Condolence: Every time I thought about pulling this up and writing about Rick, I started crying... still crying, but at least now I can laugh while I am crying. I meet Rick at Brad's in the 70's, a bar where I worked and he was a customer. We quickly became friends and never lost touch over all theses years! I remember one Halloween Night, Steve a friend of ours decided to show up dressed as a woman. The expressions on Rick's face were his classic ones, eye brow raised, rolling his eyes while he tucked in his chin, saying Ahhh Haaa, as he noticed Steve. in a dress that Steve didn't think to wear something under the dress just in case something should rise to the occasion! Of course not only did Rick have us in stitches with his over the top facial expressions, his one liner, is that a banana in your dress? Had us all rolling on the floor. Rick also used his hand to express his feelings about something, when he put in on his hip, this meant he was telling you it was the most important part of the story! Just a delightful story teller, Rick always had everyone's eyes on him when he was saying anything. When Rick decided you were going to be in his life, that was it! We were always friends, but his lovely wife Sandy wasn't so keen on us remaining friends. I didn't call him any more out of respect, but Rick kept calling, telling me he was my friend a long time before Sandy, and would continue to call me. Over the years I even changed my number, but Rick just came to the condo and laughing said, hey you ain't never gonna get rid of me! Just a wonderful human being, with a wonderful sense of humor! I use to just start laughing when he showed up, because I knew Rick's mannerism's would immediately put me in a good mood as I watched them go into action before any words were spoken. One of my favorite times was when he came over to "give me the good news!" He was a father! He had just had a baby girl! I was shocked, you never told me there was a baby on the way, Rick when did this happen! Still proud as could be he showed me his baby girl's picture~ I think at the time his daughter was 10 or 13, not a baby for sure! Rick was so proud of her, and explained he thought he might have a daughter but was not told by the mother. Then all theses years later he was puffed up like a peacock so proud of his new role in life! He took that role serious too. I loved hearing about her and then grandbabies as the years went on. Rick's life was full of love, he never let the ups and downs keep him down. I was in awe how he fought his cancer, with such a spirit of determination, while still making sure those around him were part of this fight including Maggie Mae. I will miss you popping up at my job, or stopping by to see me at home. I can still see your facial expressions so uniquely you with that hand on your hip as you pointed out the facts of whatever story you were telling. Out of all the people I would want to see on arriving in the next life, world, heaven I would like to see you.. making me have an instant smile, and laughing too! I feel really blessed to have had you in my life. A wonderful friend, a kind human being who always had enough love to go around. I am so thankful for your sister and your daughter who were shinning angels during your fight here. You left early, but they say the good die young, and you were the best of the best Rick... God Bless You!

Condolence: So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers going out to the family.

Condolence: Rick was an amazing co-worker and friend. I had the pleasure of meeting Rick through working at Cox. Rick was a fantastic customer loyalty representative. He was always patient and kind to the customers and did an excellent job. Rick knows that I love lighthouses and Hatteras Island, so he once gave me a beautiful framed picture of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse as a gift on Bosses Day. Rick was a great man with a funny sense of humor. His hot sauce company attests to that. I'm so glad that he had a wonderful sister and daughter to love and care for him until the end of this life. Peace and love to you all.

Condolence: Dear Dr. Eastman,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Although I never met your brother, I felt like I had through your loving posts about him. He seemed like an awesome guy, with a family that truly love love him. You are in my thoughts.

Condolence: Rich is now at home with no more pain! He was a blessed man to have so much love in his life! A wonderful wife and children and an amazing sister! May the promise of our father give you comfort!

Condolence: I may have not known your brother but I do know the love and care for your brother during this journey was much appreciated. Rick was very lucky to have you as his sister especially during this time of his life. I am very sorry for your loss Dr. Eastman.

Condolence: Oh, Rick. I'm really going to miss you. "Hey, Cat-Woman," was your telephone greeting to me for years. Despite your own pain, it was you who kept me going after Sarah passed.

I fondly remember sharing recipes and job war stories. You never failed to make me smile and laugh out loud. Your warped and self-deprecating humor kept my eyes wet. Your heart was the only thing bigger than your mouth.

I love you, Rick. Life won't be the same without you, because there's a hole in my heart the size of Texas.

My deepest condolences and love to Brenda, Vanessa, Chuck, Suzie, Will and Wesley.

Naomi B and Michael Katz

Condolence: I think of Rick and Sarah together. They were a great, devoted couple. We met through a cancer list and were at a gathering together. Sarah loved Andrea Bocelli, and Rick called him her boyfriend. After her death, Rick and I talked. He wanted to get Sarah's book published; I hope he did accomplish that. He was a good-natured guy who loved cooking and food and rhapsodized about his version of this or that recipe. I know he suffered a lot at the end, and I hope now Sarah and Rick are together.

Condolence: Brenda: I've never met Rick a day of my life but I knew him through you good friend. May God grant you and your brother's love ones strength and peace and I pray a special prayer of abundance on your life for the care and unquestionable sacrifices for your Rich.

Condolence: We're so sorry for your loss. Losing a sibling is difficult but Rich is finally at peace. Our heart goes out to you and his family. Sending love and light.
Mary (Tevault) & Mark McNeely