. Jusqu'à ce que nous nous revoyions. Jacques
    10/11/2018 04:57 pm
    Adrian I. P-Flores writes,
    didn't know him. love the orbit! Thank you for the smile :-)
    10/11/2018 05:19 pm
    Allison Mackey lit a candle and writes,
    I, as the many others here, can only imagine what a vibrant and funny man Mr. Stein was. I had to light a candle and say thank you to the family for sharing a piece of him with the world. A beautiful tribute that has so many of us laughing, crying and sending our condolences. If my husband and I ever take that trip to Rome, I'll certainly keep my eyes peeled for a handsome gentleman and his wife that have an air of mischief about them.
    10/11/2018 06:04 pm
    Eileen writes,
    I am sorry for your loss. But I also enjoyed the great obit tribute you wrote as an honor to his memory.
    10/11/2018 06:14 pm
    George lit a candle and writes,
    Deepest sympathy to the family. Rick departed this world owing me $10, and if anyone in his family wants to do the honorable thing, please send it to me. He never accepted that my hole-in-one from the 3rd floor of my Manhattan apartment building was valid, and thus he refused to make good on our $10 bet --- and for that I never forgave him. Even so, I offer my condolences. Should I receive the $10 from any so-inclined member of the family, I might consider sending flowers.
    10/11/2018 06:18 pm
    Bobby Glass lit a candle and writes,
    Rick, we are going to miss you! Enjoyed having you at our annual gaming party on Lou's yacht in Miami. You were the best when you helped us solve our need-one-more-dice dilemma for our challenge "U-Blew-It" game while sailing around on the harbor tour. We had searched everywhere to find the necessary six dice for our game, but could only come up with five from the various Monopoly, Risk and other board games. You saved the day by using sugar cubes as a substitute dice with pencil dots on the sides! Your ingenious solution kept our game alive for as long as the drinks held out. What an evening sailing around the harbor with the beautiful lights and lively entertainment. You were a man of many talents. Maybe this wasn't as eventful as some of your other ventures, but you will always live in our hearts. Best wishes to your family and may you rest in Peace.
    10/11/2018 06:30 pm
    Way Down Under - Mississippi lit a candle and writes,
    From all of the very sincere condolences, I believe Rick Stein is the man who worked beside me in the Mississippi Delta when we were chopping cotton for extra money. It was a grueling job but he enjoyed the change of scenery though he felt the heat was just as intense as his adventure when riding a pale white camel. This is the first obituary that I am certain to remember. Such love and affection in each word. What a blessed family and a blessed Rick Stein to have had them in his life. God is good - the proof... Rick Stein. From the deep south....
    10/11/2018 06:31 pm
    Tess Carlisle writes,
    This is amazing, touched my heart. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Thank you for sharing and celebrating his life.
    10/11/2018 06:50 pm
    Alicia writes,
    I too didn’t know Rick Stein, but boy I wish I did! After reading his obituary I just had to express my condolences to your clearly wonderful family ... May God bless and comfort you.
    10/11/2018 07:11 pm
    Theresa lit a candle and writes,
    I remember when I was a greenhorn on the Bering Sea. Rick was putting out crab pots for 20 hours straight. When my foot was wrapped by line on a pot we were setting, I would have went overboard if it wasn't for Rick's catlike reflexes. Endless seas Rick.
    10/11/2018 07:22 pm
    Jennifer writes,
    Rick helped deliver my first born child in the back of a old VW van sept 22, 1980. We were on a commune and Rick was the only one with any experience in midwifery. It was a long hard labor, but in the end my daughter was born and Rick was instrumental in the process. Years later as I recounted this story to a friend, she realized she too knew Rick. He owned a winery on Long Island and spent his week days perfecting the perfect merlot and his weekends spear fishing for local flounder. A fine man, who quite obviously raised his family with love, the essence of life and the healing magic of humor. The world mourns this great man.
    10/11/2018 07:24 pm
    Florence Hughes lit a candle and writes,
    Alex Walsh, I really don't know where you got the story that Rick was in a plane that got lost some where over the Atlantic. Actually, Rick had a friend fly the plane just off the shores of Delaware where the friend parachuted out. The plane was put on auto pilot and we guess it eventually went down. The truth is Rick and Susan came to Texas to visit me. We met years ago in Rome. Rick wanted his last days to be full of adventure. You know how he loved doing the unknown and strange. He rode a mechanical bull, but got thrown off before 8 seconds. But we all had a good life. Then he went to the armadillo races and joined in. He said he could win that race! Poor Rick, I guess he has slowed down as he aged. He came in 3rd place, which isn't bad in an armadillo race. Everyone knows the little buggers have a habit of tripping human runners. Then Rick wanted to take one last look at the Grand Canyon. We all got in a helicopter and flew from one end to the other of the Grand Canyon. When we got back to land, Rick said he wanted to do it again all by himself. The last we saw of Rick was when he got in a helicopter and flew off over the Grand Canyon. May Rick rest in peace. Alex, please accept our sincerest condolences. LuLu de Pug, Maggie de Mix mutt, Joey de cat and de Little guy, Pip (also a cat) and of course our Mom Flo.
    10/11/2018 07:30 pm
    TSgt Fuller writes,
    I never met Rick but I served with Carl. We were looking for the men on the deck of cards during Operation Ivy Needle. Carl was our team leader kicking in doors along MSR Tampa. Carl led with the kind of confidence that only a true warrior could possibly exude. He always spoke so fondly of his family and couldn't wait to get back to them. Susan was the model military spouse looking after each of our families while we were gone. Great man and great family. My condolences...
    10/11/2018 07:53 pm
    Suzanne Tucker writes,
    I didn't know Mr. Stein, but I was drawn here by the Oh so classy wonderful tribute written by his daughter Miss Walsh. May you and yours be comforted and Blessed in the days to come. Most Sincerely, Suzanne
    10/11/2018 08:11 pm
    John Orris Gradwohl lit a candle and writes,
    Seems HE was a wonderful and somewhat mysterious, wish I had known him
    10/11/2018 08:18 pm
    Kathlene B writes,
    I live in Ohio and have no idea about your family. I ran across your story and then linked to the obit. AMAZING! Sounds like your father was a "well-rounded" man. Sympathy to you and your family. What stories your family will have to tell for generations to come.
    10/11/2018 08:35 pm
    Classifed lit a candle and writes,
    Most of what happened is still classified, but Rick and I were on a Black Ops deep cover mission. NSTWW in XXXXX, just north of XXXXX. Rick had that guy dead in the crosshairs of his customized Sig SSG-3000. He was an expert marksman--best damn shot I ever met--no way he was going to miss, when the mark leaned over and picked up a little black kitten with white paws. "Dang nabit!" he said, "There's no way I can shoot a feller who'd pet a cute little kitty!" He just sighed and packed up his gear and we headed to the extraction point. He was just too nice a guy for wet work.
    10/11/2018 08:36 pm
    Maria Gonzalez lit a candle and writes,
    My deepest condolences, your father seemed like an outstanding man, hugs and prayers to your dear family, thank you for being the amazing daughter that you are, I lost my dear Dad 3 years ago and to this day we are all grateful for knowing him, some people are that special. Prayers from Tijuana, Mexico.
    10/11/2018 08:47 pm
    John writes,
    Rick will always live on through me. I know this because after giving me a kidney and blood transfusion in order to save my life, I woke up to a tattoo that said "Rick was here" right above the scar. God bless you buddy.
    10/11/2018 09:00 pm
    Sam Amato lit a candle and writes,
    I never met Rick but he sounds like a man who would certainly appreciate the obit. I enjoyed it and if the point was that it left his memory with me then it worked. May he rest in peace.
    10/11/2018 09:03 pm
    Tim Maunsell writes,
    Yeah, I remember Rick, although it was a long time ago, he was introduced to me by Steve Irwin, in the jungles of Java, while Steve was on a conservation expedition to save the native Tigers. Steve got a bit cocky late at night around the bushfire and started mouthing off that animals had this inbuilt benevolence for him due to his conservation work when we heard movement from the jungle and a big female tiger leapt out at Steve, and knocked off his hat. Rick couldn't stop laughing while Steve froze with panic with the big tiger on top of him not unlike like Khabib Nurmagomedoon on Connor McGregor. Classic Rick, jumped on the tiger's back, and half-joked to Steve, who's the baby now. We never saw that tiger again and I never saw Rick after that either. RIP.
    10/11/2018 09:06 pm
    Denzel lit a candle and writes,
    The only time I ever met Rick, I was floating on a broken airplane wing in the middle of the Bermuda triangle. He happened to swim by me and offered to tow me back to shore. While half dazed and completely dehydrated, I sat there mesmorized watching him paddle us back to mainland, I noticed the map to El Dorado on his back which he claimed was a birthmark. With that said, 96 days later, I was a billionaire. Thank you Rick for everything you did and I don't even mind that my twins look just like you and are named Ricky and Richie. God bless my man.
    10/11/2018 09:08 pm
    Fred lit a candle and writes,
    I only met Rick once and it was at my father's funeral after a grizzly plane crash. With that said, he conveyed my father's last words where were "give me back my parachute". I have always found solace in that.
    10/11/2018 09:24 pm
    EDWARD W HUMINICK writes,
    I came across your father's obituary in the Washington Post. I am sitting here in tears after reading it and the postings here. Tears for your creativity in your salute to your Father as well as those of the people posting on this site. Also tears because I did not have a chance to met a man that was so loved by his family and friends,. FYI, at some point I will write you about the time we went to New Guinea in search of a rare 3 legged snake.
    10/11/2018 09:31 pm
    Richard writes,
    I didn't know Rick, but I loved him anyway. I will miss him. We worked together in Ringling Brothers Circus. He was head clown. I was his assistant. Very best wishes to the family.
