Rick Petrykowski

July 11, 1955 - April 10, 2020

Posted

Rick was a thoughtful man, gentle and kind. “Strong like ox, smart like tractor.” A deep thinker, born of his desire for objectivity, clarity and open to all perspectives, he chose his words carefully. Naturally reticent, I would always feel wiser whenever he shared his thoughts. “Think positive and the rest will follow,” a common phrase he would offer to nudge me back to a better way forward. Considerate, he was a truly equal partner in everything magnificent and mundane, throughout our life together. Gracious and respectful, he silently yet wholly stood with me, celebrated me, willing to step in and help, but only if I asked. My spiritual bodyguard. Conscious and attentive, he would bring me flowers for no particular reason, tell me I was beautiful.

Profoundly connected to the natural world, his enthusiasm for being in it never waned. Soared, in fact. And too, he had a wicked funny wit and humor. His rich blue Irish eyes would sparkle and light up the world.

We were able to spend the last few days of his life together at Jefferson Healthcare through their grace and consummate compassion. A tender and horribly beautiful time, while he worked so hard to live, he worked so hard to die. Immensely thankful for the entire staff who cared for our every need.

Rick loved a good party, surrounded by friends he admired. As a memorial to him, I think he would rather those that cared for him, simply step outside, smell the rich earth, look to the sky, listen for the birds, feel the wind on your skin, breathe in the power of the waves and salt air, pick up a rock, hike a mountain trail; spend time in nature with a keen eye to all we have to learn from it. Then to hug those whom you love, long and hard, and tell them of the joy they bring to you every single day. For he taught me that every single day is precious.

Peace and boundless gratitude to you, my dear sweet man.