Rick Wilson Memoriam

RICHARD LEE WILSON 10/31/1947 - 12/09/2007

Rick was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a gentleman that was loyal, honest, trustworthy, spiritual, and fun loving. He was a man of conviction and unwavering in his thoughts and opinions. Rick was one of those "Good 'Ol Boys" from the Oklahoma and Texas arena. He had that Texas drawl when he spoke and endless expressions that sprung from his quick witted mind. His spontaneous wit will go without equal in my mind!

What did Rick love? Well, he loved his wife, Cathy, his children and grandchildren. But, family aside, I believe he loved riding his motorcycle(s) and the camaraderie of his friends most of all.

I am absolutely grateful to have known Rick and called him "friend"! It was just last Friday when I thanked him for being my friend. He said "Right back atcha, Big Boy!" I will miss being called "Silverback", Big Boy", and "Good Buddy"! I will miss his wit and great sense of humor. I will miss the beaming pride he exuded over his motorcycle, whether it be his Kawasaki Intruder, Valkyrie, Gold Wing, ST1300, Mean Streak or, lastly, his dream bike, the Harley! I will miss riding with him on the variety of roads we traveled together to the far reaches of the 10 Western states. I will, most of all, just miss HIM!

Rick lived hard, worked hard, fought hard and played hard. Now it is time for that hard earned rest! May he be at peace! Sleep tight "Old Buddy"!

I love you, Rick!
Your brother in kind,
Dave Fletcher

I just wanted to say that Rick was very lucky to have belonged to such a fine organizaton and to have the great friends that I saw today at Breakfast.Rick would have been so proud of all of you. Rita and I have learned that people from this club would do anything to help fellow riders and the plate setting ceremony today was something to be proud of.

As for Rick, just remember this. He got up Sunday morning and rode in 40 degree temperatures to a charity event for those less fortunate. He had the pleasure of once again riding his bike and being with his many friends. On this day, he happened to have his picture taken with some of those friends, certainly a going away present from God. He did not know that in a few short hours his ride would end here on earth but never forget he fought the good fight and he certainly finished his race in style. I have no doubt that Rick has a seat in Gods cabinet and we can only hope that we meet our maker as well as Rick did on this fine Sunday.

Respectfully,

John and Rita Root

It was good to talk with you again after so long. I am sorry that it took Rick's passing to encourage me to contact you. I want to thank you for your huge heart filled message regarding Rick, I know that he knew how much he was truly loved by everyone in BSR. I miss the group, but

I have chosen to remain bikeless in recent years. It seems that I never fully recovered mentally from my accident down near Lake Elizabeth. I guess I still have a certain amount of fear related to riding motorcycles to this day. The thoughts that I had at the time of the accident all centered around my fear of getting into another accident and winding up paralyzed because of my back conditions. I guess it's better that I keep that chapter of my life closed. However, I do still think of you and all of the BSR family often. I even visit the website occassionally. So, understand...I was very fond of Rick, and I will miss him. He was a good friend and a valuable biking buddy.

Paula and I extend our condolences to BSR for your loss and to Cathy Wilson as well.

May you and BSR live long...

Gary Williams - BSR Founder & Original President

Now some of you will think; “ what kind of a bond is a motorcycle?” Well I’ll tell you.

A stressful day can be quickly forgotten after a ride thru a winding road. I remember such a road. There was just Rick and me coming back on Bena road, where he calmly guided me thru twists and turns, and I followed his lead till we were safely back in town, rested and calm.

A gloomy day can certainly be brightened with motorcycle buddies getting together over a cup of coffee talking bikes. I remember many such cups of Mojo while discussing the superiority of the Gold Wing over the Harleys. Rick accepted the ribbing good naturedly and always had those special quick witted answers with the southern drawl delivery that had the rest of us rolling from laughter. It will not be the same without “Clonk”

A reflecting day brought about by the ongoing Middle East conflict could always be tempered by the fact that Rick fought another war in another time. Many of us shared some of his military experience and we all shared in a certain pride that come from knowing that we are free because of the sacrifices made by Rick and others.

A joyful day was always much better when shared with our” brothers” on a long asphalt ribbon. Rick shared many memorable rides with us, especially our July adventure that covered many miles and many states.

I didn’t know Rick as long as the rest of the “group” perhaps, but he accepted me just because I love riding motorcycle. That acceptance turned into respect and trust. That was all the common ground needed to introduce a friendship into my life that will not be soon forgotten. Rick was my friend and I was his without ever saying it. So long good buddy, keep the rubber on the road.

Thanks Guy, for putting into eloquent words what I and I'm sure the rest of us feel about Ricks passing.

