Goodbye my friend- An elegy to my friend Ricky- @Naga5

[PigFish]

Today I am sad to report the loss of a friend, a smoking companion, a Friend of Habanos.

I have written this elegy over and over in my head the past year, but now that I sit here and must put it to pixels, I cannot remember a blasted thing I wished to share.

 

I met Ricky some 20 odd years ago when I was eager to pursue some ‘smokers’ relationships. Those were heady days for me and the Cuban cigar. I administered a private cigar forum then and was head over heels cigars. Those were the days that our group, dubbed C4, the California Cuban Cigar Consortium, would meet up at least once a month at one of the watering holes. There was the Sagebrush Cantina, the Burbank Bar and Grill and Havana House to name a few. There was Rick of course, Terry, Tony, Michael and me. Sometimes we would bring the ladies. Sometimes not. We could be found flying around the country to Herf.

I met Ricky through Terry, another member here (inactive). Terry and I met somewhere… I can no longer remember when or where. He introduced me to Rick and the group an the three of us have been fast friends ever since. They brought me into their group, their world. And in that group, I was the snob that only smoked Cuban cigars. I brought them into the world of Cuban cigars, my world. I can see them today offering me a cigar… “Oh that’s right, you don’t smoke THESE…!” My reply, “try one of these instead…”

I cannot believe Rick is gone.

Last year, I was stoking a BBQ and smoking a cigar when Lady Piggy shouted out back to me, “Ricky is calling you…” I scrambled for the phone and said, “Ricky…. Man! How the hell are you?” His voice trembled, “Not so good man. I thought I would call and let you know, I have pancreatic cancer, and it is terminal.”

How do you reply to that?

From that day I have kept Rick in my prayers. Sometimes we would pray together.

I wondered often, why him…? Of all of our group, and when you think of issues Terry and I have… I mean, why him??? Terry or I certainly. We are not exactly poster children for good health. But Ricky? Lean, fit, a first generation Japanese American, a physical therapist…. Ricky???

We would typically talk when I was in the car. Days of Covid were in full bloom and I was driving and not flying to my projects. We shared long stretches during my drives through the Owns Valley. Sometimes the talk was robust. He always asked me how I was. I knew many times he did not want to talk of his trauma. Man… did that guy have a constitution of iron. Guts! What a heart.

Two weeks ago, again in the car, Rick called me. I could tell he was sneaking in a moment of life where the morphine allowed him a window to chat. He said, “Well buddy, it’s been a ride. I am calling to say goodbye… I have stopped fighting” We spoke. We cried. He told me he loved me, and I said same. We talked some of the times we had and texted some pics. We said goodbye.

I love you Ricky. I will see you on the other side brother. May you never see another plugged cigar. Today, yet again I will strike up a Monte 4 in your honor.

One of Rick’s favorites was the Monte 4.

If you have one, and even if you don’t, please raise a glass, perhaps an IPA to my friend Rick. Ricky loved IPAs. He loved a good Monte 4, his family, and his friends. He devoted his life to helping those with disabilities learn to have a better life. To making his friends smile and his family strong. He lived to enrich the lives of others and to praise our Lord.

Ricky’s life was a great success. @naga5- God's speed brother!

Your friend, Ray

[unclepauly25]

Hey brother I’m really sorry for your loss, your words really choked me up reading it. I will have a glass of whiskey and a cigar later in his honor, R.I.P. Ricky 

[Bri Fi]

I’m very sorry for your loss. He seemed like a great friend. Your post was extremely well written and I could feel your pain. I hope you can find some peace. I’m also happy you had an opportunity to say goodbye. You’ll always think of him when you light up a Monte 4 which is a great thing. Take care. 
 

ps. Does your wife know you call her lady piggy? 

[99call]

1 hour ago, PigFish said:

Your friend, Ray

What a wonderful,  open hearted, committed, and unabashed message of respect and love for a friend.          I'm so sorry for your loss Ray, and by the sounds of it, it's a loss to us all. We all have the chance of bumping into great people, but now there is once less out there....