    10/11/2018 09:33 pm
    Kathleen Singleton writes,
    "FIghting off a bear in a Speedo" is one image I will not ever be able to forget ... Thank you for such a wonderful tribute to your father. My thoughts are with you and your family in what must be a very difficult time. Thank you for the smile, albeit with a few tears.
    10/11/2018 09:36 pm
    EDWARD W HUMINICK writes,
    After reading your obituary I am sad that I never had the opportunity to met you dad. But then there was this trip to New Guinea.
    10/11/2018 09:45 pm
    Yvette writes,
    I didn't know Rick and from what I've read, he sounds like one heck of a guy, known and well-loved by many. I may have met him at a Death Metal concert at one point, there was one guy wearing a pink tiara that stands out. He played a killer triangle. If it was him, well, he was awesome. If it wasn't, well, I sure hope to get to meet him at some point in a while... like, not immediately or anything... I have more concerts to go to but when it is my time... I hope that he'll be there. I'd love to compare alien abduction stories with him. My condolences to his family, friends and acquaintances.
    10/11/2018 09:50 pm
    Robert Holt writes,
    I once hiked two days into the Rockies to fish a tributary of the Gunnison. When I got to the spot, I was surprised to see someone already there. I couldn't understand why I had not seen the guy on the trail, then I realized he had flown a helicopter to a small outcrop of rock just below the stream. I watched as he tied a fly from some feathers he had gathered and a thread from his jeans. Then he used the fly, and a homemade bamboo rod to catch a ten pound trout. I introduced myself to him as he built a fire and pan fried the trout with lemon butter and bok choy. It was delicious. Then we rappelled to the helicopter and he flew me to my truck. I'm terrible with names, but I'm certain this was the guy. Stern, Steyn, something like that. Anyway, he was wearing that same hat and jacket. Great guy. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.
    10/11/2018 09:52 pm
    Chris writes,
    So sorry Rick passed. I used to work with him on the design team of the "B-58 Hustler" Nuclear Bomber back in 1960. We used to call him "slick Rick" back then because he charmed the cafeteria girls into giving him doubles on food at lunch. We'd eat lunch and tell me of his travels in Asia. How he was once arrested for selling the "Great wall of China" to Vietnamese businessmen. And he convinced the Dahlia Lama he could retile his temple roof in bright yellow to cheer up the place. Cash payment only of course. It was 1961 when we got called out to review a "B-52" out of Seymour Johnson AFB NC on a ferry run with "live" Nukes onboard as defense contractor observers. The captain obliged Rick to helm the flight controls as a courtesy. I called out to Rick that he had no Pilots license. He calmly replied "It's Ok, I won't have one when when I die over the Atlantic either". The B-52 began to shake violently as he attempted a belly roll. The bomb bay doors fell open and two live but not yet armed nukes fell out near Goldsboro. True fact. Google it. Rick jumped up and handed out parachutes to all the crew. He jumped out last of course, always worried about everyone else. His best fight was when designing the "B-58". He fruitlessly argued in a board meeting that the aircraft didn't need ejection seats. He proudly stated "If your dropping nukes on Moscow you probably won't be home for Christmas". I'll miss Rick! RIP. And I have several speedos he loaned me in the Amazon Jungle if any family members would like them returned.
    10/11/2018 10:29 pm
    eva writes,
    When I owned a bar in the 70's, an interesting man frequented my place for a few weeks. He was ruggedly handsome with a secretive look in his eye. Very pleasant, always polite, never demanding, he would have one Chivas on the rocks. While he sipped on his drink, I was compelled to watch. You could tell by his demeanor that he was very different than the usual customer. He dressed in good sport clothes like you get from LL Bean. He sat at the bar, but looked like he might have been more comfortable at a table for two, with nothing but a lit candle between them. Not one for conversation, he would quietly sip his drink, and when finished, in a blink, he would be gone. I called him the Mystery Man. I always wondered what happened to him, and the adventures he might have had. Now I know he led a very exciting life, and was well-loved. Nothing could be better than that. Rest In Peace.
    10/11/2018 10:46 pm
    Rusty Shackelford writes,
    I'm really going to miss Rick. We spent an entire summer following the Grateful Dead on tour around India. Wait a minute... I meant to say that I went with his brother, BEN Stein. Yeah, that's the ticket!
    10/11/2018 11:03 pm
    Mark lit a candle and writes,
    I remember Mr. Stein but I remember him as my High School counselor, Mr. Hayden, in Auckland, New Zealand. He was always there for us with a few of his Hayden's Handy Hints, like "Don't make fun of those who differ from ourselves as we definitely differ from someone else". He was the Rugby coach as well, having been on the "All Blacks" dream team (he was team captain and had led the team HAKA) who defeated the British "Lions". He was the most remarkable person I had ever met in my life and he presence has stayed with me for forty years. RIP "Mr. Hayden", you are missed.
    10/11/2018 11:06 pm
    Sha'Londa Guillory lit a candle and writes,
    May your family feel Gods arms wrapped around you so tightly and always. From the reading all of the stories of Mr. Rick, he was a caring man that all loved being around. He provided great stability to his family and brought joy to everyone he came in contact with. Keep the memories of Mr. Rick going always.....May God bless your family!
    10/11/2018 11:06 pm
    Serena writes,
    My memory of Rick is vague, I was being held by the KGB in Afghanistan in the 70's and was in pretty bad shape when all heck broke loose. The entire camp lit up and people were screaming. Three heavily armed men came into my cell, they were KGB. Suddenly the lights went out and moments later came back on. The three men were all on the floor, standing there was Rick. He said nothing, just came over and said to me "come with me if you want to live". I don't remember how but we got through a hundred men that night and the next morning he put me on a chopper, gave a salute and said "I still have a job to complete" and disappeared into the smoke.
    10/11/2018 11:20 pm
    ted boyd writes,
    Brilliant obit- like him I would rather be anything than ordinary- so..... I guess he never told you of the time he visited me here near Toronto Canada and we went whale watching in our kayaks -guess its better kept a secret- God Bless
    10/11/2018 11:46 pm
    SMS lit a candle and writes,
    Rick Stein was actually a city planner. He always wanted to go one step higher than architect, and finally he fulfilled his dream thanks to the scholarship program of the Susan Ross Foundation. This obituary is wonderful and really makes me wish I knew Rick Stein for real! He was clearly a wonderful man with a wonderful family. Prayers for all.
    10/11/2018 11:50 pm
    Katia Patterson writes,
    To whoever authored this clever way to honor a good soul, it was a pleasure to remember Rick, in full human armor, through this kaleidoscopic obituary. Simply brilliant! I knew Rick through Susan. Rick married one of the most beautiful women I've ever known, and I knew it had to take an extraordinary man to capture her heart. I only met Rick a handful of times, but was honored to be at their wedding, and remember well his twinkling, warm blue eyes, his gentleness of speech, his passion for all things well crafted, from antiques, to art, to books, to the love of his life, Susan, and the way in which Rick and Susan brought out the best in each other. Rick, if you are reading this, you made such an impression on me -- you were such a connoisseur of all things (and people) worthy. You even got your wife to switch political parties back in the day, and that was saying something. I don't pretend to know what happens when the body stops living, but I know what I believe. Rick, godspeed to all that awaits you. To those you leave behind, I hope that the man that inspired such a riveting and playful obituary will find a way to help them all continue to find humor, and strength, love, warmth, and sustenance as they backtrack all the footprints you left in your trail on this earth, and as they forge their new and uncharted trails without you. Maybe our lives are not so much about the grief felt when we are gone, but the strength of spirit left behind to help others carry on. Susan, I'm so happy you and Rick found each other, that he died knowing he found true love not just once, but every single, inseparable day since that fateful day at that Buff's football game. Susan, I send you much love, and wish you contentment despite your sadness, and joy despite your heartache and tears. I had no idea that Rick's reach went far beyond the modest exterior he exuded, and yet, I'm not surprised in the least. Wishing his entire family peace and love during this challenging transition. With deepest condolences, Katia
    10/11/2018 11:58 pm
    Fifi Lu lit a candle and writes,
    My fondest memory was when he snuck me and my best friend into an NWA concert. We had a blast! We were stocked with tiny bottles of tequila and crown royale. Afterwards we went and got tacos and laughed about what a good time we had and how he broke up a fight between the biggest gangs in LA the crips and bloods. He had everyone sharing a drink and a funny cigarette before the concert was over. We went our seperate ways. Everytime I visit LA I always think about what hes doing and what he may be up to. I flew to LA to watch the movie about the group NWA, and to my wondering surprise there he was in line in front of me. I couldn't beleive it. We shared stories of what we had been up to since the concert over tacos after the movie and thats the last time I seen this man of many lives. My condolences to the Stein Family
    10/12/2018 12:00 am
    Maddie lit a candle and writes,
    I will never forget the time I saw Rick correctly answer the million-dollar-question on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, or the way the audience gasped when Regis gave Rick an extra second million just ‘cause he liked the cut of his jib.
    10/12/2018 12:01 am
    Eric writes,
    It was a dark night in Malta, when I first met Rick "The Rock" Stein, in some back alley, dingy used bookstore. All of the clues in my research of the Illuminati were pointing me here and leading me to its Supreme Magus. With a secret handshake, Rick did not disappoint and exploded my world that night as we stayed up until dawn talking about the wisdom of the ages and walking the cobblestone streets. I'll never forget what he shared with me that night, and it confirmed my belief that we are all in good hands. "Be yourself", he said, "Everyone else is already taken." He clambered upon a boat with the light of the sun coming up, and disappeared from my life. I caught glimpses of him on his path, here and there. I saved newspaper clippings of stories of him in his travels around the world. The Rock has gone, but his light still shines in the foggy memories of us all! May he rest in peace.
