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Mr. Richard (Rick) Zwickey lost his battle with cancer on October 19,2022. Rick would have been 75 on October 21. Rick, loving father and husband, fought hard the last 5 years to stay with his family. Rick, born as the youngest of 3 in Neenah, Wisconsin on October 21, 1947 to father Richard (Dick) Zwickey and mother Elizabeth (Betty) Zwickey was an electrical engineer at Kimberly Clark from which he retired in 2003. Rick’s career took him and family to many parts of the country, but eventually found a home in Fairhope, Alabama, where he and his wife enjoyed friends, family, and living by Rock Creek Golf Course. Rick’s family was his pride and joy, however he enjoyed many other interests. Rick was an avid golfer always striving to perfect his swing while playing with his son, father, and friends. He always said, “It’s all about the rhythm.” A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, you could always find him watching SEC football on Saturdays in the fall. His birth in Wisconsin spurred a love for the Green Pay Packers and he mimicked his mother’s love for college bands and their rhythmic half time shows. Rick loved to have a good time with his family and friends, and you would often find him with a glass of George Dickel listening to classic rock or reading about history, when he was not on the golf course, watching football, or playing cards with his wife Linda.
Rick is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda Zwickey, his daughter, Kristen Bowman, and his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Heather Zwickey. Three of the greatest joys in Rick’s life were his three granddaughters, Zoe, Taylor, and Sydney. His love of sports was passed on to them.
In honor of Rick’s life the family will have a Celebration of Life in Fairhope, AL on November 12, 2022 at Rock Creek Country Club from 3 pm-6pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to St. Jude Children Hospital in Memphis, TN or Columbus Hospice in Columbus, GA in Rick’s name to honor him.
Richard J. Zwickey ultimately lost his battle with cancer but won the battle of life. One of Rick’s favorite stories to tell started with, “If you see me running, someone is chasing me.” Undeniably, Rick had a zest for life that others chased endlessly. Rick’s strong faith and trust in the Lord has led him to cross the finish line and is finally at peace. Rick always wanted to see others enjoying life and would only wish for his family and friends to continue their joy.
Sandie and Jim Severt says
Linda and family,
Jim and I are very sorry to hear about Rick. We pray you and your family will treasure every memory and smile when you think of him. Peace.
Nedra Kaplan says
What a wonderful tribute to Rick. Pleased to see there will be a celebration of his life in Fairhope. Our condolences. RIP Rick
David and Nedra
Melana Cassell says
Linda,
I love this. What a wonderful tribute and legacy he leaves. I pray for all of you through these difficult days ahead.
Whenever you’re ready, let’s get together for lunch.
Melana
Ricky & Melana Cassell
Amy Loveless says
Linda,
I am thinking of you during this difficult time. I know it’s a very hard transition. You will always have your wonderful life and memories! Sending love and peace to the entire family. ❤️
Sincerely,
Amy Loveless
Sandee Barto says
Linda, I was not aware of Rick’s battle with cancer. May you feel God’s comforting arms around you & your family . Thinking of you & the family at this time. God bless you💛
stephanie jones says
Kristen-I am so sorry to hear about your Father. I pray for comfort and peace in the coming days for you and your sweet family.
Mary Anne Sharp says
So sorry to hear of your loss.
We always enjoyed visiting with Mom and Dad.
They were very gracious and wonderful friends.
Sincere condolences and continued prayers for the whole family.
Mary Anne Sharp says
So sorry to hear of your loss.
We always enjoyed visiting with your Mom and Dad.
They were very gracious and wonderful friends.
Sincere condolences and continued prayers for the whole family.
Lee Richards says
That is a beautiful testament to Rick. He was a good friend and always wanted those around him to have a good time.
My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Riley Karen says
Linda, Kristen and Mark
We are so sorry to hear that Rick was struggling with cancer. Sending prayers and hugs to all. Thinking of our times on South Fidelis Street. He was a special guy and will be missed by all.
Lorraine Page says
A beautiful tribute for a dear friend. We will miss you Rick. We will remember all the fun times we shared with you and Linda and family, almost forty years! Linda, know that God is holding you and your family in the palm of His hand.
Love and Peace,
Martin and Lorraine
Jake & Karen Greeling says
Linda, Karen and I just heard this sad news. We didn’t know he was battling cancer. I was thinking of him last week when Tennessee beat Alabama. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Karen & Jake Greeling
Linda Cavaliere says
Dear Linda and Family, so sorry for your Loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen Goble says
Omg! I am so saddened to read this. God Bless Rick🙏❤️ I will always remember all the fun times we had back in Appleton❤️ Hugs and prayers to your entire family!! 🙏😢😇❤️
JOHN & CAROLYN WALL says
Linda, So very sorry to hear Rick has passed. I will miss the laughter he brought while enjoying friendship at Rock Creek’s Happy Hour. Rick was a very good man, who was a good husband to you, and enjoyed making you happy.
Suzanne Lindbergh says
So very sorry Aunt Lin. Truly. Sending all our thoughts and love to you and the whole family. So sorry for your loss. ❤️
Bobby Hollimon says
Rick will be missed by the Rock Creek Mens Golf Group. He was a joy to be with!
Deb stewart says
Heartbroken to lose our golf and card buddy
Bob and deb
Marilyn Hicks says
Linda and family,so sorry to read about Rick’s passing, I am sure you had 45 years of loving a wonderful man, and will continue with great memories . Hope to see you at Rock Creek for his tribute❤️
Joe plastaras says
Enjoyed more rounds of golf with Rick than I can count
He had wry dry self deprecating sense of humor I loved.
Poker with him was great fun.He took his losses graciously (it was a friendly low stakes game)
I missed him when he moved north and even more now
I still struggle with the advice he gave me on the different aspects of the one and two plane swing!
Rickey and Ann Major says
Linda,
Rickey and I are so very sorry for the loss of your husband. You and your family are in our prayers during this heartbreaking time.
Ann and Rickey Major
Cynthia Page says
Rick was Such a nice man So sorry to hear the news, We will miss you Rick. Our family will always remember the fun times we shared with The Zwickey’s. Loves and hugs, thoughts and prayers to everyone.
~ Chris and Cindy
Russell and Carrie Barton says
We are so sorry for this great loss to all of you. We are praying for your family in your immense grief. I know Mr. Rick will be greatly missed by our family as well as yours and all of those who knew him.
CHRIS & RON BENOIT says
Dearest Linda & family,
We were so saddened to hear that Rick lost his battle with cancer; but are sure he had a large part in Tennessee’s win over Alabama in his last days!
You and he were so instrumental in the development of Rock Creek and its golf course community and our Garden Club- for that we’re forever grateful.
We look forward to celebrating his memory with you and your family next month in Fairhope~
With love, gratitude, and prayers,
Chris & Ron
Savan Wilson says
Linda, I was shocked to hear of your loss. I know this is such a difficult time and my prayers are with you and your family.
Dianne Swanzy says
Clay and I send our love and deepest sympathy to you and your family. We are so sorry.
Ann Kingsley says
Linda and family. Condolences for your loss. May you cherish your fond memories.
Sandy says
Dear Linda, so very sorry to hear the news of your husband. I am unable to imagine your heartache, but there is one who does and I pray that our Heavenly Father will give you great comfort and in time, joy unspeakable.