A Monte 4 will indeed be smoked. Hats off to you Ray, what a wonderful message.  I'm sure he's proud to have had you as a friend. 

[El Presidente]

Beautiful Ray. Ricky would be smiling.

Fantastic bloke. I had no idea he was unwell. What a bloody tragedy. 

[Puros Y Vino]

Sorry for your loss Ray.  That writeup is a fitting tribute.  Nicely done. 

[Mr.T]

A beautiful tribute…I’m sorry for your loss. I will most certainly raise an IPA to him today.


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[GolfT3]

Great tribute and terribly sorry for your loss. Will toast to his memory tonight. Life is too damn short,

[JohnS]

These changes in life Ray...they come onto us so suddenly, don't they? Carpe diem, dear friend or Thank God for every day?

[rcarlson]

Well done, Ray.  I'll send one up to your bud Ricky.

[StogieSteve23]

Ray, tip of the cap for your words and prayers to Ricky’s family. My condolences sir. 

[Chef]

Ray, you honor your friend well.  
 

RIP, Ricky. 

[Bijan]

Sorry for your loss. Will light up a Monte 4 tonight.

[Greenhorn2]

Sorry for your loss.  RIP Ricky. 

[Bolismoker]

Your words were perfect. Sorry for your loss.


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[BeerPimp]

Wonderful tribute.  Sorry for your loss.

[Connoisseur Kim]

Sorry for your loss @PigFish. May CCs be with Ricky in the afterlife.

[PigFish]

5 hours ago, unclepauly25 said:

Hey brother I’m really sorry for your loss, your words really choked me up reading it. I will have a glass of whiskey and a cigar later in his honor, R.I.P. Ricky 

Thank you. I shed a tear each time I open this thread. Thank you! -R

[PigFish]

4 hours ago, Bri Fi said:

I’m very sorry for your loss. He seemed like a great friend. Your post was extremely well written and I could feel your pain. I hope you can find some peace. I’m also happy you had an opportunity to say goodbye. You’ll always think of him when you light up a Monte 4 which is a great thing. Take care. 
 

ps. Does your wife know you call her lady piggy? 

Thank you. Yep she does! -R

[PigFish]

4 hours ago, 99call said:

What a wonderful,  open hearted, committed, and unabashed message of respect and love for a friend.          I'm so sorry for your loss Ray, and by the sounds of it, it's a loss to us all. We all have the chance of bumping into great people, but now there is once less out there....

A Monte 4 will indeed be smoked. Hats off to you Ray, what a wonderful message.  I'm sure he's proud to have had you as a friend. 

Thank you my friend. It took me many years to understand that it was not odd for humans to express love for each other. I am not bashful about it. It empowers people to know that they are loved. I believe it should be shared. (MHO). Cheers brother! -R

[PigFish]

4 hours ago, El Presidente said:

Beautiful Ray. Ricky would be smiling.

Fantastic bloke. I had no idea he was unwell. What a bloody tragedy. 

Thanks mate. I did not know if he wanted his illness talked about. It is tough sometimes to separate a desire to do good and one's privacy. I know he wanted me to say goodbye for him here. He loved you guys and we talked of you often.

I love you mate. Thanks for the kind words. -Ray

[PigFish]

3 hours ago, Puros Y Vino said:

Sorry for your loss Ray.  That writeup is a fitting tribute.  Nicely done. 

Thanks mate. -Ray

[PigFish]

3 hours ago, Mr.T said:

A beautiful tribute…I’m sorry for your loss. I will most certainly raise an IPA to him today.


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Thanks mate! -R

[PigFish]

I am a little busted up to thank the rest of you at the moment. I hear a Monte 4 calling my name!

Cheers, Ray

[Fuzz]

Words like that speak volumes about what kind of person Ricky was. My condolences to you and your friends on the loss of this great man.