My Friends,

I have not slept well these past two nights. I kept waking up remembering little things about Rick Wilson. I laughed, however early this morning when I awoke thinking about his ricocheting wit when being teased about riding a Harley.

I have only been a member of Bakersfield Street Riders for a little more than an year but Rick was one of the first to not only shake my hand, but to put an arm around me and welcome me to the club.

Rick was a rough on the outside, but tender on the inside individual. He and I shared stories about 'Nam and riding bikes and I thoroughly enjoyed his company.

I am going to miss this gentleman; and that is what Rick was - a true gentleman.

I know Rick is leading the pack in Heaven, free from pain and worry.

God Bless you Rick
Joel Park

I thank you for putting together this wonderful letter that I am sure would express most of our inner feelings. Very well said and truly enjoyable to read.

The only thing that I would like to add to Fletch's letter is that I know we other friends of Rick feel the same. And, Fletch, I know that your letter to us was from your heart. It is truly big! Good job! No, GREAT JOB!

Legacy Guest Book for

Richard Lee Wilson

December 30, 2007

I can't express how much the wonderful comments here mean to the family.
It is very comforting to know he had so many friends.
I was unaware my husband belong to more than one motorcycle club. I didn't mean
to leave anyone out of the obituary. I knew he was acquainted with some members
of the Christian Motorcycle group and Harley group. I never questioned him about
his rides and friends, I knew how he loved it all so much and I just left him to
it. I hope all of you know how much he loved all you guys and how completely
content he was.

Cathy

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December 17, 2007

We traveled many roads together, and, you know the ones we loved. Your mission,
should you chose to accept, is to be prepared to journey together on those same
types of roads when we meet again. 'Til then, I will miss your wisdom, sarcasm
and Texas wit. You charmed your way into my life, as you did many others, and
not one of us regrets having let you do so! Ride as the wind, Old Pal, and keep
the "shiny side up"!
Always a place in my heart!
"Big Boy"

DAVID FLETCHER (BAKERSFIELD, CA)

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December 17, 2007

Well Rick, you made it back to the world with the rest of the battered bunch,
now you are headed home.Godspeed Comrade, from your buddies at Thursday PTSD
Group. You will be missed. "Hand Salute, Ready...Two" Bud Karrer,

Bud Karrer (Bakersfield, CA)

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December 14, 2007

Rick, you'll be missed, no doubt about that. We're glad we got to know your
thru BSR and we enjoyed our last ride together! Your family is in our prayers.

Rita & John Root (Bakersfield, CA)

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December 14, 2007

Ricky, Our friendship is not based solely for the time you spent on earth, it is
a friendhip that will last for eternity. Ride on ahead my friend and we will
catch up someday.
Until then Ricky, rest in peace. You will be greatly missed, but NEVER FORGOTTEN.

Butch & Tonya Giggy (Bakersfield, CA)

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December 14, 2007

I have many fond memories of riding motorcycles with Rick in the Bakersfield
Street Riders. For several years, we were close riding buddies. Rick was a true
friend, and I will miss him. May God grant us all his love, peace, and wisdom as
we grieve for our motorcycle brother.

Gary Williams (Bakersfield)

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December 14, 2007

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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December 14, 2007

Richard we'll all miss you a hell of a lot. Backorder Ben

Benjamin Patten (Bakersfield, CA)

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December 14, 2007

Richard you were loved by many and you will be remembered by all, Ride on my
friend! My prayers are with your family.

Harley Davidson

Jakub Nademlynsky (Bakersfield, CA)

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December 14, 2007

Cathy,

Rick was a great friend, will miss him alot.

Bakersfield Harley

Tommie Everett (Bakersfield, CA)

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December 14, 2007

I AM SO SAD TO HEAR ABOUT RICK I LOVED HIM SO MUCH I LOVED TO SEE HIS HAPPY FACE
EVERYDAY HERE AT THE HARLEY SHOP. HE WILL ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER AND
FRIEND HE BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY TO THIS PLACE HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY SO
MANY!!

STEPHANIE BAKOS (BAKERSFIELD)

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December 14, 2007

R.I.P RICHARD WE WILL MISS YOU AT BAKERSFIELD HARLEY-DAVIDSON. YOU WERE THE BEST.
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

TINA MIKOLAJCZAK (BAKERSFIELD, CA)

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December 14, 2007

Rode to no end, lived without limits. You will be loved and remembered!

Denice Penilla (Bakersfield, CA)

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December 14, 2007
CATHY, I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR BOUT RICHARD.I PRAY THAT GOD GIVES YOU AND THE KIDS
STRENGTH IN THIS TIME OF SORROW....

CRISTA ALBERSON (SHAFTER, CA)

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