Thank you all for your wonderful comments, accolades and caring
responses through this difficult time. Rick’s passing was so unexpected and it’s
heartwarming to our family to receive your support. Rick was one of those guys that you could never
forget. He had a presence about him and when I first saw him 45 years ago, I
knew immediately that our paths would cross someday.
Please keep me on your mailing list for upcoming shows and
newsletters. I’m hoping to continue supporting the hobby as much as possible. Thank
you again.
Cherry
Cherry
"Rick" Richard Gary Simi
December 21, 1947 - March 19, 2019
“Rick”, Richard Gary Simi passed away on March 19, 2019 at
Mercy San Juan Hospital in Carmichael, CA after complications from a serious surgery. He was 71 years old.
Rick was born in Oakland CA and was the first born boy and
first boy grandchild in the Simi family. He spent his childhood moving between
El Cerrito, Lake Tahoe and South Carolina before moving back to California and
graduating from Harry Ells High School in 1965.
After graduation, Rick worked with his father at Berkeley
Glass and received his Journeyman Glazier certificate. Later he worked with Bob
Holt, who had a lightshow business during the early rock days. They produced
light shows for rock concerts at Winterland, the Filmore and other Bay Area
concert venues. Rick worked with many popular rock bands during the 1960-70’s
and enjoyed friendships with several.
He had a passion for music all his life, as well as
photography, race cars and motorcycles. Rick
had an artistic flair and was good with his hands; creating stained glass
windows and working with wood. He had many hobbies and always pursued them to
the fullest. He was truly an example of
a “renaissance man”. Rick loved being
outdoors; motorcycle riding, fishing, long range shooting, metal detecting, and
bottle hunting. He was well-known for his knowledge of antique bottles and
wrote a local history book called “Gold Rush Camps and Bottles of Sierra County”.
Rick also created a popular forum-style website about collecting and
researching antique bottles that has a large following of viewers.
Rick ventured into the gold country during the early 1970’s
and finally found his forever home. He camped and panned for gold and
ultimately bought a house in Sierra City.
This was where he wanted to plant roots. He obtained his building
contractor’s license and did much of his work in the Sierra City, Downieville
area. He and wife Cherry purchased the old Downieville Brewery and completely
renovated it. After retiring from the building industry, and at the time of his
death, he was a Federal, State and Locally licensed firearms dealer, instructor
and gunsmith.
During his 49 years as a Sierra County resident, Rick was a
past member of the Sierra City Fire Department; acted in the Sierra City
Fireman’s Follies as the memorable French maid “Fifi”, was a past Downieville
Cemetery Director; served as a Director on the Forest City Historical Society; volunteered
to create exhibits and remodel the Downieville Museum; has been the Yuba Pass
Chili Cook-Off three time first place winner; hosted the annual Downieville
Antiques and Bottles Show, and participated in many other local activities and
organizations.
Rick is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cherry; children
Alex Simi (Napa), James Prince (Downieville), Chandra Baciocco (San Francisco),
Natalina Simi (Oakland). Sister Renee Simi Kantor (Pleasanton) and brother
Michael Simi (Rohnert Park), and several nieces, nephew, and cousins. Dear to
his heart are grand-daughters Macie and Makenna Prince. Also grandchildren
Jordan and Zachary Simi. Rick was preceded in death by his brother Joseph Simi
and both parents.
A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be
announced at a later date.
As in the lyrics from the song Truckin’ by the Grateful Dead:
Sometimes the
light’s all shinin’ on me,
Other times I can
barely see,
Lately it occurs
to me what a long, strange trip it’s been.
We love and miss you, Rick.
 |
| Rick adored his grand-daughters and they loved him back. This is a favorite photo of mine. |
