Since my trip to the river during college, Rick has been like family. If I had just one memory, this would be so much easier to write, but it has been almost 30 years of memories, friendship, laughter and Rick stories. Rick was the reason for our epic USC tailgates with an upgrade provided every year. Some of my favorite upgrades (and related stories) were the black box cable box and all that came with it, Rick's homemade Bloody Mary Mix with Vodka included but only he knew it already had Vodka and the old lady who followed Rick home after a game for most of the 10 freeway all the way to Arcadia with her high beams and gestures. I remember bringing Joe to his first tailgate and worrying about what he would think of this crazy crew...well let me tell you how that turned out. Joe honored Rick at our wedding as the 6th groomsman because Rick is family. Family by choice. All our love to the Dahlstroms. We will miss Rick forever, but he will live on in our hearts. Love, Milena, Joe, Mila and Marco 

I was so shocked to hear the sad news about Rick ,so soon after my visit with you guys. I know how close he was to all of your family .  I will miss him, he was so full of life and always ready for another challenge. He was a true craftsman and I don’t think there was anything he couldn’t accomplish. He had such a  great work ethic. I will remember all the fun times Kathie and I had with Rick and  your family at the river. I know he will be missed.

Rick was a man of many words. Some strong, many opinionated, but always sincere and honest to a fault. Even though his temper would sometimes take the lead, he always meant well. No matter what the conversation, he would always ask about others and end with “we’ve got to get you down to the river.” My first football game with Rick at the Rose Bowl, where tailgating was not as organized as it is now, Rick didn’t want to wait in line to leave, so he threw the jeep in 4 wheel drive and went over the center divider. This memory is just one of many that will make us miss his one of a kind personality. 

For Rick,
This is not easy to write.  I keep reading all this stuff about what a wonderful person you were and I laugh.  You were not someone easy to hang with most of the time, it was your way or the highway!
You were a hard worker and always wanted perfection and it was hard when others didn't feel or perform the same as you!
I miss you and things will never be the same.  Lots of times I didn't like you but I always loved you...you were "My Big Bad Brother!"
Give mom, dad and my Brian a hug and my love. 
Til we all are together again! 
 My love,  Carol

Hello Helen/Candy /Tammy - it saddens me to be writing this and so sorry for your loss. Rick was not only a great elevator man but an incredible man. I”ll always remember how proud he was of “his girls “! He was an absolute legend in the elevator world and made a big impact across the US. with some of the best Commercial Real Estate developers and Largest General contractors in the US. There was not a project that he  would  have backed down regardless of the extreme difficulty or even the concern for safety. I know he was a fan of USC - which he reminds me of John Wayne. Rick was the John Wayne of the Elevator industry! God bless Rick and all of you! Rod Lynch Dallas 

What a great tribute to a Renaissance man.  Jim and I have enjoyed getting to know Rick over the past 20 or so years.  Rick and Helen were great traveling companions!  We were looking forward to more.  He had great stories to tell.  We will miss his enthusiasm for life!
     Jim and Cheryl Schneider

I met Rick after he moved into our neighborhood in Whittier. I saw him working in his garage and came over to see what he was doing. I was 12 at the time and Rick had no problem with me hanging out. He taught me a lot on mechanics and I helped him with some of his projects. We would have 2on 2 basketball games next door almost every night. He definitely was an inspiration to me, there isn’t enough room for all the stories I could share. Rick, you will be missed, but all the great times, and there were many, will never be forgotten.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rick when he and his wife hosted a get together of a few of Helen’s high school classmates, of which I was one. He and Helen welcomed us all into their beautiful home. He was a pleasure  to talk to and shared lots of great stories. My condolences  to Helen and the family. 

I had the unique pleasure of being Rick & Helen’s neighbor in Arcadia for about 10 years before Ricks retirement. We became fast, good friends. From USC fans, to mechanical things, it was great.  We travelled to visit the river “cottage” for a couple days & visit their beautiful home in Arizona.  So missed - a real great, true, honest man to know. 

My condolence goes out to the family at this time.  Rick was a fun person to work around and know even when we worked for different companies. Rick and I happen to install escalators at the same malls years ago in construction. Rick worked for Westinghouse and I worked for Montgomery and it seemed like every mall was a combination of westington house and montgomery escalators. I along with others will truly miss Rick because he was a fun person to be around.  RIP  "Rick"

Our thoughts and prayers are with  Helen, Tammy, Candy and the entire family.  We had the pleasure of working  with Rick in Clinton NC  when the escalator plant was started and thereafter relied on  his expertise with the product.  He was not just a coworker but became a good friend to both of us and will remain in our hearts forever.  He always talked about his love of his family and he will be missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.  Rest In Peace our dear friend.  