    10/12/2018 12:12 am
    James Abbott writes,
    Rick Stein was the kind of man who when you spoke with him, it was as if you were the only person in the world and how fortunate for you in that moment that his focus I was on you. Rick and I met some years ago when I was in Rome for a single day. My husband and I along with another couple had hired a series of private tour guides for the day with the express intention of seeing as much of the Eternal City as possible in our 15 hour stay. I literally bumped into Rick near the Vatican Museum while trying to balance a cappuccino while I dug in my Tumi bag for a 10 Euro bill to pay the barista. I apologized profusely in my poor excuse for Italian and Rick -with his smile and quick wit- said, "American?" Yep, I replied (Back then it was cool to be an American in Europe. Not so much today.) Friendly chit-chat ensued and I ultimately bemoaned the long line to enter the museum. "Don't they have a special entrance for Catholics like me?", I mused. Before I could act, Rick was in a hushed conversation with our tour guide and seconds later Rick, our guide and the four of us were rushed out of the miles-long queue to an understated, guarded elevator. The burly guard's palm was greased, the elevator doors opened to reveal what one might expect an elevator to St Peter would be. We were hurried into it while the unfortunate people who'd been near us in line stood shocked and began complaining loudly. My last glimpse of risk was his smile and him saying, "Bon Giorno!" As I hurried to shout, "Mille Grazie, Paisano!" the door closed shut and when they opened a moment later we stepped into a treasure trove of humankind's finest efforts. "Who was that guy?" my travel companion asked. "I think he said his name was Rick Stein." I replied. "Wow, he's got connections!" "For sure", I said. "No doubt we'll see him at lunch today with the Holy Father. I hope so and by the way, he advised against ordering the pasta fagioli since it's Tuesday. He says on Tuesdays they use Monday's pasta. Notta so good."
    10/12/2018 12:18 am
    Cordelia writes,
    i met rick once on a long haul flight between sydney and dallas. he told me he’d just flown into sydney from dubai, his cargo plane carrying 100,000 cartons of cigarettes. now he was headed home. speaking so fondly of his family he was looking forward to spending time with them. talking about each one with fondness and wisdom - the look in his eye truly seeing them as he spoke. i wish i’d met you all while he was here - he mentioned the weirdest thing he’d ever taken was an elephant and a tank filled with sharks, but of course you all know that. i was so impressed and inspired by his stories. i came home and told my sons. they are both now pilots travelling the world. thanks mr stein. your were a force in this world. bless your soul x
    10/12/2018 12:30 am
    Rob writes,
    What a great sendoff, I am sure he would have loved it. Well done.
    10/12/2018 12:58 am
    Luke Parker writes,
    The only time I met Rick was when we shared some waves just before sunset on a remote Western Sumatran reef break in the late 80’s I’ll never forget his cutback. Like him, it was all class.
    10/12/2018 01:40 am
    Philip Van der Woerd lit a candle and writes,
    I remember fondly ‘Super Pit Rick’ as we called him here in Kalgoorlie WA, Australia. Once gold was discovered he single handed dug what is now known as the super pit open cast mine at the edge of town. (Google it). Fun times. Vale Super Pit Rick.
    10/12/2018 01:49 am
    Linda Out West writes,
    I’m so sorry for your loss! I met Rick in that same bar near the Grand Canyon in 1980. I was a young teenager, heard the music and, on the pretense of getting ice, bolted out of the cheap motel room my family had secured for our Grand Canyon visit. I was peeking in from a side door when Rick finished a set and came to talk to me. He told me he missed his daughter and said I didn’t belong in a place like that. He seemed kind and wise, and even though I was 13 and didn’t like my parents yet, I could tell he was a great father. Before he sent me back to my room, he taught me how to fold fitted sheets perfectly, gave me a bowl of ice, and a Navajo rug he had just purchased the day before. It is still hanging in my home to this day. RIP dear soul!
    10/12/2018 02:55 am
    Wayne Coots writes,
    My deepest condolences, It was the early 80's in Pamploma, Spain. A sea of runners dressed in red & white and in the middle of them all was an American not unlike Hemingway. As the Bulls charged, I stumbled and fell. With just seconds to spare before being gored and trampled on I was saved by this stranger. As I thanked him for surely saving my life, I asked him his name. His reply Rick Stein. Ave atque vale Rick Stein.
    10/12/2018 07:06 am
    John Wood lit a candle and writes,
    In a way it brightened my morning Your family should be happy to have such a man in your family
    10/12/2018 07:37 am
    Carmen Archer lit a candle and writes,
    My deepest condolences for your family. What a great tribute to a well rounded man. Even though I have never met him or your family I feel that I have missed out on a great opportunity. God Bless.
    10/12/2018 08:24 am
    Penny Richards writes,
    My sincere condolences. My dad is gone too, and I miss him every day. It sounds to my like we are both blessed to have loved and been loved by an extraordinary man. I hope you and his family and friends find peace in your memories.
    10/12/2018 08:38 am
    Jim Phynn lit a candle and writes,
    I’ll never forget the time when he showed me how to disassemble and reassemble a ‘68 Mustang using only a monkey wrench and a roll of duct tape. Rest In Peace, old friend.
    10/12/2018 09:04 am
    Denise writes,
    Although I did not know Rick personally, I light this candle to celebrate a great father and family man. My father passed away a few years back, and would have been the first person I called to see if he read the best obituary I've ever seen. God Bless you Stein family.
    10/12/2018 09:30 am
    Jeff Grandgenett writes,
    This, this is the best obituary ever. I fell for it as soon as I started reading. I agree 100% that if we can find humor in any and everything, the pain is a lot easier when we lose a loved one. Bravo! Rest in peace, good sir.
    10/12/2018 09:39 am
    Julie Ann Davis lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Family.. Especially his Daughter who took the time to lovingly write this amazing Obit! Your Father is laughing and smiling down on you with tremendous joy... You made a painful situation so much more meaningful... like others wrote before me, you and yours are in my prayers and I truly wish I would have known him and you! Laughter and joy makes the soul so much richer! I am writing my Obit now even though I’m sure it won’t be used in quite some time.... Love hugs and prayers continuing!
    10/12/2018 09:46 am
    Sarah Hyde lit a candle and writes,
    I met "Rick" in the 1930's when he was a double agent working in Russia. We bonded over tea and the passing of secrets back to the British. In a way Rick was responsible for the downfall of the Russians and Nazi's. Of course his real name wasn't Rick, but I am sworn to secrecy. My final message 'It is raining in Israel, you know what to do'
    10/12/2018 09:47 am
    Solitarie writes,
    I’m pretty sure that was Rick I saw, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain before jumping in — fully clothed — and singing some song in Italian (where did he learn Italian?!). Then, dripping wet but smiling, he bid the crowd an enthusiastic “Ciao” and ran happily down the street, around the corner, and out of sight. We, his audience, applauded with sheer joy.
    10/12/2018 09:54 am
    Rob Collier writes,
    I was saddened to hear about your father's death. I lost my father 6 years ago and still miss his daily phone calls to my office. If I wasn't at my desk, he'd leave a quick 'Just checking in!' and maybe the daily joke he had discovered. Our office phone system had the capacity to send voicemail messages to my email, and I always saved my father's messages, so I could review them later. After he passed away, I was able to download all the messages onto separate USB drives, giving one to each of my siblings and mother. It's nice to still be able to hear his voice every now and then. I wish you peace and happy memories.
    10/12/2018 09:56 am
    Greg Tacconi lit a candle and writes,
    Seems to me, Mr. Stein knew how to live life to its fullest. And was was not only Well Liked, but Well Loved by his family and friends. My Condolences to his family.
    10/12/2018 10:20 am
    Maurice Miller lit a candle and writes,
    Rick was good friends with Neil Armstrong going back to their Navy fly boy days in the early 60's. Neil always used Rick as a sounding board and when he was selected to step forth on the moon turned to Rick for inspiration. We all know the quote Neil used but I always wonder about Ricks words for Neil. Fortunately Rick became close friends with Nick Feldman from their London club days in the 70's and things worked out. But if Neil had uttered "Every one have fun tonight, everyone Wang Chung tonight"...
    10/12/2018 10:22 am
    Cindi B writes,
    I was busted flat in Baton Rouge, waiting for a train. My jeans were so faded and worn out and I felt horrible. Rick thumbed a diesel down, just before it rained - he knew the driver, of course. Thankfully we made it all the way to New Orleans, where Rick bought me a beignet and coffee. Well, like most of those here, I didn't have the privilege to know Mr. Stein, but I do know what it's like to lose a dad who was smart, kind, creative, loving, and larger than life. Reading the obituary gave me a smile and hope in what feels like a relentlessly hopeless time. May his memory be for an eternal blessing.
    10/12/2018 10:25 am
    Jennifer lit a candle and writes,
    I had the pleasure of first meeting Rick 25 years ago when he purchased 200 acres of my 500 acre farm in the mountains of WV. He wanted to grow his own food and live independently off the grid. After he married Susan, and she moved to the beautiful log home that he had built with little help from others from the trees on his farm, she too, fell in love with his farm. After Rick saw the success of my ability to grow marijuana, he came up with the idea of medicinal marijuana. He educated me on the benefits and the medical milestones that we could achieve if we put our heads together. While he came up with the plans and I did all the farming, he continued on a path that took him straight to the WV Legislature where he successfully lobbied for legalized medicinal use by authoring the bill to fruition. He was also successful in getting passed that only WV grown marijuana could be used which elevated the price of farmland. When Rick decided to run for Governor in 2020, he and Susan decided it would be easier to move to the city especially since he couldn't profit from his farm. Rick sold the farm for 10 times what he paid for it. Months later as I rode my side by side through the 200 acres I purchased, I came upon a 10 foot by 10 foot wooden sign that had painstakingly been carved to read: I return the land to you, my friend, thereby leaving my life as I have known it for the last many years. Wasn't it a great time! Wasn't it an adventure!! Wasn't it a great success!!! As I walk down this mountain never to return, I will turn around for one last look at these majestic mountains, at these rolling grounds of dirt, and I will leave thinking...…….WHAT A WAY TO GO!!!!!!!! Bless You, Alex and your wonderful family!
