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.
30 comments:
That's my dad!
Love,
Madison
I miss you daddy
Rick is our son. We miss him, too, Maddie.
NaNa & PaPa
It has been 4 years, Rick, and you are still in our prayers, our hearts and our memories.
Love,
Mom & Dad
I only meet you once Rick but you left an impresion on me. Sabrina Heath
Rick has another daughter, Elizabeth who only met him once. He was married to my mom. I have his hair and skin coloring and eyes too. I wish I had known him.
He also had a daughter Elizabeth who has his fair skin and hair color and eyes.
just found out my condolence to family. I worked with rick 01-02 before I moved to ft. myers. Frank Delatorre
Rick was my younger brother and lived life large all the way to the end. Always the life of the party, and had a heart of gold. Rest easy my dear brother. . . .
Dirk
Frank, Thank You for the message. It is five years now and easier to remember the great times!
His parents,
Conrad & Tricia
Frank, Thank You for the message. It is five years now and easier to remember the great times!
His parents,
Conrad & Triciaaa
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts...
Rick obviously was one of the best !
God Bless
Miss you Brother...Still flying the Flag. Till we meet again...Sammy
Hey Elizabeth!! its Madison!! idk if ur gonna read this but if you do please tell me your facebook if you have one. Thank you :)
Love,
Madison :) (his daughter)
Another year has passed. You are not forgotten. Miss you my Brother. Still flying the flag...Sammy
Miss you!
Melissa
Still miss you everyday </3
Love, Maddi. (:
Rick was my Uncle. I only spoke to him once on the phone, I've heard stories from my cousin, aunts and uncles. They say he was a pretty cool dude. I wish I could've had more time with him. I'll always love him and can't wait to eventually meet him.
My dad the legend
Did anyone want to know about me Ricky holsomback his son
As the 10th anniversary of Rick's death approaches I would invite all his friends and family to send comments.
Tricia (his Mom)
Erik, how are you connected to Ricky?
Tricia ( Rick's Mom)
I recommend going to the top of this post and reading the original post
Tricia
It has been 10 years my son, since we were last together. Hope you and your Dad and Sis and baby brother are happily together and praying and waiting for the rest of us to meet you again!
love,
Mom
Rick, Another year has quietly passed since the Lord took you from us. A highlight was Madison's graduation. You would be just as proud of her today as you were when she was small.
Your family continues to think of you and recall fond memories.
Our love and prayers are for you this day.
Love,
Mom
I lived in the duplex next to Rick. I think of that crazy guy often.☝️🙏❤️
Ginger
Hey Ginger it’s Madison, if you ever see this add me on facebook! Would love to talk to you. My fb is Madison Genevieve. I’m friends with Nana on there :)
Love you bro!
What a great way to honor a wild and loving Uncle. I enjoyed getting to spend time with you while you were getting treatment in SC. Love ya
Rick would have been 59 today. May he rest in Peace. good memories to all who knew him, especially the other divers., Mom
Happy birthday Uncle Rick!
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