Richard Anthony Prado

Rick loved to fly. With friends, with family, alone. He loved the wide open sky, the stillness, the energy of connecting with space and earth. He loved to sail, the wind and spray, the freedom of possibilities. Rick loved cars and motorcycles, good food and great jokes.

He loved his family: adored his sisters and nieces, enjoyed the company and love of his parents, and relished the noise and confusion of a loud and loving Spanish family.

You didn't always know what he was thinking but you always knew that he was there. Quiet, thoughtful, kind, with a wicked sense of humor and a rebel's heart.

The most beautiful baby I've ever seen, Tia Lola often commented, quite a statement in light of the fact she had 5 beautiful babies of her own. This beautiful baby was born in Caracas, Venezuela, raised in Saratoga, California until the age of 7 and grew up in Mexico City.

As a boy he entertained himself with gliders, radio controlled airplanes, mini-bikes and tormenting his sister Susan. He might have made his sisters' life difficult, but he made life easier for countless abandoned cats and dogs.

His love and compassion for animals is something all 8 siblings shared Lolis, Marisa, Mike, Carlos and Luis are cousins in name only.

Summers spent on the beach at Padre Island learning the art of surfing and flirting, nurtured his lifelong appreciation of water and women. Attending The Selwyn Academy in Denton and TCU in Fort Worth he encouraged his siblings and cousins to follow him to Texas.

Then he proceeded to move to California, following in his Father's footsteps by getting his pilots license in 1988. He worked in advertising, sales, radio and manufacturing.

He flew, rode his bike, lived on a sailboat and nurtured lifelong friendships.

For the most part he was happy but recently had decided to try and make a move back to Texas to be with his parents and extended family. They were waiting with open arms.

Rick died too soon, too suddenly, leaving behind a grieving community of family and friends who will forever mourn his loss but will also remember his smile, his laugh and his love.

Services at Saint Pius X Catholic Church

Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 1:00 PM

3909 Harry Wurzbach Highway, San Antonio, Texas 78209

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rick's memory to the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, CA 92110 ATTN: Nicole Angelucci, Director. Phone 619-243-3443. Website: sdhumane.org. Look for the Donate tab, then look for Ways to Donate, then click on Tribute Gifts.