Fred D. Rick, 76

Fred D. Rick passed away peacefully on Nov. 12, 2014, at North Idaho Advanced Care Hospital in Post Falls, Idaho. He was born Oct. 25, 1938, to Reuben and Marguerite Rick in Republic, Wash.

Fred's dad was a mining engineer and the family moved around a lot. As a child, Fred attended as many as 18 schools. When he discovered his passion for baseball, Fred moved to Monterey, Calif., to live with his grandparents during his high school years. He fulfilled that passion and dream by signing a pitching contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates the day after high school graduation. Most of his U.S. baseball career was in the Class "B" league of the Pacific Northwest.

Fred left the States when he was recruited as one of the first pitchers to sign a multi-year contract with the Hankyu Braves in the Japanese league. He later went on to join the Operating Engineers as a heavy equipment operator. Retiring from Nevada Cement Co. of Fernley, Nev., Fred moved to Coeur d'Alene to follow another passion and dream of owning his own golf shop.

Fred and Nona opened Par-Time Golf on their 25th wedding anniversary on March 25, 1991. They recently sold their business after 23 years due to Fred's health. Those last 23 years owning Par-Time Golf and belonging to this wonderful community was beyond Fred's wildest dreams.

Fred was preceded in death by parents Reuben and Marguerite Rick, and grandparents Fred and Maude Fairweather. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nona Rick; daughters Christine Hubbard (Kerry) of Monroe, Ore., and Renee Knutson (Jeff) of Fernley, Nev.; grandsons Duane Hubbard (Alicia) of Oregon, Chance Hubbard of Oregon, Drew Hubbard of Oregon, Casey Knutson of Nevada and Cade Knutson of Nevada; great-grandson Tristan Hubbard of Oregon; brother Tom Rick of Coeur d'Alene and sister Penny Beseler (Bill) of Nevada; and niece Heather McVeigh of Nevada. Also surviving is Fred's ex-wife, Virginia Kersey; their son, Kelly Kersey (Susan), and daughter Cindy Ceccarelli (Mike), and their families.

A private service will be held in Jardine, Mont., a place held special in Fred's heart.