John Richard Rice
‘Rick’
April 26, 1945 - June 15, 2025

LAKEPORT, Calif. — My father Rick was a very beloved member of Lakeport and the people in it. 

He was a sergeant in the United States Air Force during Vietnam. After returning from his duties as a sergeant, he became a meat cutter for Safeway and retired after 30 years. 

Rick's passion upon retirement was working with veterans in any capacity he could. In his younger years, one of his greatest pleasures was riding his Harley Davidson with his biker friends which led to him serving as senior ride captain of the Patriot Guard Riders in Lake County. 

For many years he and his dear friend, “Slick,” were very active in escorting veteran funeral processions and was a large part of Vet Connect. 

He was a Sergeant of the Guard for Lake County United Veterans Council and he started “FRICK” (for Frank and Rick) which provided boots, clothing, food, bus passes, etc. for veterans. As he grew older, he was still honored and remained very active with helping and serving Veterans. 

Rick was predeceased by his wife, Diane Rice, and his sister, Edie Lu Theiderman. 

He is survived by his son, Jeff Rice and daughter-in-law, Kristen Rice of Vancouver, Washington; grandsons, Evan and Ryann Rice of Colorado; grandchildren by marriage, Steven Roach of Oregon, Matt and Rebecca Medlock of Oklahoma; and great-grandchildren by marriage, Bridget, Emily and Zoey. 

Rick was very loved and will be missed tremendously by many!

Graveside memorial services will be held on Friday, July 18, at Hartley Cemetery’s Veterans Circle in Lakeport, with military funeral honors to include the United States Air Force, our Lake County Military Funeral Honors Team and the Patriot Guard Riders.

A potluck reception will follow at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St. in Lakeport. Please bring a dish to share if you can.  

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.