Rick was born in the small mining city of Kirkland Lake, Northern Ontario. At a young age, he moved with his family to Sudbury, where he spent ten formative years before settling in Orillia at age 11. He has called this beautiful “Sunshine City” home for over 60 years.

Growing up with three wonderful sisters and a strong, loving grandmother, Rick developed a deep appreciation for kindness, reflection, and the subtleties of life. These qualities naturally led him to the arts—painting, writing, and spiritual exploration. On his mother’s side, his ancestry includes First Nations heritage, which subtly influences the style of some of his animal paintings.

Rick’s poetry reflects the full spectrum of human experience, from whimsical musings and love poems to profound reflections on existence. His first book of poetry includes a well-considered piece on the Book of Genesis, and his greeting card prose reveals a tenderness and empathy for all of God’s creatures.

Believing that God exists in all things, Rick sees his own body as a vessel through which God can experience life. This belief fuels his dedication to physical fitness. A skilled karate practitioner in his youth, he also worked as a fitness instructor and Shiatsu therapist, helping people of all ages. Even now, at 75, he begins most days with over 1,000 pushups and weight training.

Rick is married, with two daughters, three stepsons, and many beautiful grandchildren. His journey—one of art, spirituality, and physical discipline—continues to be a testament to his belief that life is both a gift and a responsibility, to be honored with strength, creativity, and love.