I learned alot from the Rick and Bob-- Rick never refused to answer any of my questions- Thank you Rick for everything you have done for my career.

My condolences to the family at this time. The video was very nice and told a great story of Rick.
My memory about Rick is working with him and his brother Bob at Westinghouse Elevator many moons ago.
Rest In Peace Rick.

I am proud to be a neighbor of Rick and Hellen.  I will never forget when they first moved in, we hadn’t met yet, I was working in my garage when all of a sudden I heard quite a ruckus since I don’t hear real well I stepped out to where I could figure out what the heck was going on sure enough Rick was on the war path!  First impressions I giggled and thought my kind of guy, from then on I thought of him as blood guts and thunder.  From that day forward we found our beliefs and personalities aligned right down to raising daughters and grandchildren.   We loved his elevator stories he must have been highly respected and was truly missed when he retired, and of course he never slowed down at home he was constantly working on something, that was just Rick.  We were shocked when Rick had his heart failure and can’t believe he has passed.  Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Helen, Tammy, Candy and the family we will keep you in our prayers.   Can’t wait to cross paths with Rick another time.
Respectfully, 
Gil and Cindy Chambers

We met Rick in 2015 on a cruise  My husband Danny and Rick hit it off immediately.  It was a memorable trip.  He will be missed.  He made us laugh.  We felt like we had known him for years.  Helen and Rick made the trip extra fun!  Thank you to both of you.  May he rest in peace.   Always in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Bev and Danny Nasi

Great photos of Rick and a life lived to the fullest. Never knew he was born on Aug. 17 that is our anniversary. He will be remembered by many. Lots of love sent to all his family

Rick and I were friends for close to 30 years.He was such an inspiration to me as young helper.Always a kind word to say to me regarding work and my family.Rick,Thank You for showing me the ropes and being such a great mentor.My love for you went beyond work as i got to know your wife, daughters,son in law and grandkids.I will miss hanging out in your garage after work,our Trojan football tailgates,my annual visits to your house in Arizona and our phone coversations on just about anything & everything.Helen,
Tammy & Candy it was truly an honor to know him and be a part of his life.May God bless you all.

Dear Helen and Family.  My sincere condolences to you and the family.  It was a pleasure knowing you and Rick for the past 50 years.  He was a great man and will be missed .  Prayers and thoughts to you and the family at this sad time.  Terr Perez.

Dear Helen and Family...
Please accept my sincere sympathy for the loss of your husband and father Rick.  Although I never got to meet him personally, I always enjoyed receiving your picture Christmas card together.  You both looked so very happy.  My own father passed away several years earlier on May 2nd (one day apart from Rick).  I still light a remembrance candle for him every year.  Life is a series of bookmarks—always with new chapters—thank God for pages.  I wish I had the right words, just know I care.  
Blessings ~  Ron Thee

It is a privilege & honor to have Rick for my friend for the last 46 years. I will miss you my friend & all of the fun times we had at the River. Sending my sincere & deepest Condolences to Helen, Tammy & Candy

Always lots of fun times with Rick at Trojan football games, He should have been the analyst at those games because he could see what the coaches apparently couldn’t.  Rick, give the Trojans hell from up there until they turn the program around. Also, he loved cars  especially those with modified big motors and was so inquisitive as to how they were built. I’ll miss my Saturday morning partner at the local cars and coffee here in SoCal.
RIP Rick!

I first met Rick in sept. of 1978. I was a proby helper then and was hired to work on an escalator job in Mission Viejo, Ca. I told Rick at that time that this was my first stwy job and I didn't know anything about escalators but, I was looking forward to learning about them. I think that impressed him because he said to me, "don't worry kid, we'll teach you", and him and his brother Bob sure did! Thanks to their initial training and guidance I worked stwys and walks till my retirement in 2012.
My deepest regrets to Helen and the Dahlstrom family, I know Rick is watching them carefully and still guiding them in their daily lives, RIP....


You were such an an incredible person, so much energy and passion in life. Truly one of my heroes.  I’ll miss meeting for breakfast at Harry’s, our talks about our families, and of course escalators.  If I know you, you’re on your way up that escalator to Heaven, and you’re probably figuring out how you’re going to tear it out and replace it. Rickie, we will meet again my friend. I can’t thank you enough for always being there and all you’ve done for my career.  My condolences to Helen, Candy, Tammy, Courtney, Camryn and the whole Dahlstrom family.



