Rick Holsomback of Key West, Florida, a long time Offshore Rescue "Angel" lost his battle with cancer the morning of July 26, 2005 in South Carolina with family by his side.
Rick had flown as an "Angel" for SBI, APBA, several private teams, and most recently the Offshore Super Series completing the 2004 season in his home town of Key West before retiring due to his illness.
Rick is survived by his two daughters Elizabeth & Madison, and son Little Ricky, his family and many friends.
A funny story is told about Rick after his last race in Key West in 2004. It is told that after the last race, some of the Angels deployed in front of Malory Square for the spectators. Well ole Rick made his jump with fine form, gave the OK signal, and then submerged to the suprise of the pick up boat comming for him. As the boat approached the area Rick appeared with two spiney lobsters. This was just par for the course for Rick as he was an avid fisherman and lobster gatherer.
A memorial service was held several weeks after his passing and was attended by members of Rick's family from South Carolina, friends from Key West and members of the Offshore Rescue community from every organization. We loaded up on several boats and were taken to his favorite lobster hole (or at least close as he never told exactly where it was), tied the boats up and were able to share a few words about him. Rick was always known for doing his own thing and thus flew a Pirate flag over the top of his boat. Although we were not able to get the original one, a suitable replacement was flown that day as the words and tears flowed. His ashes were poured into the water and he was were he always wanted to be. Afterwards all were returned back to the docks and drinks were poured and memories relived again.
Every year at the end of the season on the last night of racing wherever we are, drinks are poured and one for Rick is set on the bar. At the end of the night the guys gather round to once again say a word or two, take a sip of that drink and pass it around until it makes full circle where it is finished and the final toast is made known only to those who knew him well.
So now you know part of the story of Rick Holsomback. and if you ever see it and are wondering...that same pirate flag has flown during every race since his passing no matter the circuit in his honor and memory.
