That is why my work history is such a disaster. Rick in his own words: “I have learned to live with pain for thirty three years Re Crohns-Colitis in 1969. In June of 2003 he had lens implants where his vision was better than 20/20. In Nov 2002 was diagnosed with a cataract in both eyes and became legally blind. He gained his weight back and seemed healthy for once. Losing weight rapidly and ill, he had surgery for a “complete “proctocolectomy & ileostomy”. Trying to exist and take care of himself he applied for whatever work he could find off and on through the years, such as: Forklift operator, P/T helper/Route Driver/manual work digging up scotch broom, laborer/truck driver loading & unloading/warehouse work, pipe loader/parts runner/shop work/ and became a P/T Union Boilermaker.įrom 1990-92 he worked as a “Night” watchman” at Marymount Academy for Harold LeMay in Spanaway. Either purchasing cars for his personal use, restoring then reselling them as he did with his Austin Healy, 72 Red corvette, several motorcycles, and boats. Rick being “old school”, did not want to join in on that type of artistry. He closed his business in Sept of 1983 due to the competition of other painters and with “air brushing” becoming the newly desired craving for all types of businesses. semi trucks, concrete pump trucks, murals, m/c gas tanks, pin striped cars, guitars and lettering of signs for classic cars describing the cars details. He painted according to the design of what the purchasers wanted several boats of all sizes with their boat names and their dinghy’s…. He took a lot of pride in hand painting these signs with precision & quality and it showed!! For example He made wood signs such as ‘’LeMay”, that are still being displayed on the building behind “Lucky’s” drive in at 13502 Pacific Ave S, Parkland, WA which are over thirty years old. He was a one man band doing all of what it takes to run a business by himself for himself. In Feb of 1982 he opened up his own business “Signs & Designs” on 6 th Ave in downtown Tacoma. Rick was very gifted with his natural ability as an artist in drawing anything. Not feeling well, and struggling to find employment he became depressed and Vodka became his best friend to numb the pain. & the Australian Navy(s) and doing some blueprint work with revisions. As a “Marine Wireman” he installed cable runs with tagging through FFG missiles frigates for the U.S. (International Brotherhood of Electrical workers). They diagnosed him with “Granulomatous Colitis”, with involvement of the small intestine.įor three months in 1981, he worked for Todd Pacific Shipbuilding becoming a member of the Local #46 I.B.E.W. for what became an abscess in the lower left abdomen and ended up with having surgery at Puget Sound General Hospital. Oil & Refinery (drafting for piping, electrical, structural and chemical engineers.) (mechanical & electrical), The Bartel Co. they needed.īack to finding a career, a few companies that he worked for as a “ Draftsman detailer” were: Tres West Engineers Co. He also assisted in the designing of the daffodil floats during that year and they used his artistic ability to paint by “free hand”whatever signs, etc. Bates Voc Institute for two years (1973-1975) to become an “Engineer Draftsman.” Courses involved Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural, Structural and Welding drawings. In 1970, he was diagnosed with “ulcerative colitis”: (A chronic, inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract.)Ĭontinuing his education he enrolled into L.H. With the desire of obtaining a career he enrolled into Fort Steilacoom Community College in Tacoma and after three months withdrew due to financial and medical reasons. The draft card came in the mail in 1968-1969 which meant going to Vietnam, being the only son, got out of enlisting due to “hardship” for the family. There he became the man of the house, painting it, plumbing work, mowing the lawn, etc.Īttending Franklin Pierce High School, besides his general studies, he started his knowledge of Carpentry, Art, Mechanical & Architectural drawing, graduating in the class of 1968. High.īy the mid 60’s our parents were divorced so we moved out and, ended eventually living in a house on a five acre blueberry farm on 128 th St. He also learned to play the accordion in the 5 th grade. He was a cub scout for a couple of years. In the first grade his teacher commented that his drawing ability was superior. As a happy kid he attended James Sales Elementary. Rick was born in his grandmother’s home in Tacoma on 113 th St.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |