Rick and I were neighbors for about 6 years. We talked several times basically S.T.S., He was a good guy.

I just heard of Rick's passing and I am overcome with grief. He was a very kind gentleman. Always smiling beneath that mask as he would come to my job to pick up labs, we would talk for a few minutes before he was off to his next destination. He had just told me that he celebrated a birthday and I told him that he didn't look a day over 40. I can't believe he is no longer here with us in the physical but I know his sweet spirit will be with us forever. He will be missed tremendously.

My mother, Judith Van Fleet, was too upset to post this herself. But she wanted me to convey her thoughts about Rick passing. I still can't believe it.  Here is what mom said:
From the day I met Rick, back in 1975 in Louisville, I fell in love with that sweet sweet child sent from above. He soon became a fixture in our home, and I treated him like a 3rd son. He really was. I knew then that he would always have a place in my heart, and he has every day since and to this very moment. He always will. Though we will never again see one another on this earth I know he is in a better place. My grief is immense, but my heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to Barbara Jeffery and their entire family. And to each of his friends, co-workers, and loved ones. You see Rick touched a part of one's soul and it resonated. I last saw Rick in the summer of 2020. He came to my house, and we laughed, got caught up, and Rick wanted to play some board games like monopoly, so he and Jeff went to Walmart and came back with the games. I may be a little competitive, as is Jeff, and with every (lucky) roll of the dice I became poorer and Rick richer. Jeff spent half the game in jail, go figure, as Rick belly-laughed, and Rick amassed all the best properties. If that wasn't bad enough, paying him everything we had, he hit the jackpot at least 5 times. Jeff and I looked at each other in amazement. In between small sips of his beer, he brought his own 6-pack, Rick laughed and apologized time and again for destroying us. For taking all of our money. For us having to mortgage our measly real estate. He got hotels on 90% of his property and continued to roll doubles while never getting any bad cards or going to jail. Of course, he even got the get out of jail cards while Jeff stayed an inmate. We stayed up for a few hours and ate and just enjoyed his company. Rick showed off his car, which was great, and I was so proud of the man Rick had become. He never complained. He held down a full-time job and he worked hard. When it was time for Rick to leave, I gave him a hug, a kiss, and I told him how much I loved him - respected him - and was so very proud of him. When I found out that Rick had passed, I cried. I've cried much since hearing that news. There was no one like Rick. There never will be. I will never forget that beautiful man and the memories I have of, and with, him.  Judith Van Fleet

The news that bro Rick passed really and truly upset me. I was at barbara and tom’s church ministering a few weeks ago and saw him after tears of being away. He was the same sweet funny Rick I met when we were young!! He had the personality!!  He truly loved his family. He loved Jesus too!!  You will be missed deeply my friend.  You are with my Harry up there- I’m sure you found each other! Harry thought very highly of you!! We were exactly 1 month apart in age!! And you looked 20 yrs younger!!  You did something right !!! Enjoy your peace and the presence of the master dear friend!!!

We are all heartbroken that you are gone. So unexpected, so quick. So young. You really took us by surprise. We miss you already. I know that you are in a better place but it is hard to imagine that you are not coming back to us. Love you Rick and praying for your family. 

My deepest sympathy to Ricks family. I have know Rick since the 10th grade and he was one of my oldest friends. He always made me laugh and was the kindness person I ever met. It’s so hard to believe that he is gone from this earth, but he will always be in my heart and my memories. I will see you again .

I met Rick in 1975. Within days he was at my house going through our refrigerator. It's wasn't odd because that's how Rick was. We spent many years together. I considered him my best friend. Even when I moved within the state he visited for months on end. When I moved to Atlanta I got a great job and my first hire was Rick. We lived together back in the 80's. Over the years we would communicate and I always loved him. Prayed for him. Missed seeing him. Over a year ago he spent the night with me at my mothers home. He brought his own 6 pack of beer even after I told him mom didn't allow drinking. But she smiled at him at the doorway and gave him the biggest hug. He wanted to play some board games as we caught up. My mother and I are very competitive so we warned Rick the stakes were high. Every game we played he destroyed us. It wasn't even close. He laughed, ate some food, got tickled in the way he does, and man was that a good time. I last communicated with him on Tuesday. We said we would get together in Bowling Green later this year at moms. I was so proud of Rick for working hard. Rick never made excuses or complain. Yesterday I found out that he died. I haven't stopped crying. Rick loved his sister Barbara, and her family, and always talked about her and her family. She and her family are in my prayers and always will be. I know Rick is in heaven where he belongs. I am grateful to those who knew him to have updated me. Thank you. As I am capturing his photographs knowing that they will be the last ones I'll ever see. There was no one else like Rick and I mean that in the best of ways.  I miss my friend. May you rest in peace while we celebrate your life my beloved friend.

OBITUARIO

Richard "Rick" Arnold Hahlen

3 junio, 1960 – 23 junio, 2022

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios