Rick Alexander 1947-2009

Joe McHam · Post by **Joe McHam** » 23 May 2009 12:56 pm

How tragic and sad. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rick's family during this very difficult time.

Drew Howard · Post by **Drew Howard** » 23 May 2009 1:56 pm

Poor Rick. Herb Remington called, he's sad, but said Rick did a lot for the steel guitar community. Rick, if you're "up there listening", more kudos coming your way!

Drew

Scott Thomas · Post by **Scott Thomas** » 23 May 2009 4:15 pm

I find myself repeatedly coming back to these posts as though somehow it will turn out not to be true. This was all so sudden that it is having a hard time sinking in. I never met Rick, yet it's a wonderful aspect of forums like this that strangers from all over the world can come to feel that they know one another. Rick's positive and enthusiastic presence was a mainstay for me here, and while I think it will continue to live on in spirit, the absence of his frequent and helpful input will leave a big void.

I once posted to tell him how much I appreciated his website and sharing so much information and pictures of his steel guitars. It's a resource I use often. He immediately PM'ed me to say thanks and to invite me to come see him in Florida anytime. That really touched me. I can't believe how outgoing and generous he was. Now reading all these posts, I see that it was in the man's DNA to be so.

What a legacy to leave behind. My condolences to his family. I hope it is some comfort to know that Rick was so well regarded by so many.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 23 May 2009 4:28 pm

Oh, no. I'm so sorry to hear this news. My condolences to the family. A great loss for us all.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 23 May 2009 4:39 pm

Scott Thomas wrote:I find myself repeatedly coming back to these posts as though somehow it will turn out not to be true....

I thought I was the only one doing that. Every post I look at reminds me of him. When I go to check my personal messages the last five out of eight were from Rick. He's going to leave a big void in the Forum and in the lives of many people. It reminds us all of how frail and precious life is.

Jerry Gleason · Post by **Jerry Gleason** » 23 May 2009 6:00 pm

I'd like to add my condolences to Rick's family, friends, and loved ones.

Ken Lang · Post by **Ken Lang** » 23 May 2009 6:04 pm

Like some others, I've been a member since the old forum. Every time someone leaves us, it's the saddest of days. Rick is of course, no exception.

Every time someone moves on, a prayer must be said, and so this time. From all of us.

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 23 May 2009 6:15 pm

Rick,Thank you for the nice website,You're ability to make those changes amazed me..you certainly knew your computer better than anyone I know, you made magic with your talent..I'm here on the west coast at the Fender Factory and will contact your wife Cathe when I return...Rick was amazing, he would refer to himself as "The Amazing Rick Alexander"and that he most certainly was!!! Rick will not only be known on this Forum..but all over the world...

Jody-edited for spelling..

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 23 May 2009 6:58 pm

Our condolences to the Alexander family. It's just too stunning to believe. What a terrible loss.

Eric Ebner · Post by **Eric Ebner** » 23 May 2009 7:42 pm

Rick was a musical soul and I think an answer in the music we bring to the table could not be more appropriate... This song has not left my mind since hearing Kevin sing this tune at the Texas Jamboree where he helped Rick with the non pedal sessions.

YOUR TRAIN WILL COME written and performed by Mr. Kevin Brown

People come, and people go
Winds of change, they will always blow
Don't be afraid, you're not the only one
When you serve your time, your train will come

Some will fall, some will fly
Some will just let life pass them by
Don't be afraid, your not the only one
When you serve your time, your train will come

One by one, and side by side
Down those rails of steel, we will ride
Don't be afraid, you're not the only one
When you serve your time, your train will come
When you serve your time, your train will come
© Kevin Brown

Rick did not let life pass him by. Rest in peace.

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 23 May 2009 8:25 pm

Rick was the same age as me and that rings a certain bell when it comes to confronting one's mortality. Yeah he died too young and he probably had a lot more living to do - we can say that. But ya know what - he died with his boots on. There's something to be said for that. His decline from health unto death was compressed into a very short time - something we should all hope for when our time comes. There's a measure of dignity in that that some of us won't know. Now he won't have to be a little old man in diapers with alzheimers in an old folks home. He has migrated to northern latitudes but in the memories of those who remain behind,he'll always be a strong and bright alpha male.

Kay Das · Post by **Kay Das** » 23 May 2009 8:34 pm

in rememberance of rick alexander:

remember the day when you were born,
all were smiling, but you were crying
lead such a life that when you die,
all will cry, but you go smiling...