Rick was one of those special people you meet once or twice in a lifetime. We met in the early 90's and you guessed it escalators brought us together. I was in the factory getting units built and Rick was often the receiver of our Clinton escalators. We became instant friends and spoke often even after both of us had retired. Rick was just good people , and will be missed by many. ( Until we meet again )

Your friend
Roger

Rick was a legend when I joined Westinghouse Elevator in 1980. He was even a better family man when I got to know Helen, Candy, & Tammy. A special man & it was an honor to have known him. 


Rick was one of a kind.  He was kind, generous and loving.  I loved hearing him call Helen (H) It was so endearing.  I have traveled with Rick and Helen and have enjoyed times at the River and in their home..   He always made me feel welcomed and loved.  Being around Rick was.always an adventure.  He was  a very passionate man and always made his opinion known.. He.will be missed by all that knew him. Rest in peace my sweet friend. Hugs


It was definitely a shock to hear. Rick had so much energy and drive at whatever he was into.    From Trump, football to speed boats, Rick knew how to get behind what he loved! We've known Rick and Helen since growing up on the Colorado River with them and his toys were always out on the water and a host of water skiers behind him. The river won't be the same and he will definitely be missed by all. CONDOLENCES to Helen and the rest of the family and he is in the happy place🙏🙏🙏
Gary & Linda Lex

Sir,  for almost 30 years I had the opportunity to know you, yet I never really knew you. I have a sneaky suspicion, we are far more alike than you'll ever know, hence our barrier to true friendship.  Veterans,  Family Men, Craftsmen, Mechanics, Auto Enthusiasts, Loyal and Protective of our families as the day is long.  You did good Sir, real good! A lasting marriage, wonderful children and grandchildren, an honorable and successful career...........you checked off every box.  Rest easy and know your legacy lives on in many people, people perhaps you would have never thought it would. Godspeed, keep twisting the wrenches Sir, see you on the other side for a shot and a beer.

Rick was the best.  Although I never saw a photo of him smiling,  he ALWAYS had a smile on his face when I'd see him in person.  Special guy that I will miss . 

Rick, was such a Great husband , father and grandfather! The Pride on his face way back at Longley Way, when Tammy was in Third grade! He came for Parent conference with Helen, and I told them  how Perfect she was,  a leader,  a caring dear young lady, the most popular girl in our room! I noticed his smile and he almost burst with pride! Every time I saw him he was telling me about his wonderful daughter's and Granddaughters! Equal pride for Candy & Helen!! A very special man! He will be missed by many! 


HELEN,TAMMY & CANDY
  THE WORLD'S A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE OF  PEOPLE
LIKE RICK. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

LOVE & BLESSINGS
MARY E.HANSEN

To pick one memory of our favorite times with Rick is a stretch.  Every memory is such a blessing.  Trips, games, and simple visits were our favorite!  I will brag on his Hooptie driving skills out of the Cardinals stadium!  His talent for moving through traffic was nothing short of Nascar!  I guess the things we will miss the most are the simple conversations and the time spent together.  Rick was a true gem and "one of a kind".  Sending our love, fondest memories, thoughts and prayers to the family!
Love, 
Alisha and Rick Vieths

This had been a hard two weeks for Cathy and I meeting Rick and Tammy in the parking lot of the Coliseum many years ago we have had so many great times at USC games. We cooked and drank and laughed a lot, tailgating will never be the same and our hour long talks on the phone that we fixed the world problems. To Helen (H) Tammy, Candy, Corey, Courtney and Camryn prayers to all of you you have so many great memories as we have Rick will be with us forever.  RIP Rick until we can tailgate again we Love you 💔✌️✌️🍷🍺

Jeff and Cathy 

We have truly lost an incredible man. We will always remember Rick as the most genuinely honest and generous of all. He was always doing for others. There are so many memories and quotes he has left behind for us to live by. However, our most favorite (and repeated often)  is “No one, and I mean NO ONE, ever puts ketchup on a hot dog”, said by Dirty Harry, but enforced by Rick. We are grateful for all the time we were lucky to be in your presence. God Bless Rick and the Dahlstrom Family. 

OBITUARY

Richard "Rick" Carl Dahlstrom

17 August, 1945 – 1 May, 2021

Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary & Cremation Center

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