Rick Alexander 1947-2009

Tommy Young · Post by **Tommy Young** » 24 May 2009 6:40 pm

I like many others here on the forum this was a SHOCK to say the least,I met him a few years ago in ST.LOUIS, he was extremely friendly to all and from that day on he always made it a must do to find and come by for a chat and to check out the newest Modifications I had done,,, he was such a nice guy and did so much for steel guitar and this forum,, He will be missed greatly by all that knew him ;;;My condolences to his family and many friends.

Mac McKenzie · Post by **Mac McKenzie** » 24 May 2009 8:55 pm

Even from this far away, Rick's considerable and valued contribution to the Forum has been greatly appreciated. From time to time, so many benefit from people with his nature.

Nick Reed · Post by **Nick Reed** » 24 May 2009 9:22 pm

I always wanted to go see one of Rick's Tiki-Bar Shows while in Florida, but never got around to doing it. NOW I'M SORRY! We met Rick in St. Louis a few years ago. In fact, I bought his video course for Linda to use for learning non-pedal. I took this picture with Rick when Linda met him in the convention hall. He was such a nice guy with a great attitude and he will be deeply missed.

Nick

pdl20 · Post by **pdl20** » 24 May 2009 9:27 pm

Our condolences to Rick and his family from the members of the Central Arkansas Steelguitar Assoc.

Rich Hlaves · Post by **Rich Hlaves** » 24 May 2009 10:01 pm

I had my 2nd anual Memorial Day Jam today. I played sleepwalk and dedicated it to Rick. I choked up during the dedication and my friends who attended stood up and gave a standing ovation during my dedication. Rick, I know you are looking down on us and that you where here with us today. God bless you and your family. You are deeply missed.

Sincerely

Rich

Post by **b0b** » 24 May 2009 10:08 pm

From Karen, via email:

Rick will be missed by many people.I met Rick on MySpace.com and we became friends throughout time.
We mailed each other all the time and I can hardly believe that that is now gone.I will miss him very much.
My condolences to his family and friends.

Rest in peace Rick

Karen Kaylee

Billy Gilbert · Post by **Billy Gilbert** » 25 May 2009 5:24 am

I met Rick at the 2008 Dallas Jamboree and chatted with him a good bit at Herb Remington's table. Then I watched him in Dallas in 09 act as MC, guitarist, bassist, non-pedal steel player, sound man, and camera man when Jeff was on a little break. Even though he was concentrating on putting on a good show, he still spared a few moments to chat. His passing is a great loss, not only to his family but the non-pedal community as well. He was our Champion. Billy

K.J. Tucker · Post by **K.J. Tucker** » 25 May 2009 8:13 am

Alan Brookes wrote:
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.

Allen Your not the only one . I miss my friend too .

William Steward · Post by **William Steward** » 25 May 2009 8:32 am

I am stunned to hear this news which George Piburn just brought to my attention. It is particulary wonderful and timely to have so much video documentation of the 2009 Dallas TSGA Non-pedal Room sessions with Rick playing and singing. If you haven't seen them, you can find lots of his videos on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XafwCWv0-g4 Maybe a valuable lesson to us all to capture some of these beautiful and fleeting moments for posterity!

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 25 May 2009 9:37 am

Someone might want to nominate Rick for the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. He's certainly served the Steel Guitar community, which is one of the requirements for membership. I can't do it, as I've already nominated someone.

Jeff Strouse · Post by **Jeff Strouse** » 25 May 2009 10:12 am

Everyone, the memorial service (originally set for June 14) has been cancelled. I just received a call from his wife, and she's very sorry if anyone has already made plans. But she has a couple of more things to consider. It's been very difficult for her and the family. Cards can continue to be sent to the P.O. Box. In lieu of flowers, she asks that donations be made to the Steel Guitar Forum. Rick loved the forum and for now the family would like donations to go to it. Thanks, and I apologize for any confusion with the previously posted plans...