    10/12/2018 10:32 am
    Loretta lit a candle and writes,
    What a beautiful tribute. I am a better person today for having read this. Thank you for introducing us to your beloved father, and for sharing the testimony of his love for you. For no greater tribute to a person than to regale them with love, honor, and humor during the difficult times. God bless his soul and may he RIP.
    10/12/2018 10:50 am
    Joe Handley writes,
    Thank you for sharing. You are so lucky to have and to hold. Your family and friends represent all that is good in humanity.
    10/12/2018 10:57 am
    Adirondack Dan writes,
    I am saddened to hear of the passing of "Ranger" Rick. It has been many years since we last crossed paths. It was in the mid 70s when after shooting a 250 pound buck in the Wilmington Range of the Adirondack Mountains of NY; a sinewy fella appeared from the balsam swap below me; walking briskly up the side of the mountain. As he approached, he appeared to be in his natural element and asked if he could assist me with dragging the buck to the road. He said his name was Rick; but his friends called him Ranger. He insisted I call him Ranger. I happily thanked him for the offer and we proceeded to drag the buck over fresh snow; and then around the balsam swamp. Rick, excuse me Ranger, at one point actually heaved the buck onto his shoulders when I became fatigued and proceeded for the next two hours. I finally insisted that I help. I was amazed at his endurance; and after 16 hours and at the end of the following day we reached the road in the dark. I asked him if I could give him a ride to his truck or residence; and he stated the woods are his home and after a hearty hand shake, he jogged back into the dark woods. I'm pretty sure I had just met one of the last true Mountain men of the Adirondacks. RIP Ranger.
    10/12/2018 11:15 am
    D. Wilson lit a candle and writes,
    This is a life well lived...humor, love and family. An obituary fit for a man who loved to laugh...I remember him well. I had been lost for days in the Arizona desert, desperate for water. I saw a shadow and realized it was a man...he arrived on a mule named Maria with Tequila. I asked where he was from he said, "everywhere". We talked about conquistadors and sunsets in the desert, while eating rattlesnakes. When I awoke I was in a Tucson hacienda and a note...saying until we meet again compadre, signed Senor Ricardo Juan Morefore DeRoad.
    10/12/2018 11:17 am
    CZinAlbuquerque lit a candle and writes,
    I had the pleasure of meeting Rick at the 2017 Albuquerque Int'l Balloon Fiesta. He was a pilot for a balloon named Go Ask Alice. I was a passenger in a balloon called She's 10ft Tall. As our balloon drifted to a very swollen Rio Grande to do a splash n dash we I noticed how swift the current was moving. (I can't swim)...a wind picked up and as we edged down to splash the gondola suddenly tipped over, plopping me out into the river. I tried to hang on to the gondola, but the river was tugging at me. Out of no where, I see this balloon racing towards me...Rick expertly lowers his balloon and throws me line and gets me into his gondola! The dramatic rescue was something out a James Bond movie!! Afterwards he and I and his chase crew went to The Frontier and relived the rescue over breakfast burritos and laughs. The man, the myth, the legend, Rick Stein saved my life. I'll never forget him. Rick, Vaya con Dios, my friend, my rescuer. To the family, I pray for your strength and comfort during this difficult time. P.S. the part of me being in a hot air balloon is fabricated. I've been in one once and will never do it again. However, the rest of the story, I'll leave the validity of it up to the reader ;)
    10/12/2018 11:18 am
    Gina writes,
    This made me smile and for that, thank you! I am sorry to hear of Rick's passing and although I do not know you or your family, I believe that a man that lived his life so well as to inspire such a loving tribute will live in your hearts forever. I promise I will keep a piece of him in mine. Peace and best wishes to you all!
    10/12/2018 11:20 am
    Dos Equis writes,
    Our deepest sympathies to the spirit of the most interesting man in the world. We shall never forget the time he saved a small boy from Libyan terrorists on surfboards or when he ran with the bulls in Spain while eating a hamburger.. Thank you for inspiring us and as he used to say " I don't pass on from this life but once and when I do it will be with DOs Equis"
    10/12/2018 11:22 am
    Tim Foster writes,
    I was sad to hear about Rick's passing. I just wanted to share a memory about Rick. He was a great guy and I believe everyone he met became a friend. My wife and I met Rick at the Orange Bowl back in 1990 when the CU Buffs were playing Notre Dame for the National Championship. We struck up a friend ship and he told us about the new restaurant he was opening in Boulder called "The Full Moon Grill" When it opened my wife Kristy and I made reservations and had dinner there. Rick came over and bought us a glass of wine.... I would see Rick from time to time and even ran into him at a few CU games. He will be missed... Tim
    10/12/2018 11:32 am
    Kahn lit a candle and writes,
    True story: Rick was the only person who Chuck Norris was scared of. Mid-90s, Chuck heard that Rick was in the same city as him and shaved his beard in a pathetic attempt to disguise himself. Rick still recognized him. At that point, Chuck moved out of the country and canceled his TV show.
    10/12/2018 11:35 am
    Chris writes,
    I REMEMBER THIS GUY!!!! He was my orthodontist in high school during 10th and 11th grade!!! He was awesome and always had a great story to tell – my favorite was how, during his graduate years at dental school, he and his friends created what could arguably be termed the first-ever wingsuit. It was crude by today’s standards, but it was the natural progression of inquisitive young minds bored with simple skydiving who where looking for “the next great thing” as he put it at the time. They flew it and several improved versions of it off of Mt. Monadnock in the early 70s. Very cool guy, not to mention a master magician in the black arts of Orthodontistry. Thanks for sharing – I’d completely forgotten about him!!! Condolences all around to all, particularly to Susan and Alex. Many thanks to Alex for propelling (pun intended) your dad's story into the national conscience for all of us to enjoy. Very original, truly unique and so very sweet of you to do. Tenderest condolences and warmest possible regards, -Chris
    10/12/2018 12:02 pm
    carin austin writes,
    I think I met Rick one night, It was my birthday and I was walking back to my car on the city street. out of the corner of my eye I saw a shadowy figure lurking in alley. I began walking as fast as I could when suddenly Rick was right beside me. He explained that he was a dad with a daughter the same age as me and that he was just doing what any good dad would do and that was to make sure I got to my car safely, God Bless you, Rick
    10/12/2018 12:13 pm
    Vicki
    10/12/2018 12:18 pm
    Tiffany E lit a candle and writes,
    I don't personally know you nor your father, however after reading his obituary I feel as if I do. I work for a funeral home and often publish obituaries, this is by far the best that I've ever read. He seems to have been an amazing, loving and adventurous person. Sending much love and prayers to you and all of your family during this time. Also, just in case you didn't know. I believe that I may have seen him parasailing off of the beaches here in Myrtle Beach, SC.
    10/12/2018 12:39 pm
    D.G. lit a candle and writes,
    What a HOOT! I want to be in your family! Great obit. Rick Stein was a very lucky man to have such a great family and good friends. RIP.
    10/12/2018 12:40 pm
    Amelia Earhart writes,
    Can't wait to finally meet up with my long-time and talented friends. It took a life-time but our plan finally worked. Please bring the merlot. Amelia Earhart
    10/12/2018 12:52 pm
    Lisa Myers lit a candle and writes,
    He taught me how to drive in a 1974 VW Beetle Karman!! I was a terrible student, the whole clutch/shifting was a trial for him but his enduring patience and instruction led me to be a master of the vintage VW stickshift!! What a guy!! My deepest sympathy.
    10/12/2018 12:53 pm
    Wild Bill F. lit a candle and writes,
    I recall back in '79 I was working for a little known software company. Our company was working day and night on our first program. We thought, this was it, this project is going to take us over the top. I first met Rick when my car broke down along Washington State Hwy 410, just outside Mt Rainer National Park. I was pretty upset about my car breaking down and with work. Rick stopped and asked me if I needed a ride. Boy, I was so happy to see his smiling face. He told me to put my bag in the backseat. There was just enough room for my bag, Rick had his backpack and climbing gear back there also. We made small talk heading Northwest up Hwy 410, Rick was telling me about this was his third time climbing Mt Rainer. I do recall the time Rick smiled and said " You know there is nothing like sunrise sitting on the top of world". Then he continue to tell me he normally would drink a strong cup of Joe as the sun rose. But, this trip he spill his cup. I turned to him and said " Wow man, that is so wrong, missing out drinking your coffee" Rick smiled real big, ( you know that smile) Who says I didn't have my coffee, Rick went on saying he forage around and found some Excelsa coffee beans. He later roasted the coffee and build a French press with parts of backpack and his climbing gear. All this done at 14,411 feet elevation. He said he remember a movie with Michael Caine in it called "The Ipcress File” back in '58, that was his inspiration for his French press coffee pot. he made. After a few minutes Rick asked what I did for living, I told him about our big project. Rick says “ What is the name of that software thingie you boys making?” We are going to call it “The Program”. Rick busted out laughing, he had to pull over his Aston Martin DB Mark III. Rick still laughing says “ What kind name is name that??” I said, Heck Rick we send over 10 million dollars on that marketing idea.” Rick turned to left and pointed to front windshield, Rick said “ you might as well called it Windows”. The laughter was long and hard, we wiped the tears from our eyes. He asked a little more about the “ The Program.” Then he asked how are we going to sell this program to the masses. I thought oh boy, here we go again. Rick once again turn to me just before he dropped me off at my at office One Microsoft Way in Redmond. He says “ Just called it what is, Disk Operation System. Rick finished up with “ You know folks like things simple and easy. You know like “Where do you want to go today?” I thank him for the ride, which I never forgot nor I will never forget Rick Stein. Rest in Peace my friend.
