Obituaries

I was shocked and so very saddened to hear that Rick was gone. I liked Rick a lot when we worked together, and even though I was his boss I always got the feeling that it was mutual. Such a great sense of humour and I adored the way he loved talking about his kids. To Krista, Nate, Macy and family - I only wish I could be there today to tell you how much I valued Rick and how he positively impacted my life. RIP Rick - thank you for everything.

It's so difficult to say goodbye to a friend, but much more so when you didn't have a chance to let them know how much you admired and cared for them. Rick Everett Baverstock was a great friend, talented mentor, kind and caring and funny. The kind of funny where you remember his jokes 20 years later. And you remember how much he loved music and brought a radio show to life like none other. And how he'd do anything for his friends. It's all smiles now, Rick, with some loud rock and roll cranked and Bugs Bunny episodes on repeat. Thich Nhat Hanh — “When conditions are sufficient, we manifest. When conditions are no longer sufficient, we no longer manifest. It does not mean that we do not exist. Like radio waves without a radio, we do not manifest.”

I was devasted to hear about Rick's passing last week. I met Rick and Angela in Victoria in 1994 (?) and we became instant friends. Even though I wasn't in the music "biz" we had a LOT of good times together and I probably spent just as much time at their house as I did mine. Rick's sense of humour kept me laughing through the years and I missed him dearly when he moved back to Winnipeg. My deepest condolences to Rick's children and all of his family.

Rick was more than a radio personality that I listened to on The Q! in Victoria, Rick was and remained a real good and close friend. Whether it was his afternoon radio show with Kirk Mason, Retro-A-Gogo or his Sunday night blues show Red Hot & Blue, his on-air delivery was as good as it gets. He loved The Q! His return to Winnipeg to establish the radio program at Red River Community College and KICK-FM were shining achievements of pride. It was with deep loss that I learned last week of his passing. His personality was genuine, caring and decorated with ever-present humor. He had a love for the blues and soul, RCA promotionals, old-time radio archives, unique record labels, 78 and 45 RPM records and Memphis' SUN Records. He was a music archaeologist that loved to uncover and discover little-known, lost or forgotten gems. For him, they were no less a marvel than the treasures of an Egyptian tomb and they led him to research the history of the artist and recordings, then proudly share his discoveries with enthusiasm. His wit and comedic delivery matched the calibre of any favorite Seinfeld moment, and he was a true fan of the David Letterman Late Night show. He was a dedicated and loving father to his two kids and supported many colleagues and friends wherever his career path traveled. It seemed that the life of everyone who met or knew Rick became more enriched . I will laugh less without him.

The world lost someone truly special. Someone that was witty, kind, smart and generous. Rick was such a mentor to many starting out in the industry. He knew his stuff.....and knew it well. I hope he is in heaven putting together the best playlist. He will be missed.

Like everyone I was completely shocked and saddened to get the news of Rick's passing. We spent over 10 years together at The Q in Victoria until his return to Winnipeg. Rick set the bar very high everyday with his exceptional talent and seemingly effortless way of delivering the highest of quality show. He was easily one of the best jocks I've every worked with or for that matter ever heard. He was funny, easy to be around and had a genuine interest in anything you had to say. He made us all work harder with the great on air professional example he set everyday. I'm thankful to have spent a bit of time with him again in 2014 when he was back in Victoria and did an outstanding and graceful job of hosting the celebration of life for Kirk's late wife Michelle. I'm so sorry to say goodbye to such a huge talent and such a great guy. My heartfelt condolences to Rick's family. Ed and Bev Bain Victoria

Rick's tenure in Victoria BC at CKKQ FM (100.3 The Q! - The Island's Rock) was outstanding. Initially, because of his broadcasting pseudonym 'Rick Everett', it was rumoured that the guitarist from Triumph was now on the radio in Victoria. Rick was delighted when Rick Emmett, the real guitarist from Triumph, met him and said 'So you're the guy that everyone thinks is me'. Emmett had also learned of the listeners' name confusion. Rick's afternoon show, along with newsman and close friend Kirk Mason, was an entertaining delivery of music and comedic banter, produced on-the-fly in a way that Rick's skillful perfection shone. He left the Q! to return to Winnipeg and pursue creating the radio program at Red River College and the station KICK FM.

I’ve known Rick since I was 5 years old – we went to kindergarten together and we graduated high school together. Like many young people, we parted ways at that time to move on with our lives. Rick was one of those who knew exactly what he wanted to do – play music! – and he promptly went out and did it. I was inspired by his clarity and vision in understanding his vocation. Clearly he was a very special and talented person in the music industry. We reconnected again just over 10 years ago on social media, and I’ve remained in touch with him since then. We kept on planning to get together, have drinks, share a lot of yuk-yuks - & sing some karaoke. Sadly we were not able to make that happen, in this life. But I am convinced that when we meet again we will sing our hearts out, and in our ears at least, it will sound like angels singing 🙂 . My heart broke when I heard the news. I will forever miss the deep-in-my-gut belly laughs I got from his social media posts. He inspired me to find life funny in all its heartbreak, joy, sadness, and beauty. “And when the brokenhearted people Living in the world agree There will be an answer, let it be.” RIP my friend, until we meet again.

Rick, my old friend and room-mate. Our love of music and radio brought us together as we started college and our radio careers together in Thunder Bay. Having you in my life back then made those years so much easier and even though we hadn't seen each other in years I've always felt a connection to you. Your talent, wit and humor and generosity were always shining. I'll miss you but will always treasure my memories and know that I am blessed to have had you in my life. May you rest easy now...."At the end of my rainbow lies a golden oldie" -Rodney

I had the pleasure of attending college for broadcasting with Rick. I remember his smile and his desire to be successful. Radio has lost a great ambassador. May he be granted eternal rest.

.....it was an absolute pleasure to have been a friend to Rick, and colleague. We worked together at the Q! in Victoria, and hit it off immediately. His knowledge of music was vast, as was his prowess as a producer. He eventually became my boss, and you couldn't get someone more understanding. I would like to express my most sincere condolences to Rick's family and friends, and to all he touched....rest easy, my friend....