A Letter to Rick & Family
Dear Rick, Jan, Stuart and Jenny,
Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the whole family. Rick was an absolute one of a kind. For many of us in industry, meeting Rick was a rite of passage, and he absolutely will be missed. Rick would be aghast at an influx of flowers, but supporting the research and treatment of cancer - we are honoured to be a part of this fundraiser.
So, my dear Rick, here is one last email for the road ahead.
Rick, you had passion for height safety that shone through the decades of your entire career, and your goal of saving lives was clear.
You always managed to have a calm, considerate demeanour, and many in the fall protection industry were fortunate to have had a number of in-depth conversations around all things safety, over multiple cups of tea or those never ending phone calls.
You were never afraid to disagree with your peers, but you were always willing to listen.
The time you devoted to the industry was, and will always been felt - and I like many, appreciated that you always made sure that others feel valued and you always took the time to thank people for their work, time and input.
I think you’d be pleased to know you paved the way for others to follow; within the Working at Heights Association, the Australian Standards and ISO Fall Protection committees. You’ve managed to mentor countless individuals across all walks of life, from end-users through to manufacturers, engineers and consultants, directors and government officials.
Yet with all of that said, I don't think we will be able to quantify the impact you have had on many workers and their families; the legacy you have left in the Australian height safety sector will be felt for generations to come.
Like many, I have enjoyed your positive, can-do attitude and energy. I know without a doubt, that your hard work will be continued. That you will be thought of often, for many years to come. Thank you for leaving lasting memories with us all.
I’ll see you again one day.
The next round of tea is on me.
~Deborah Chick
WAHA Secretary and colleague of Rick.
