I would like to provide the poem that my  lovely niece Hilary wrote for "Uncle Rick" and recited on the day of the services. He would treasure this:

There was no one quite like Rick Edward Speight
He had a personality as big as the Lone Star State
He was a little man, but had a huge heart
In everyone's lives, he has played a part
He worked hard as a plumber and was a Vietnam Vet
He raised little lambs and loved them as pets
A cowboy at heart and country twang to match
He wore wranglers and boots and a thick moustache
So gentle and loving, an old soul if you will
Gambling is what would give him a thrill
Playing poker, slots, or betting on a horse race
Outside in the garage was his favorite place
He would sit in his chair with his beer and watch tv
Smoke his marlboro reds and go behind the garage to pee
When he'd greet you-he'd say "What do ya say?"
He drank his beer over ice-no other way
You would never see him without his Miller High Life and smokes
He always made you laugh and always had jokes
Uncle Rick loved Louisiana and everything Cajun
With literally anyone he could strike up a conversation
He's quite often say things and no one would know what they mean
Like his famous "Como se vas siu sia oui!"
Although we couldn't always understand him so clearly
His wife Karen adored him and loved him dearly
Karen & Rick made such a cute pair
And he didn't mind if Karen told him what clothes to wear
They met at Gilley's and shared a dance
And soon began their lifelong romance
His daughter Hayley was the apple of his eye
They share many similarities - like not  being shy
Both petite and fun and full of life
Love a party and a good game of dice
Family meant so much to Rick
He loved getting together so he could practice his shtick
We've been on many family trips over the years
Made tons of great memories and laughed till there were tears
In Cancun we rode the city bus downtown
And Uncle Rick and Gary wore Burger King crowns
On another trip when we sat down to dine
When asked for salad dressing, he said, "Roquefort will be fine"
Roquefort? What?", We were all shocked.....even his wife
Rick never had Roquefort dressing in his life
Every year at Christmas, no matter the weather
He's wear his infamous reindeer sweater
Our neighbor had a parrot that was caged in her kitchen
He saw it and said, "That ain't nothing but an ol' colored chicken"
On Friday nights we's get together for Mexican food and fun
He would buy peppermint patties and pass them out to everyone
It's Uncle Rick's little quirks that made us all laugh
We'll hold them so dear now that he's passed
He's touched all of our lives in some kind of way
He will always be with us with each passing day
In true Rick fashion, I'd like to end with a toast
He'd always recite this with the ones he loved most"
"Here's to you and here's to me, and if we ever disagree,
The **** with you and here's to me!"

Had to share this photo of my adorable husband and friends in true Gilley's fashion. Love You, Karen

Rick was a very sweet, kind and loving brother-in-law. We will truly miss you. He is now among angels watching over us. Love and miss you Rick

I will miss Rick a lot!  He was always kind, generous, loving and accepting of everyone.  I never heard him utter a mean word to anyone.  I will miss you brother-in-law, but will see you in heaven dancing with the angels.  No more tears, no more sorrow and no more suffering!

Dad, you are the #1 man in my life. You taught me how to live life, love life, and always have fun. You always told me to NEVER care what anyone has to say, you should always love yourself. And you always did. I remember you always saying, "Baby, I like myself. Who cares what anyone thinks?". I love that about you. You had the kindest heart of anyone I knew. It will be hard without you. Mom and I will miss you so much. You're the greatest man I've ever known.

Dad, I want you to know that you will always be the #1 man in my life. You taught me so much... how to love life, live life, and always have fun. You told me to never care about what anyone thinks, but yet to always be respectful and kind to others. You're personality was so vivacious. I am so blessed to be your daughter, and I believe I acquired some of your traits.... We aren't shy, are we? I'll be betting on red, Dad. I love you!

Death, be not proud

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.

By John Donne
<a target="_blank" href="http://poetryfoundation.org/index.html">The Poetry Foundation</a>

Rick was a good friend, a good man and I will miss not having him to talk to, and share gambling stories and old war stories about work and the people we shared our lives with.
My prays and thoughts are with his family.
Joe Trahan

OBITUARY

Rick Edward Speight

June 5, 1949 – July 25, 2016

American Heritage Funeral Home

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