J Fletcher · Post by **J Fletcher** » 25 May 2009 11:15 am

Rick was a bit of a legend in London, he played in one of the best bands around back in the mid 60's. The Fortune Tellers. Opened for the Stones here, back in '65. We emailed several times back and forth about old friends and old guitars. Lots and lots of people remember him from the old days. I'm saddened and shocked by this news. Rest in peace...Jerry

Duane Brown · Post by **Duane Brown** » 25 May 2009 11:16 am

I've been away for a few days and just saw this post. This is so sad. I met Rick at his table in Dallas '08 and had a nice visit with him. He was a genuinely nice guy and was all about promoting the non-pedal steel. We talked briefly this last Dallas show and he was so healthy and full of energy that I would have never expected this. My loss is not to have spent more time with Rick. I pray that God will carry Rick's family through this terrible time.
Duane

Roy Rosetta · Post by **Roy Rosetta** » 25 May 2009 11:38 am

This is quite a shock. Mine and Barbara's condolences go out to Rick's family.
...Roy and Barbara

Mark Mansueto · Post by **Mark Mansueto** » 25 May 2009 1:44 pm

I just saw the news about Rick's passing today. Very saddening news to say the least. From the earlier posts I assumed he would recover.

Rick was a true gentleman and generous guy with advice and instuctional videos on the internet that he freely shared with everyone.

I never has the chance to meet Rick in person but I hope that I'll still be able to one day.

Jeff, thanks for all the news and info.

Bill McRoberts · Post by **Bill McRoberts** » 25 May 2009 1:48 pm

My condolences to the Alexander family. Rick was a true friend and added so much to the Steel guitar community. He will be missed.

Bent Romnes · Post by **Bent Romnes** » 25 May 2009 2:21 pm

I've been away since thursday last week and just got to skim the forum. This came as a shock.
Although I never knew Rick or even spoke with him, it was easy to detect the high level of respect he enjoyed here on the forum and among other steel players.
Also, the London ON connection, mentioned by Jerry Fletcher, made me feel some sort of a kinship with this great steel man that I never knew personally.

Rick was born the same year as me. That is a little scary to read.

Rest in Peace, Rick.
Bent

Joe McHam · Post by **Joe McHam** » 25 May 2009 3:27 pm

Although I never got to meet Rick, I feel I know him through this forum, and his music on youtube.... Rick has been taken his place with other Heros of the steel guitar. http://www.joemcham.net/Memories/Rick%2 ... index.html
It is hopeful that the poem below will provide some comfort to each of you. Our deepest sympathy to Ricks family & friends.

To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me
(Author Unknown)

When I am gone, release me, let me go,
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears.
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, You can only guess,
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it is time I travel alone.

So greive a while for if grieve you must,
then let your grief be, comforted by trust.
It's only for awhile that we must part,
so bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on.
So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,
All of my love around you, soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile, and say,.......

"Welcome Home"

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 25 May 2009 5:25 pm

This is just so sad. Rick touched so many of us. I can't fathom Dallas or St. Louis without him, really. What a presence, and gone so fast. Sad days in the steel world for sure.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 25 May 2009 5:41 pm

Rick and I were the same age. This is additionally discomforting.

Today, the long-time treasurer of my Masonic Lodge, Larry Mathews, the man who helped me with my esoteric work, passed away in South Austin Hospital, like Rick, after circulatory surgery. This means that in the past 3 weeks, 6... SIX!!... close friends of mine have gone on.

Guys, I'm not trying to distract or discount my dear friend Rick's passing, but these turns of events are really making me think some very serious thoughts.

I believe I'm right with the Lord. God knows I'm sure trying to be, and I hope we all are spiritually getting our acts together.

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 25 May 2009 6:24 pm

Herb Steiner wrote:

I believe I'm right with the Lord. God knows I'm sure trying to be, and I hope we all are spiritually getting our acts together.

Wise words.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 25 May 2009 6:47 pm

There are a good many of us about the same age as Rick. The maxim is, not to think that tomorrow is your last day, but to live as though it were, because some day it will be.

Randy Gilliam · Post by **Randy Gilliam** » 25 May 2009 7:33 pm

Rick Will be missed By Many! Prayers For The Family and friends Left Behind,God Bless all our Forum Brothers and Sisters!Randy Gilliam.

Dean Gray · Post by **Dean Gray** » 26 May 2009 12:13 am

I am so sad to hear this news. I have been away from the forum for just a few days and this was the last thing I expected to find on my return.

Rick would contact me through the forum and myspace, and was incredibly helpful and supportive of me when I contacted him about learning non pedal steel guitar. His material really helped me get started on the A6 tuning, which remains my favourite to this day.

I still can't believe he has gone.

Rest in peace my friend, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dean.

Fred Kinbom · Post by **Fred Kinbom** » 26 May 2009 2:56 am

This is very, very sad. I never met Rick in person but I hoped to do so one day. He seemed to me to be all about sharing and positivity, a truly generous and good guy. My thoughts are with his family and close friends.

Fred

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