    10/12/2018 01:29 pm
    Chelie writes,
    To the family of Mr. Stein, may all the memories of joy and laughter carry you through this most difficult time. "Live. Laugh. Love." It is quite apparent, by the wonderful obituary, that Mr. Stein's life was the ultimate trifecta! God Bless!
    10/12/2018 01:37 pm
    Norty777 writes,
    My deepest condolences to the family....I met Sherpa Rick in 1991 at Everest base camp....I hired him because his English was excellent, in hindsight, the fair skin and round eyes was a dead giveaway he was no seasoned Sherpa...but with his delightful manner and remarkable stories of being a member of the Royal family of Nepal....off we went..his tales were endless, ammunition sales to Iran, uranium sales to North Korea and my favorite, knives and small arms to the Natives of the Orinoco....but he always had time to discuss his loving family....... or should I say families, 4 wives and 18 offspring... before he was 30.....a magical life well lived...well done Richard, well done.
    10/12/2018 01:46 pm
    Name Witheld writes,
    I was fighting in a martial arts tournament in the early 70s (I was five) when I first heard Rick's name. It was a well known fact that he was the Sensei for both Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee. Chuck called Rick "teacher." Rick also was the technical advisor on many martial arts films. Some say "the Last Samurai" was his biographical film. If you knew Rick, it was far closer to "Game of Death." The first time I actually met Rick was on a beach in Grenada. I was leading the invasion (although I was only 11) and as we swam up onto the beach, I saw Rick in a hammock, smoking a Cuban cigar. It seems he had already taken the island and released the American students from captivity. We had a class of coconut milk and talked about applied physics. A few years later, I attend sniper school (at age 13) and was thrilled to learn Rick would be my instructor. We later become a sniper team with the CIA, with me serving as Rick's spotter (of course) during some pretty hairy operations. I'd rather not talk about it. I will just offer that now only ONE person knows where Jimmy Hoffa is. Rick called me in the summer of 1979. He needed a witness for tense negotiations. I was on the next plane to London. Imagine my surprise when I entered the room and discovered Rick was in tense negotiations to reunite the Beatles. I watched in awe as Rick painstakingly hammered out every last detail. Just when I thought history would be made- Yoko began to chant. The deal fell through. Still, I spent the summer with Rick, touring with Paul McCartney and Wings. We were the muscle. In the late 80s, I ran into Rick in East Germany. He was on an earth mover, mowing down the Berlin Wall. He stopped for a few minutes, climbed down off of the machine and hugged me. He also kissed me on both cheeks- it was our way of expressing our brotherly bond. We spoke and had a glass of buttermilk in celebration of a united Germany. During my time in Alaska saving polar bears, I ran into Rick. It must have been '93. He had just set the new world record in the Iditarod. Rick set that record mushing a team of Boston Terriers, while riding on a Radial Flyer sled. Barefooted. I met Rick again in France in the late 90s. He was there creating the curriculum for Rosetta Stone's new language course. Rick spoke 113 languages. Fluently. Another interesting fact about Rick- I watched in '98 as he finished first in the Tour de France, while riding a unicycle. During the 2000s, I rarely saw Rick. I heard from a friend's second cousin's husband's nephew that Rick was on the space station. One day I turned on the NASA channel and...there he was. Good ol' Rick, on a spacewalk, fixing the toilet. Yeah, he could plumb. We rarely spoke in in the last couple of years. I have been in the witness protection program since 2010. Rick would often sneak into my house, just to piss off the FBI guys who protect me. We would have a glass of lemonade and talk about the good old days. And- anyone who says Rick wasn't a pilot... boy, do I have some stories for you! This one time, we were in a dog fight with some Russians.... May God Bless all of Rick's family.
    10/12/2018 01:49 pm
    Major Andrew van Veen CD (Canadian Army ret'd) lit a candle and writes,
    Last time I saw Rick was in '13. My OPCW team was neutralizing a booby trapped Chemical Weapons dump in the Middle East. I was just about to finish when a gentle hand touched mine and a familiar voice said "hold it, kid. What did I teach you? Don't cut the yellow wire, cut the red." I looked up and there was Rick, I hadn't seen him since the Astana Incident. Before I could say anything, he smiled that smile and walked away. Since I was up to my elbows in Semtex, I didn't have time to buy him a grappa.
    10/12/2018 01:57 pm
    SYLVIA lit a candle and writes,
    What a great man he was, and family was blessed to have such an amazing man! I wish I could have met him, however just reading his great obituary I felt I did know him :) He is probably having a glass of wine with my dad as I write this. And my dad always said the smart ones go first, to make room for the dumb ones lololol blessings to you all
    10/12/2018 02:02 pm
    John Lanagan writes,
    Did I ever tell you about the time Stein took me out to go get a drink with him? We go off looking for a bar and we can’t find one. Finally, Stein takes me into a vacant lot and says, ‘Here we are.’ Well, we sat there for a year and a half. Sure enough, someone constructed a bar around us. Well, the day they opened it, we ordered a shot, drank it, and then burnt the place to the ground. Stein yelled over the roar of the flames, "Always leave things the way you found them!" To Rick Stein!
    10/12/2018 02:15 pm
    Pamela Mceachern lit a candle and writes,
    This is how I think a wonderful life was lived and lives on. My sincere sympathy, my thoughts are to tell the people you loved all things important to you. My Aunt Sudie was my Auntie Mame and we loved each other dearly. She was a single woman in her nineties when she passed. Sudie was the most loveable character ever. We are from Alabama and love our Scotch and good bar b que. I wrote her obit and said she would want everyone to go and have a totie and your favorite bbq. Peace and Love from Birmingham to your family
    10/12/2018 02:24 pm
    Julie writes,
    I've never met this world gallavanter but I've been told he disguises himself as a woman and is known as the neighborhood cat "lady". She can occasionally be spotted at the local Wal-mart loading up on cat supplies. May your father rest in peace
    10/12/2018 02:33 pm
    Art Vandelay lit a candle and writes,
    All of us here at Vandelay industries would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family. Art
    10/12/2018 02:36 pm
    Del Nyal lit a candle and writes,
    Ah Rick, a fine cowboy. We spent several roundups in the Canadian Rockies bringing in the herd. Nights around the fire listening to his incredible journey through life. The remuda will miss you as will I on this falls gather. Bless your family for their humor and creativity.
    10/12/2018 02:41 pm
    Julie lit a candle and writes,
    I did not know Mr Stein, but I think his daughter loved him very much, as I did my own dad. I miss mine, and she will miss hers - but what wonderful memories we have. Thinking of your family at this time.
    10/12/2018 02:59 pm
    Carrie lit a candle and writes,
    I just recently lost my mother. Very similar to what you shared at the end of your post. I love the humor and the beautiful story-telling to honor your beloved father. Thank you for giving me something to smile about on this day where tears have been more prominent than laughter. RIP Mr. Stein.
    10/12/2018 03:01 pm
    Carol lit a candle and writes,
    I have never met Rick , but I read the obit and can tell he was a wonderful man and had a wonderful life! I am so sorry for your loss, remember all the good stuff.
    10/12/2018 03:16 pm
    Randy S writes,
    Sorry for your loss. I had no idea about Rick's awesome life. My best memory was that time he played bass with Warren Haynes and Government Mule at the House of Blues in Anaheim back in 2014. Great show! Thanks Rick! Cheers!!
    10/12/2018 03:18 pm
    Kathy lit a candle and writes,
    Where to start? The day Rick joined us in the helo for an aerial look at some of the last known living Iberian Wild Goats at the time was one that will forever live in our memory. As astonished as we all were at the sight, Rick had the wherewithal to ask our pilot what had happened to the population of this magnificent creature. The pilot explained the plight of this endangered ibex. Rick and the pilot chatted for several minutes, after which time Rick fell into a deep and meditative silence. Upon landing, Rick excused himself to make a phone call. “Critical,” is the word he muttered. The most amazing thing happened shortly after that episode. Lately, it has been reported that the Iberian Wild Goat population is increasing. When we asked Rick about this, he modestly stated that “had someone else seen this beautiful animal, he or she would have done the same thing that I did.” When we asked him what actions he took, he humbly waved the question aside. He never took any credit for helping conservation efforts like this. But that’s just the way Rick rolled. RIP good man. Thank you for the memories we wish we had. (Thank you to Rick’s family for THE best send-off. Ever. Obviously he was deeply loved. Wish I could have known him.)
    10/12/2018 03:34 pm
    Anna Moss writes,
    The real story is that Rick was my gardener in Las Cruces, New Mexico for 30 years. He mowed my lawn faithfully every Wednesday, come rain or shine. Then one day, Mooch (a gray one-eyed cat who adopted us and has since been mooching off of us) chased Rick up into our willow tree. Mooch clawed and hissed and chased poor ol' Rick higher and higher up the tree, so high that finally Rick had to jump onto a passing cloud when an old brittle branch was about to break. Rick floated away on that cloud and we haven't seen him since September 27th. Sadly, my yard is looking more like a jungle than a lush lawn without Rick around. We miss him. HUGS, Bonnie PS "Anna Moss" is my anonymous name
    10/12/2018 03:40 pm
    Ken Edah writes,
    Sincere condolences on the loss of Rick Stein. I had lost track of him, but we first met in the 1950s when he was the pacer swimmer for Marilyn Bell's historic marathon swim across Lake Ontario. She thought it was lamprey eels nibbling at her heels during the crossing, but he was just quite small for his age. I stayed in the boat, holding the torch. Years later, I was taking a break on the SEACOM as we were laying the undersea fiber optic cables across the Atlantic, and I spotted Rick training alongside the ship! It was great to share a pint and listen to his adventures. When we arrived in Newfoundland, the captain said Rick could name the first settlement we came across. He was thinking of you, his loved ones, when he named it "Heart's Content." Keep swimming and take care.
