Like Jim & Karen Covell, I too met Rick when he came out to Los Angeles to assist Soozie as a translator with the Russian film-makers. I was on Soozie's team with Associates in Media, and was also immediately struck by his kindness, his unflappable patience in high-stress circumstances, and his incredible (and dry) sense of humor and fun. We didn't realize that after working alongside one another 17 hours a day during the film festival, they continued spending copious time together, so we all were delightfully surprised when they announced their engagement not too long after!
After Rick and Soozie got married and moved up to San Francisco's Bay area, my wife Michelle and I went up and spent a great weekend with them. I didn't expect to see them much once they moved to Moscow, but during an unexpected trip leading Americans to deliver school supplies to 1/4 of Moscow's elementary schools, I was able to join them for a delightful dinner at their apartment.
We've stayed in touch, mainly through Facebook and email, praying for each others' kids, so when Rick first fell ill, I began praying almost daily for Rick and the family, right up until today and beyond. While we're sad at his departure, we look forward to seeing him again, and rejoice that he is with Jesus in heaven. Many hugs and much love to you and the "kids," Soozie!!