Rick Alexander 1947-2009

Stephen Abruzzo · Post by **Stephen Abruzzo** » 23 May 2009 5:38 am

Rick was a great guy to a newbie like myself on the Forum. He gave lots of great advice and encouragement. Condolences to his family.

Mike Gross · Post by **Mike Gross** » 23 May 2009 5:45 am

What a shock! I am actually shaking! This is horrible news.

Drew Howard · Post by **Drew Howard** » 23 May 2009 5:48 am

OMG!!!

Ron Whitworth · Post by **Ron Whitworth** » 23 May 2009 6:06 am

So shocked to hear of this. He was a very nice guy & willing to help out anyone. He will be missed by a lot of folks around here. We send our condolences to all his family & friends,, Ron

Jason Dumont · Post by **Jason Dumont** » 23 May 2009 6:21 am

Rick was so kind and encouraging to everyone. He did so much to share his passion and knowledge of steel guitar. This is such sad news.

Chuck S. Lettes · Post by **Chuck S. Lettes** » 23 May 2009 6:21 am

I met Rick a few years ago at the Dallas show when he took over the promotion and the scheduling of the Non-pedal Session. As many people on the Forum have mentioned, his positive, selfless attitude made him a dear friend. His passing is a terrible loss to the steel guitar community, and I will miss him. People like Rick are hard to find.
Your Pal,
Chuck

Tony Glassman · Post by **Tony Glassman** » 23 May 2009 7:00 am

What a shocker! My deepest condolences to both his family and the steel guitar community.

Peter Jacobs · Post by **Peter Jacobs** » 23 May 2009 7:09 am

Denny Turner · Post by **Denny Turner** » 23 May 2009 7:22 am

I'm sorry, ...I'm broken hearted tonight amd at a complete loss for words other than I LOVE RICK DEARLY. Memorial days are always hard for me; This one takes the cake and tests the very core of my Being.

Bill Quinn · Post by **Bill Quinn** » 23 May 2009 7:26 am

Rick's chimes are ringing with the Angels.

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 23 May 2009 7:45 am

What terrible news to read first thing in the morning. My heart goes out to Rick's family and friends. He was a valued member of the Steel Guitar Forum and will be deeply missed.

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 23 May 2009 7:48 am

This is such sad news. Rick was always so prolific, energetic and upbeat, especially about steel guitar. It's hard to believe he's gone, so suddenly.

I'm too distressed to write anything else now.

Dave Harmonson · Post by **Dave Harmonson** » 23 May 2009 7:50 am

Very sad news indeed. Rest in peace and make beautiful music for the angels.

Laurie Ayres · Post by **Laurie Ayres** » 23 May 2009 8:49 am

Roy & I are so shocked! We are praying for Ricks family. We were planning on going down soon & bringing our granddaughter too as she thought so much of Rick too for the flat bar he sent her. How do we tell her he is gone when we can't grasp it ourselves. We will all miss you Rick. I just can't believe you are gone. May the Lord grant comfort to his family and heal their broken hearts along with ours. Laurie

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 23 May 2009 9:00 am

I am also speechless. My prayers go out to the family. Rest easy, Rick.

Donna Dodd · Post by **Donna Dodd** » 23 May 2009 9:08 am

We are so saddened by this news. Rick was such an upbeat guy with a true love of life. I've always enjoyed his posts. I didn't make it to Dallas this year with Tommy, so I missed seeing him play. I told him I'd see him next time. . .

My prayers go out to Rick's family and friends.

Rest in peace, Rick . . .

Donna & Tommy Dodd

Lana Rosselli · Post by **Lana Rosselli** » 23 May 2009 9:23 am

I have been absent from the Forum for some time and missed a lot of announcements. This one just shocks me to no end. I never knew he was sick, let alone hospitalized.

To my dear friend, rest in peace. My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. May God comfort and keep them close during this time. My heart is saddened by his passing.

Kurt Kowalski · Post by **Kurt Kowalski** » 23 May 2009 9:53 am

I am in shock!

OMG!

What a wonderful guy and good friend.

Rick - I WILL Miss you.

Thanks for being my friend and making a difference in my life.

God be with you my Pal!

Someday we will jam again.

Kurt

C. Brattain · Post by **C. Brattain** » 23 May 2009 10:12 am

If every one in this old world was like Rick it would be a much happier place. Chuck Brattain

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 23 May 2009 10:19 am

So tragic. I feel so sad about this. I will miss Ricks' presence on the Non Pedal section of the forum. He seemed to just enjoy all aspects of the non pedal steel guitar. His joyus attitude will be missed on the forum.

God bless him and bless his family at such a tragic time. He will be fondly remembered here.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 23 May 2009 10:20 am

This is awful. I'm stunned. It's hard to put feelings to words. I have to think about it for a while and let it sink in.

K.J. Tucker · Post by **K.J. Tucker** » 23 May 2009 10:31 am

This was not a thing I wanted to wake up and read !
I was fortune enough to meet Rick @ Dallas this year after many talks on Phone and he was always a great source of advice on Steels and the consument gentleman .
Our last call was on the next two conventions , St.Louis & Joliet and we talked about a NON-Pedal Room at each and he decided not to do it in St. Louis after he had talked to Scotty .
We discussed Dallas next year and he kidded me about being the MASTER OF ARMS <security> and I Laughed till I cried and he had good laugh too .
I talked to him about the Cashdollar Guitar and we were going to talk later .
I am at a loss .
When the shock wears off , I stop the tears flowing , My heart will miss my Friend .

Tuck

Tom Cooper · Post by **Tom Cooper** » 23 May 2009 10:49 am

I cant stop thinking about what has happened.Rick was such a big help and inspiration to new steelers like myself. Thank God for all the forum people. You are all so helpful. I could never have learned near as much or as fast without you all. Rick had such style and cool, he truly inspired and educated me and I will always be grateful. TC

Anthony Locke · Post by **Anthony Locke** » 23 May 2009 11:09 am

I talked to Rick for over and hour on what must have been the day he had his heart attack. He was in good spirits and was excited about the TSGA line-up. When I heard he was in the hospital I was worried but from the accounts that were posted on the forum, I thought he was going to be alright. Then I come home today and find out he has passed. It seems so wrong and unfair, it's truely heartbreaking. Rick, i'm really gonna miss you buddy.

Your Pal,

Tony

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 23 May 2009 12:20 pm

Rick gave so much to all of us, as a player, a friend, and a great human being.

There is a special place in heaven for him.

Rest in Peace , Brother.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Rick Alexander 1947-2009

My Heart Aches !

Rick

Shocked!