    10/12/2018 03:45 pm
    Elizabeth writes,
    We were certainly surprised to hear of Rick's other lives. We knew him from his throat singing performance at a competition in outer Mongolia. It was a performance so stirring that even the yaks wept. We believed his day gig was helping sherpa on Everest, but he was even more multifaceted than we knew. Good journey Rick!
    10/12/2018 03:48 pm
    Michael Lissack writes,
    My memories of Eick were formed while we both were working undercover for the CIA on Florida's Gulf Coast. Our mission was to try to determine what it was that turned normally polite mahjong playing women in their 60's into cougars who whiled their nights away at the "for seniors who don't admit it" bars. Our employer was convinced this was a Russian plot to undermine the confidence of certain golf loving American retirees from the Midwest. Yet no matter how hard Rick and I probed the only Russian connection we could find was vodka. It was in many of the drinks the cougar ladies were served. It was during this adventure that Rick determined he needed to fly planes. Perhaps if he got a guest assignment to Aeroflot ... that might reveal all. Alas before we could have our handlers contact Putin the Russian Tea Room in New York closed. We no longer had a means to reach our safe house and the mission was disbanded. We all have many loving memories of Rick ...none vodka induced.
    10/12/2018 04:42 pm
    Bess Crews Freeman lit a candle and writes,
    My family met Rick while vacationing on Maui. We were having breakfast at our favorite little spot, The Gazebo when in walked Rick wearing that red Hawaiian shirt made famous by Magnum PI himself. Rick bought breakfast for everyone and then entertained us all by donning a ukelele and singing his rendition of Over The Rainbow. When he left, we all cheered for him, thanking him for such a memorable breakfast. He waved as he jumped on a jet ski and headed for Molokai; where I’m sure he was going to meet someone famous...perhaps Elvis. So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I hope my “memory” of your dad brought you a smile. He sounds like a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
    10/12/2018 05:01 pm
    Susi B lit a candle and writes,
    It all makes sense now. It was the summer of '82 and a friend and I were at the start of an amazing 8 weeks of travel across Europe. Rome was our first destination, from where we boarded a train for the coast, to Brindisi, to take a ship to Corfu. Unbeknownst to us, we had purchased ordinary tickets with the last of our lira and this was a "Rapido trenni" that had a surcharge. Being young (at the time) and cute (at the time), the first conductor had let us off the hook, seeing as how the train was so over-packed that we could only find standing space in the corridor next to the toilet. Definitely not a pleasant journey for two young lasses, as the June heat of unwashed bodies and toilet-waste smells filled the crowded location. But the throng of people squashed together laughed and joked in amusement in a variety of languages. After several hours, a new conductor checked our tickets and, when we had no money for the surcharge, confiscated our passports and strode away from us demanding, "Polizia! Polizia!" Suddenly, the crowds turned away from us and my panicked friend grabbed my arm, asking what we were to do. A handsome man just a few years older than us explained that we would be turned over to the police. "In Brindisi?" I asked, figuring we would be able to exchange our travelers' checks once in the port town. No, he explained, at the next station. And he pointed out the window, to the approaching train station that was little more than a tumbled-down shack!! "What should we do?" I begged for help. The man offered to pay our surcharge for us. But I couldn't do that. I didn't know him. He didn't know me. "I can give you British pounds, if you can find a way to exchange them," I offered. (How I had those pounds is another, longer, darker story . . .) He told me I did not need to give him anything but I insisted. I can exchange them on base, he told me. Ah, a military man. No wonder he was so kind to these wayward lassies. He located and spoke to the conductor -- in fluent Italian, no less -- who begrudgingly returned our passports. I handed over the English pounds as he left the train at his station. "Wait!" I called after him. "I don't even know your name." Carl, he said, Carl Ricks. I'm sure this was the same man. And even if it wasn't, the story is true and it sounds like something he would have done. Travel well beyond, Rick. You'll bring joy and light to the great beyond. Please say hello to my mother for me. But don't tell her we hitchhiked the rest of the trip so as to not pay for another train. . .
    10/12/2018 06:05 pm
    Perry Wilson lit a candle and writes,
    While sharing a flight and seated next to me, sharing the important details of making 30 minute brownies, in under 20 minutes, Rick pardoned himself kindly and made his way to the cockpit to take the controls - as the pilot was suffering from a seizure, Rick got us back on course and then tended to the pilot, who with Rick's assistance, made a full recovery. The stewards were frantic and very upset, so Rick provided cabin service to all 130 passengers....Yeah, that's just the kind of guy he was, big smile and extra peanuts. Sincere and kind condolences to Rick's loving Family.
    10/12/2018 06:30 pm
    Kat lit a candle and writes,
    Happy trails wherever you may be. May you find everything to your liking. "And so it goes," Linda Ellerbee.
    10/12/2018 06:43 pm
    Jayne Smith writes,
    While I don't know you all, I offer my sincerest condolences for your loss. I read about this post in my news feed. I lost my Dad when I was a teenager, and it is so important and comforting to remember all the great memories, so that their amazing spirit lives on x As I read through the tributes I began to wonder if I too had had a chance meeting with your father...it was back in the 80s when I was scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. It was part of a tour package, and the boat travelled out to one of the islands. Patrons could wander the island, snorkel or scuba dive. Long story short, time got away from me and when I returned to where the boat had dropped anchor I discovered it had returned to the mainland without me. As the panic of being stuck on the island set in, a voice spoke to me, seemingly out of nowhere... "we don't have time to stand there day dreaming, help me carry this firewood". As I turned around I saw a rugged yet handsome man behind me. He spoke in a tone a mother hurrying their child to get ready for school might...He saw my panicked expression. "You're not the first one to miss the boat back, but you'll be stuck here til they bring the next load of tourists tomorrow'. His voice was calm and reassuring. After lighting the camp fire, the man, who had introduced himself as Carl, entered the shallow water to catch some dinner. I have never, to this day, seen anyone spear fishing with a pocket knife, but that was precisely what he did. He explained the Swiss Army knife had been gifted to him from a man he had saved from the KGB in Afghanistan back in the 70s. I will never forget the hospitality offered by Carl that day, or the TV series they made of his adventures (with his Swiss Army knife)...I believe it was called Macgyver.
    10/12/2018 07:56 pm
    Harry Simpson writes,
    Godspeed Rick (or whomever you are). An amazing life indeed....
    10/12/2018 08:05 pm
    Lindsey writes,
    I met Rick in Hollister, California many years ago at a big biker rally over the 4th of July. Rick, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis rode into town on their custom Indians and took over an entire restaurant.
    10/12/2018 08:14 pm
    FRED C SCHWARTZ lit a candle and writes,
    I was riding my Harley from Arkansas back to Raleigh. Because I am stoopid I failed to reset my fuel cock after the last fill up. I suddenly noticed I needed reserve but there wasn't much gas left in the tank. I pulled off at the next exit but no gas station in sight. There was a Goldwing nearby so I parked next to it. There was a guy about my age brewing some coffee on a campfire, said his name was Rick. Not only did he offer me coffee, he had a gallon tank of gas in his trailer which he offered me. I wanted to pay him for it but he wouldn't take it. Just said to help the next guy out. I made it to the next gas station. I didn't know who he really was until I read this obituary. He is on that rainbow bridge now.
    10/12/2018 09:49 pm
    K Wilson lit a candle and writes,
    I never met Rick... or did I?
    10/12/2018 09:50 pm
    Tom Melody lit a candle and writes,
    I met Rick whilst I was taking a private tour of the La Scala opera house in Milan. A very handsome, distinguished man sat at a piano on the otherwise bare stage, playing the piano reduction of the score of the first act of "La Traviata" from memory and singing all the parts as he went along. Utterly brilliant! Then, as an encore, he produced a cello and played the Bach First Suite for solo cello in a manner that Casals would have envied. We shall not look upon his like again. Seriously, my sincere condolences to such a wonderful family and a devoted daughter. Tom Melody.
    10/12/2018 09:52 pm
    Yvette Strom writes,
    To the family of Mr. Stein, I am sorry for your loss. I'm guessing he was a loving, funny, and well-loved man for you to have created this amusing and sweet obituary. Thank you for sharing a little light and humor at this time of your grieving. Blessings to you all.
    10/12/2018 10:35 pm
    Jim Beall writes,
    Alex, what a brilliant obituary. I have no story and did not know Rick personally but we ate many very fine meals at Full Moon Grill and Alba in Boulder and I will always remember being greeted many times by a wonderfully dapper and gracious man. We will miss him and the restaurants. Our condolences to your family.
    10/12/2018 10:47 pm
    Pil writes,
    I am so sorry to hear that Rick has gone...well, somewhere. The only time I ever met him was when I was getting ready for the mid-winter swim at the Australian base in Antarctica. I was stripped off and shivering, but couldn’t bring myself to jump into the hole in the ice. Rick came up beside me, told me his name, and offered to jump in with me. We did it! Afterwards I asked him why he helped a stranger do something that really had nothing to do with him. He said, “I love life. There are so many little things you can do to make people happy. And I want to leave this world a happier place.” And he achieved his dream. With love from an Australian.
    10/13/2018 12:15 am
    Robert Rancan writes,
    The late great Pulitzer Prize winning sportswriter, Red Smith often included in his farewell to friends: "dying is no big deal, the least of us shall manage it...living is the thing." It seems, Mr. Stein, whatever his real story, lived a lot. Condolences.
    10/13/2018 01:55 am
    Chris writes,
    Like many others sharing condolences here, I did not have the pleasure of knowing Rick. My only experience of him and his character is his obituary, which I have no doubt perfectly encapsulates his life in words. I felt compelled to contribute to this long list of kind messages. Congratulations Rick, your life and the fondness of others it drew has made someone over 3,000 miles away smile.
