Obituaries

RICK MUELLER December 19, 1955 – April 28, 2013 Rick Mueller was born in Fritzlar, Germany in 1955. The second youngest in a family of seven children, Rick immigrated to Canada in 1974 to start a new adventure at the age of 19. Initially he worked in his uncle’s general store in Manitou, Manitoba until he quickly perfected his English. It was so perfect in fact, that many people were surprised to learn that German was his first language. He moved to Winnipeg in 1984, and soon after joined CKJS – a multilingual radio station selling advertising. He worked with the crew at CKJS for over 20 years, becoming the station’s top-selling producer. Then, struck by an entrepreneurial fervor, he went into business for himself – first with the Flyer Zone, and later Paladin Display, as a North American distributor of trade show and display products. Rick had a naturally outgoing personality and caring, genuine presence that helped him form many lifelong friendships from his long-standing, large and loyal client base. In the past two months of Rick’s brief illness, he was so pleased to receive visits from many of them, and will be especially missed by his close friends Steve, Todd, Kristen, Eva, Berndt, Joyce and Bob. He loved them all like family, and family truly meant everything to him. Rick absolutely lived for his sunshines’ – his daughters Shannon and Andrea (Mike), his granddaughters Ashley, and Hailey, his wife of 20 years Kristin, as well as her family the Loadmans (Don, Gail, Kim and Greg,). He adored nights spent on the deck, looking at the stars and gourmet food. He had a good word to say about everyone and if you ever asked Rick how he was, no matter how tough the day, he’d unfailingly answer I can’t complain’. He held a great respect for all living creatures, and his loving nature extended to many family pets, especially his beagle pack’ Cali, Bella and Koda. A dog-spoiler extraordinaire, he always carried treats in his pockets for his customers’ and friends’ pets. His sudden illness and passing from cancer will leave a huge gap that we know will never completely heal, or be filled. A Come & Go Celebration to mark his life will be held at home, in La Salle, on Saturday, May 11 for family and friends. Rick, we will truly miss you. Donations may be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Children’s Ward in his honour. Wojcik’s Funeral Home & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, 204 – 897 – 4665, wojciksfuneralchapel.com.   As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2013