The Observation Deck

Dear friends:

This afternoon, after having a nice lunch at a restaurant, and a visit with another retired band director, Dad and I came home, and I sent him upstairs for his afternoon nap. He appeared to be doing quite well at that point, but he passed away very suddenly, before even getting into bed.

I was unable to revive him.

Dad would want you all to remember him for his smile and encouragement to others, for his music, (he played his trumpet this morning) and for his great love for all of you, and for Lakewood. With my help, Dad wrote band marches for Lakewood's schools, as well as a band march for America's veterans. He was a Lakewood Schools music educator from 1958-1983. Dad was 94 years young.

We also collaborated on that song about sidewalks. Dad felt very strongly about people keeping their walks safe.

Arrangements are private. No visitations or memorials are scheduled.

Gary Rice

Gary,

I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was an awesome man! He has contributed so much to this community in so many extraordinary ways. He was such a gentle spirit to my kids. Always encouraging them and offering that little bit of knowledge that pushed them on. Please let us know if we can help in anyway. (And I really mean that) We will keep you in our prayers.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Toni

Gary

There are no words for an occasion like this. None I have every found, that will either
fill the void, or take your mind off the loss and the sorrow.

But I am so sorry to hear this. Bob Rice was possibly the nicest most wonderful man I
have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Talented, smart, quick wit, massive heart, and
the wonderful ability to bring out the best in everyone. He was just a beautiful man.

I know what he meant to you as both a father and friend, and all of us were jealous of
the amazing bond you had growing up. A perfect childhood though I know it was not true,
and the perfect mentor, which I know was. The funny thing is no one ever had to be jealous,
one quick moment with Bob and you knew you too were in his heart and that he cared.

As an Observer it was amazing to watch him do his schtick, come in as "the old man" and
blow everyone away with his talent humor and energy. So many times you have said to
me, "Better take Dad home before he gets too tired, and I felt, "Gary tired, Bob could do
another four hours!" That smile, that chuckle, the Will Rodgers advice.

Damn, damn, damn

I will remember the words you told me today forever, and you are right, Bob was right.

I'm crying like a baby.


Bob Rice conducting LHS Band.


Mayor Tom George presenting a proclamation to Bob.

and one of my many favorite moments with you two.


Gary comes to the door around 10pm dressed as a Knight's Templar, swinging a sword.
while Bob hides on the side in the dark and takes pictures. Please note Gary is holding
Bob back, as he was more than ready for more fun!

God I loved him, and you.

If there is anything I can do, call, and I am there.

peace/love

.

Oh Gary, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences are with you and yours at this time. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Condolences on your loss Gary. Sending out prayers of comfort.

Gary,

I am so sorry for your loss. It was always great seeing the two of you together at the Chinese buffet or out and about. It was a great example of quality time between a father and a son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ryan

Thank you all so very much.

I'm just sitting here close to midnight now reflecting on Dad's life, and in particular, this decade since Mom passed away.

This has been a wonderful decade for Dad and me both, and hopefully for others too.

Helping others, we can all take our minds off our own aches and pains.

More often than not, as I got older and Dad got younger, people were starting to think we were twins.

I think he smiled a bit more than me, so I'm going to start working on that.

Thank you Lakewood, for being a wonderful family to the both of us.

You know what they say about energy. You can't destroy it, only transform it, and so it is with our souls. Dad's abundant energy is indeed out there somewhere. Whatever your faith, or if you're just comfortable being "spiritual" or "humanist", just remember that Dad and his WWII buddies served and sacrificed to make sure that you not only had that choice, but also the comfortable free life and opportunities that you do have today. Dad loved God with all his heart, and he loved you all as well. Please honor him and his generation by wisely using the physical and spiritual freedoms that his generation provided to you...so that you too will do for others.

Back to the banjo? Even now?

Especially now.

Gary Rice

My heartfelt condolences on your great loss. The love you shared is so evident in the beautiful way you describe your Dad, his life, and his passing. I wish you peace and comfort and will be thinking of you and your father.

Gary--- I am very sorry. It is our loss. Mr. Rice was one of those special people who have such an impact on young people's lives as he had on mine. We call those people teachers.
Stan

Gary,

Although it has been awhile now, your Dad and I would often run into each other and
exchange pleasantries. Sometimes afterwards it would occur to me that he had somehow
bested me again in a way that was funny and showed that he really regarded people that
he met as valuable. I always looked forward to seeing him. He always made me think
perhaps I could be a little more upbeat in dealing with everyday situations.

Russ

A sad loss for Lakewood. Sincere condolences, Gary.

Gary,

My deepest sympathies on your Dad's passing. He will be remembered by so many as a man who gave much more than he got and as a valued asset to our community.

Gary -

No words can adequatelty convey how sorry I was to hear of your dad's passing.

In his honor ... and yours:

Gary,
Phil and I are so sorry to hear your sad news but we know your dad had the best of care and companionship in these last years. You and he are both great examples of how to live, love life, and use music to work things out.
My deepest sympathy.

Gary, I want to extend my sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. Some of my fondest memories at Harding were when I was in band and he was my director. He was an inspiration to countless aspiring musicians and was truly loved by his students. God Bless, and please find comfort in knowing that he enriched the lives of so many and will live forever in our hearts.