    10/13/2018 06:37 am
    Danny Gilbane lit a candle and writes,
    Rick was a serious oil man who made millions on the stock market and then invested in solar energy buildings and single handily saved the earth
    10/13/2018 10:26 am
    Maureen Kelly writes,
    I don’t always read obituaries, but when I do, I prefer Rick Stein’s - the most intersting man in the world. Stay adventurous, my friends.
    10/13/2018 01:47 pm
    Jeffrey writes,
    Since Rick has passed I think he will forgive me for telling this. Rick and I go way back. And when I say way back I really mean way back! Rick and I were time travelers! Yes it’s true. Don’t ask me how ,that I can not tell. We traveled beck to many places and times and yes to the future. And believe me Rick made so many people laugh. And yes he was smart. One reason is he has seen the future. Rick may be gone but if I know Rick! He could be back! I probably shouldn’t have said anything but I did! JB!
    10/13/2018 02:12 pm
    Mary-Anne writes,
    My condolences to your family. I didn’t know you personally, however,, I read the online obituary.
    10/13/2018 02:43 pm
    Kevin Bliss writes,
    I’m sure he worked for me one summer while he was hitchhiking across the US. Something about looking for his bliss. We laughed a lot over a couple of beers talking about how he found his bliss. He thought it really funny when he said “I hoped it would be more.” Kevin Bliss
    10/13/2018 06:27 pm
    Sarah Kolb writes,
    I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful father and husband. I did not know him nor do I know you but I know the heart of a daughter who loved her father very much. I read the article about the fabulous obituary in the USA Today and I wanted offer my condolences and my shared grief. My father passed away almost two years ago and I’m so sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like quite a man 😂 who loved well and who was loved well. Many prayers for you.
    10/13/2018 10:12 pm
    Brad writes,
    Beautiful (and humorous) obituary. A one of a kind person. God bless
    10/13/2018 10:57 pm
    E.T. writes,
    I will always be so grateful to you Mr. Rick Stein for giving me the dime to “phone home!” Thank you.
    10/14/2018 02:51 am
    Mike O’Connor writes,
    Another star has been proudly added to the CIA Memorial Wall at Langley. A grateful nation thanks you for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.
    10/14/2018 09:21 am
    Steve Bankes writes,
    I never caught his last name but after seeing his picture I now can be sure it was Rick Stein who helped me serve meals and provide shelter to the homeless in Chicago. He was a good man.
    10/14/2018 11:25 am
    Jerry Zuckerman writes,
    A few years back I called Rick's restaurant in Colorado and ordered a plate of Matza Brei to be delivered to me in Atlantic City. Rick showed up ten days later on a bike with my order.... still hot. I should have tipped him. RIP
    10/14/2018 12:09 pm
    Mitch writes,
    Condolences on the loss of your dad. Just "wasted an hour" reading all the responses (impressed, smiling, laughing, wish they would stop chopping those onions so close to me). That man really had mad skillz. Word is, every time Al Gore said he invented the internet, Rick would laugh. The truth is classified, but based on the comments here, I think we now know who really accomplished that feat.
    10/14/2018 03:57 pm
    Kim Hagen writes,
    My husband of nearly 37 years died two days after your Rick Stein. Our local paper edited some of the more unique bits in HIS obituary, but I am uplifted to read your wonderful dedication. What an outstanding tribute to a wonderful man. Our heartfelt condolences to your family and friends ... however, I hope you're able to treasure such amazing memories. The Seinfeld bit really got me, it was always one of our favorite episodes, "Like an old man sending back soup in a deli." Thanks you so much for such a terrific and upbeat memorial to a wonderful man.
    10/14/2018 04:04 pm
    Patrick Thompson lit a candle and writes,
    A few short years ago I was grabbing a bite to eat at a deli in NYC - since I was by myself I sat down at the counter - there was a gentleman sitting a couple of stools down from me - I remember he was wearing a cape - anyway, I didn't give it a lot of thought - after all it was New York City - a few minutes later the server brought out his meal - a Reuben sandwich I think - along with a bowl of the soup of the day - everything seemed fine at first, but then there was a commotion - although I couldn't pick up what he was saying it was obvious that he was angry - it appeared that he was trying to send back his soup... When the server refused the man abruptly got up and left - the next day there was an article in the WSJ about this very same gentleman - apparently he was a Marine Biologist who, just the day before, had single-handedly saved a massive beached whale! This was my one and only encounter with the world famous Marine Biologist, Professor Rick Stein - who was also well known for being very, very particular about his soup I am humbled and honored to have shared a deli counter with this awesome and incredible humanitarian - With deepest, heartfelt sympathy - Patrick Thompson
    10/14/2018 04:23 pm
    Viktoria N. writes,
    I just read about this obituary in the Washington Post. When I saw Rick's picture I nearly choked on my Weisswurst- I could swear he's the same guy who ran that stand with "Rick the Rock's Rainbow Beer" at last year's Oktoberfest in Munich. He served the best vegan, low-carb, cruelty-free beer I ever had the pleasure to quaff. It was bright pink, and the froth had been sculpted into a unicorn that, although technically nothing more than beer bubbles, had the most lewd grin I have ever seen on a beverage so far. I raise my glass in your memory, Rick! And I raise it multiple times for your wonderful family. All the best to you :)
    10/14/2018 04:36 pm
    Michael writes,
    I truly enjoyed this obit of Rick. I won't bore readers with stories of Rick, like the time back in '76 when he hitched a ride out of Hong Kong in the wheel well of a Boeing 747 bound for Honolulu. Probably should just leave that one alone, I'm sure Hong Kong still has his wanted flyer posted. I told him not to do it, but he just smiled and said hold my beer... Hoping this brings comfort to those he loved him: "If life must not be taken too seriously, then so neither must death" —Samuel Butler
    10/14/2018 04:58 pm
    Don lit a candle and writes,
    My sincere condolences on the loss of your father; may his memory be as a blessing. And the obituary was warm and funny. He sounds like a very special man.
    10/14/2018 05:02 pm
    Murray Rubinstein writes,
    I am going to tell a very troubling story about Rick. I wish I didn't have to but the truth must be revealed. The flight that he took on his last day on Earth was hardly his first foray with aviation. Rick designed and built a one man space ship in a bunker in rural Denver. Alone he took off and flew to the moon. He filmed his mission walking the moon with a camera that he designed for Stanley Kubrick. When he returned he was followed by the CIA and taken immediately to Washington where he was debriefed. It seems the government wanted the recognition but didn't want to spend the money for a moon mission (cheap crooks they were) so they watched the footage and hired Rick to create the illusion of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon. (His invention for editing and special effects was purchased by non other than George Lucas). He pulled it off brilliantly, but the White House reneged on the deal and paid him the a tenth of what they promised. Thank you very much Dick Nixon.So what did Rick do? Well, he was never a vindictive guy but I'm here to announce that we just lost "Deep Throat." Yours Truly, G Gordon Liddy.
    10/14/2018 05:23 pm
    Dr. Arthur J. Puff lit a candle and writes,
    Rick, aka Clive, was a classy gent. He introduced me to my wife at Oxford and then we didn't meet again for 25 years. It was a cool January evening in Sierra Leone when he pulled up in candy red vespa wearing loafers with no socks. I drank Bourban, he drank Scotch. Apparently, he was teaching sign language at a School for the Blind during the day and smuggling and snake anti-venom during the evenings. He once relocated three of my fingers during one of our rock climbing adventures. The last time I saw him was in Devil's Lake, North Dakota (Creel's Bay Golf Course) where, on the 17th hole, he left me with the most sage advice I have been given in my entire life. It has become my mantra and I was so moved by his comments that I repeat it every day, first thing upon my awakening...He said, "Never" .... wait, wait, wait.... "Always......Always.....hmmm...Always keep a plastic baggy in your glove compartment. You never know when it will come in handy." Rest in Peace Clive. "Ɔrayt, wi go tok bak..."
    10/14/2018 05:56 pm
    Cheryl Ward writes,
    My condolences to you and your family. The humorous side of him must have made him a wonderful human being. Thank you so much for sharing him with us who never were given a chance to meet him on this earthly side...but meeting him this way...he has given us a great reason to smile. It was so nice to make your acquittance Rick Stein...rest well until we meet again...
    10/14/2018 08:10 pm
    Tommie lit a candle and writes,
    He actually flew me from Hong Kong once, when I had been robbed and had no money. I begged a few coins on the street, called him collect and he flew to Hong Kong, and brought me home to my mansion in Hawaii. I was forever grateful, but forgot to pay him for the fuel for his jet. My bad. I'll send a check one of these days. Oh, I never paid him for the collect call either. Well, guess it's too late now.
    10/14/2018 09:45 pm
    Jane writes,
    Just stunned that the world has lost the only man to have achieved an Erdos-Bacon-Sabbath number lower than 6.
    10/14/2018 09:54 pm
    Black Rock Blu lit a candle and writes,
    I only met Rick once. We were working for the circus and he regaled me with his stories of his triumphant deeds as a lion tamer. I found out later he just scooped up the elephants poop. A hui ho Rick! (He spoke fluent Hawaiian due to being born and raised there) See you on the other side.
    10/14/2018 11:09 pm
    Susan Michelson writes,
    Everytime you laugh, your father is kept alive. Please keep laughing.
