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Rick Stutley died suddenly and unexpectedly on July 2, 2015. On an ordinary errand to the bank, he had an apparent heart attack and died in the parking lot in his car.
Rick and I became best friends at Sequoia Junior High. It was a friendship that lasted throughout our years at Taft and for the remainder of his life. We each have two children close in ages. Our families grew up enjoying activities, trips and holidays together.
Rick became a high school math and science teacher and worked with incarcerated youth until he retired several years ago. He is survived by his two younger sisters, his wife of 44 years, Daryl, and his two sons Weston and Gareth. He was able to see both of his sons marry wonderful women in October of last year and May of this year. Rick, Daryl, their sons and their sons wives spent most of their free time together. They are a very close family who miss him dearly, as do I. He was a unique individual.
Whenever we parted, Rick would say, “washte” which in Lakota Sioux means, “You and I are good”
Washte, Rick.
Skip Helms
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Sharon "Sherry" Smith (Grigsby)
My sympathy to Rick's wife, family, and friends. I am sorry for their loss of a husband, father, and grandad. My sympathy too, to Skip, who lost a life-long friend.
I have fond memories of Rick at school. We shared a table in physiology class and worked on assignments together. I remember Rick getting on the bus for Grad Night at Disneyland - with his whole face bandaged! Apparently a car radiator blew up and scalded him. It was traumatic just looking at the bandages, but he came to Disneyland anyway.
I know he had a full and amazing life, with many loved ones who will miss him greatly. I'm honored to have known him.
Sherry Smith Grigsby
John Miehle
What a heart felt memorial by Skip Helms that describes a friend. schoolmate and gunuine good person.
Although Rick and I were more schoolmates than friends, we had many classes together through Sequoia and ultimately Taft. You know, that kind of acknmowledgement where you say Hey or walking down the hall give the Nod.
It was quite a time to grow up. You just instictively know the shared experiences of those you went to school with. When I read this and saw it was Rick Stutley, I immediately thought, Good Guy.
My prayers and thoughts to his family.
John
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