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 23 May 2009 9:14 pm

I hope all that has been written by his many friends
will bring a sense of peace and love to his family. I never met Rick, (my loss). However I always enjoyed his threads, his obvious sincere devotion to the steel guitar along with his unwavering generous advise.

Jimmie Misenheimer · Post by **Jimmie Misenheimer** » 24 May 2009 4:27 am

It's so sad when we lose one of "ours". I'm sorry - I have no words... Jimmie

Walter Stettner · Post by **Walter Stettner** » 24 May 2009 5:40 am

This can't be true. I have been away from the forum for a couple of days and had no idea. Not Rick, one of the nicest people one can ever meet. Unexpected is even more of a shock.

RIP, my friend. You did so much for all of us by just being yourself. You will be greatly missed!

Walter

Charles Kleinert · Post by **Charles Kleinert** » 24 May 2009 7:18 am

I had the pleasure of meeting Rick and the Steel convention in Dallas, he was a super guy. He wanted to and was willing to help any steel player who came to him.

Please pass along condolences to his family.

He will be missed.

Charles Kleinert

ray qualls · Post by **ray qualls** » 24 May 2009 8:34 am

Our condolences to Rick and his family from the members of the KSGA. Such a tragic loss and he will be missed. Ray

Joe Naylor · Post by **Joe Naylor** » 24 May 2009 8:39 am

I almost hate to click on this section for this reason.

I am shocked.

I was fortunate enough to have the room across the hall from the non-pedal room in Dallas this past year. Rick (on several occasions made a point to just come chat once we got to know each other the first day) What a nice guy and what a blow to the steel guitar family.

R. I. P Mr. Rick

Robbie Bossert · Post by **Robbie Bossert** » 24 May 2009 9:30 am

R.I.P. Rick.........

Robbie Bossert

Kevin Brown · Post by **Kevin Brown** » 24 May 2009 9:57 am

After many emails I finally met Rick at the Dallas Show this year. I learned a lot from him, I became a better person just by observing him being himself. I will never forget you Rick

Neil Cameron · Post by **Neil Cameron** » 24 May 2009 10:44 am

Condolences to Rick's family and so many friends, I never met him : that was my loss. Thanks for the tuition videos and the music he made and promoted, just amazing........

Neil Cameron

George Rout · Post by **George Rout** » 24 May 2009 12:27 pm

Shocked isn't a strong enough word. It seems unreal. I can't believe it. He's been so helpful to so many including myself. Faye and i send our condolances to the family. RIP Rick.

George & Faye Rout
St. Catharines, ON

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 24 May 2009 12:49 pm

Wow! I never met Rick but he was an asset to the steel guitar community. My condolences to his family.

Skip Cole · Post by **Skip Cole** » 24 May 2009 3:11 pm

I'd like to send my condolences to Rick's family and friends , may God comfort you all.

Skip

Jeff Strouse · Post by **Jeff Strouse** » 24 May 2009 5:12 pm

Rick's wife and daughter want to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. It means so much to them. They knew he was loved by many, but I don't think they realized just how many!

The memorial service plans have been put on hold for now. This has been a very difficult time for his family.

The family requests any cards or letters be sent to his P.O. Box:

Rick Alexander
P.O. Box 370
Hallandale, FL 33008

In lieu of flowers, they are requesting that donations be made to the Steel Guitar Forum in his name.

Rick would be so touched to hear all these wonderful comments. When he called me the day before surgery (May 17), I didn't realize it would be the last time I'd talk to him. I told him of how everyone is thinking of him...and he asked me several times to be sure and thank each and everyone.

The steel guitar world has suffered such a loss...he was Mr. Steel Guitar...his heart and soul was devoted to nothing but encouraging and promoting the instrument...a pillar of the forum...always helping and sharing...

Through our many road trips and visits together, I was lucky enough to kind of get to know the man a bit...his thoughts, goals, and dreams...

He was one of the greatest guys I know..

It was an honor and pleasure to have been his friend. I've never lost a friend this close before. I feel such a void that I don't think will ever fully heal. He was like a brother to me...the older, wiser one...the one where you say, "when I grow up, I want to be like him".

It's so hard to believe he's gone...

The Steel Guitar Forum

Rick Alexander 1947-2009

Saddened!

Rick Rest in Peace!

RIP Rick