    10/15/2018 05:45 am
    One Nut Willie lit a candle and writes,
    I want to send my deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the (alleged) loss of such an amazing man. I first met Rick in 1983 during my #FirstFreshmanYear at the University of Florida. I was playing Tenor Saxophone in the marching band, and I was quite surprised to see a man 20 years my senior marching along side of me. “It’s an interesting story, we will talk about it someday”. Spending a year with your father was something that I had felt would be the highlight of my life. The dude loved a good beer, or 7. No doubt. Imagine my surprise when I was playing in the Drumline at Michigan State for my #SecondFreshmanYear in 1984, and there is Rick again. He face was peering out from behind a bass drum. He gave me a wink, and I knew beer would be served ice cold, and often that year. He never fully explained how he ended up following me from one school to another, 1100 miles apart, but he let it slip at game 4 of the 1984 World Series that he was there doing “surveillance” for the government. I had lost contact with Rick for many years, and had, for years, mourned a friendship lost. Then, very recently, I found myself laying in a hospital bed, having emergency surgery to remove my lefticle. As I was drifting out of consciousness from the anesthesia I saw Rick's familiar face peering at me through the fog. He told me that he had to see me one more time before his next journey, and that “this will only hurt a little”. Rick was probably the most skilled Saxophonist/Percussionist/Surgeon that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Or he was none of the above. In all seriousness: my condolences to Ricks family and friends. He was apparently an amazing person, and his family and friends appear to be a matching set. I hope that someday one of you will take all of these great stories and make a timeline out of them. I will be forwarding this link to my family so that they can see how it is done. Prayers out for all of you.
    10/15/2018 10:11 am
    Jeannine writes,
    To Rick - a kindred spirit who will be missed by many. May he spend the rest of time sipping grappa in Rome and creating more wonderful tales to be shared. To the family and friends he left behind, thank you for sharing him with us - our hearts are with you during this time.
    10/15/2018 11:10 am
    Eliza lit a candle and writes,
    I'll never forget Rick, even though I never really knew him. While scrolling through the recent obituaries, as I often do, to see if anyone I know but lost contact with over the years had passed, I came upon Rick's picture. I'll never forget those kind eyes and warm smile. I had driven all the way from Delaware to Rome,NY for Woodstock '99 only to realize I had forgotten my ticket. I decided to take my chances and try to plead my way in. One of the people collecting tickets at the gate was Rick and upon finding out I was a fellow Delawarian, he slid past the gate and let me in with a sly wink and whispered "Have fun, kid." I had the best time of my life thanks to this guy and I love that so many people have paid tribute & respect to him. Rock on into eternity, fellow Delaware hippie! ✌🏼❤🎶
    10/15/2018 01:05 pm
    Splash of Occidental, CA writes,
    Deep condolences to all that knew Rick. Like my own Dad who loved humor, I know every time you hear a good joke or see irony in action you will think of him. The empty spot in your heart will continue to overfill with memories. In 1985, I am not sure but I think I met Rick on the Denali National Park “school “ bus that drives the 70 mile all day trip to maybe see some animals or a small part of the Mountain. As we were all getting to know each other, Rick said he was taking a day off from doing research for NASA. One man, not Rick, kept complaining about EVERYTHING. In between photographing sights, several of us were tired of the complainer. We all made suggestions about how to take care of the problem. We solved the problem at the first rest stop. We exaggerated how long it would be to the next stop. We all should definitely take care of any business there! The complainer went in to use the new solar outhouse. Mysteriously a 2x4 left from construction blocked the door while we reboarded the bus. We started a loud round of Hail, Hail, the Gang’s All Here followed by a Hundred Bottles of Beer on the Wall. I had my window down and could faintly hear some shouting. After a few minutes we settled down to a ride of fun comraderie. Nobody admitted to moving the board but the fellow named Rick, seemed in especially fine spirits.
    10/15/2018 01:27 pm
    Chris P. Bacon lit a candle and writes,
    After reading all the stories here, I know in my heart that this is the same guy I met many years ago. I first met Rick backstage at a Hootie and the Blow Fish concert in Scranton, PA. While talking about our shared love of all things Hootie, somehow our conversation turned to classic wooden boats. We discovered that not only did we share a pure enjoyment of Hootie and the Blow Fish but we had a common interest in building wooden boats. Rick spoke to me of his shop where clients would custom order classic wooden boats from him and how he loved working with the wood. He shared with me his special technique for making the boat water resistant without taking away from a perfect, flawless shine. A technique that he skillfully mastered. He had such passion for his work. I nearly cried listening to him describe with such tenderness how he would coax the wood to be what he needed. He was quite a craftsman and unparalleled in his art. I took the advice he offered so freely and used it in building my first wooden boat which I named “The Rickster.” The next time I had the good fortune of seeing Rick was when I was visiting the pyramids in the desert of Egypt. It was a sweltering heat that day when I saw this figure walking across the sand. The image, which I truly thought was a mirage, turned out to be Rick. He walked up with a calm, swagger (that only he could do), shook my hand and asked what had taken me so long to get there. We laughed and laughed! He spoke of his past travels to Egypt and mentioned that I should reconsider taking a tour of the pyramid and mentioned that it gets mighty dark when the tour guide turns off the flashlight and demands payment before he will lead you out (wink). Then he told me that running into me was the best surprise of his entire trip. I will always remember Rick and that day fondly and with the tip of that fantastic hat he wore, he was off to his next adventure. Rest in Peace, Rick! All jokes aside………….I am truly sorry for your loss. I do hope that all the adventures of your loved one shared here brings a smile to your heart and life. God bless.
    10/15/2018 04:09 pm
    Juan Morefore DeRoad (Verified) writes,
    I first met Rick in Tuscaloosa when he helped Nick Katzenbach and Bobby Kennedy desegregate the University of Alabama. After that, I didn't see him again until that day at Khe Sanh, when he flew in three planeloads of ammo and steaks. I've never seen a Boeing 737 flown in such a masterful way before or since. Sadly, we lost touch after he ate the last mango in Paris. RIP!
    10/15/2018 08:13 pm
    Robert Pinkevitch lit a candle and writes,
    Rick, Shine on you crazy diamond! One less millionaire ballonist to regale with tales of daring do! Rick always had a cunning plan! To the Stein families, what a great guy Rick was to have so much love and fun in his and your lives! kudos to such a great farewell :)
    10/16/2018 02:18 am
    Pat Kent lit a candle and writes,
    Rick had Perfect Pitch. You don't forget that about a person.
    10/16/2018 02:06 pm
    Cheryl Laughlin writes,
    Rick, we hardly knew ye... actually, I never knew ye but oh how I wish I did! A life writ large with derring-do and love. The bar has now been set high, and we shall all strive to rise to the occasion. Healing hugs to your family and friends, with a tip of the hat to such lovely inspiration.
    10/16/2018 08:05 pm
    Sue writes,
    I'm sure he is my long lost dad, I recognize him from a worn-out picture my mother had.
    10/16/2018 10:51 pm
    Cheryl Laughlin lit a candle and writes,
    Rick, we hardly knew ye… actually, I never knew ye but oh how I wish I had. To a life writ large with love and derring-do! The bar has now been set high, and I hope we all rise to the occasion. Healing hugs to your family and friends, with a tip of the hat to the lovely inspiration.
    10/17/2018 12:19 pm
    Hannah Hirst-Dunton lit a candle and writes,
    Genuinely heartfelt condolences to all who knew Rick; I envy you for having him in your lives. Please know that the epic story of his achievements has reached the UK, where his (and your) wry, sardonic and tender sense of humour is being much admired. Actually... now I look at his photo again, I'm pretty sure he was the man who pulled me from a burning building at the tender age of five, before he dove back inside to rescue a basket of kittens, a priceless Rembrandt and a tome of groundbreaking research on statins.
    10/18/2018 10:30 am
    Kerri writes,
    The story I heard was that Rick Stein taught Chuck Norris everything he knows. I hope that Rick's life was as much a blessing to those around him as his obituary has been to me. Thank you to whomever wrote such a spirit-lifting and smile-inducing tribute, and I hope you will accept my sincere condolences.
    10/18/2018 12:53 pm
    David writes,
    Very saddened to hear of the passing of Rick, I met Rick when I was trekking through India and I was stuck with an auto driver demanding that I pay some kind of fee because I was a westerner and from Australia. Rick overheard the conversation and in fluid Tamil solved the issue right there and then, he even paid the extra rupees for me. From that moment we hit it off, we shared many nights eating Chicken Tika Marsala and drinking Bombay Sapphire Gin, arguing over who the greatest singer of all time was, his favourite old blue eyes himself, and mine, of course, Gene Simmons from Kiss. Keep on winning bets and making people smile.
    10/20/2018 12:27 am
    Smoky Joe lit a candle and writes,
    Ummm…. I just had a rousing round of Texas Hold'em with Rick yesterday. But of course he won. He always wins. However, he gave me his lucky rabbits foot after I lost 5K (I sobbed) - hopefully it will bring me luck. We played in Jacksonville, Florida for five hours! He seemed fine. And lucky. I do know he mentioned his lovely family and that he would see them as soon as he could. Rick sure loves his family - that's all he talked about while whipping our butts. God Bless.
    10/25/2018 08:21 pm
    L. Thomas Underhill Jr. writes,
    My condolences to Alex, Dave, Drake, Sam, Evan and the Stein family.
    10/26/2018 06:35 pm
    JAVHD Films writes,
    Loved the post keep it up! https://javhd.com.au/genre/1pondo/
    11/19/2018 12:51 am
    OnlineMedicineInfo.com writes,
    People cope with the deaths of loved ones in many different ways, but dare we say few approach it as creatively as Rick Stein’s family.
    03/29/2019 02:41 pm
    DB Cooper lit a candle and writes,
    Rick asked me to tell his friends and family that he's alive and well, living in an undisclosed island paradise with me, Elvis, Jimmy Hoffa, and Tupac. Here, we never age, and our stories go on forever. You may have read some of them in this thread, and you may read more of them in the future. Rick asked me to pass along verification of his identity: he has a birthmark shaped like the Black Sea on his left glute, and a gold cap on his far-back upper molar. He'll never forget his first glimpse of you, Melanie, across the room at a burlesque show, when you ripped off your tutu to show your scarlet thong. Jamie, fruit of his loins, you could do a lot worse than follow in Rick's footsteps. Amen
    06/29/2019 08:12 am