Richard H. Fedrick - Feb. 20, 1949-Sept. 12, 2013

Richard H. Fedrick, known to his friends as Rick, was born in San Francisco, on Feb. 20, 1949. He passed peacefully away at his home in Austin, Texas on the night of Sept. 12, 2013, with his family by his side.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Candy, of 23 years; and his three children Nick, Jim and Joanne (John); and the apples of his eye, his two loving grandchildren, Tyler and Rachel.

He is predeceased by his mother, Alter Louise Fedrick; his father, C. R. Fedrick; and his beloved “Uncle Joe” Fedrick.

Still with us are his stepmother, Shirley Fedrick; siblings, Ronald Fedrick (Kristy), Lisa Ebbesen (Jeff), Robert “Bubba” Fedrick, Todd West (Karmen), Troy West, uncle James Fedrick (Carolyn), aunt Martha Fedrick. He had many uncles and aunts, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. To family and friends he was known for his gravel voice, cowboy attire, fast cars and stories.

In 1967, he enlisted in the Navy and served a one-year tour in Vietnam in a “Seabee” battalion where he was recognized for his hard work ethic and straight-forward mentality to “get the job done.” He completed his tour in Vietnam with an honorable discharge and multiple service medals. For a time, he drove trucks, ran heavy equipment and labored for his father’s construction company. For several years, he ran a gold mine for Omega Mines followed by ten years as a job site superintendent for Nova Group.

It was not until 1997 that he and his wife started R.H. Fedrick Enterprises, Inc., specializing in jet fueling and marine work. Construction was Rick’s passion and hobby. His work ethic and attention to detail and safety were paramount, and his accomplishments were many. His portfolio of achievements makes impressive reading, and his influence can be seen in every area of the globe where he worked. Rick loved his country, and when he had the opportunity to be a part of the rebuild in Iraq, he jumped at it. Although he would be away from his family for five years, it was something he felt he had to do to give back. Some of his most distinguished work was done in Um Qasr, where he was instrumental in overseeing the U.S. military rebuild at the Iraq Coastal Defense Facility and at Camp Anaconda where he worked on the jet fueling system for the Air Force. He received multiple commendations, most notably, a commendation from the Commander-In-Chief of the British Navy fleet and the USMC Commander of Coalition of Naval and Marine Forces. Rick’s last venture was the completion of Oakland International Airport Jet Fuel Facility, which can be seen by all passing through the airport.

When Rick was home, he loved spending time with his beloved family, friends, and pets or watching the news and talking politics. Typically, he started his early day with coffee and shooting the breeze with the guys down at Ford’s Cafe in Sonoma. He also loved cheering for his son, Nick, at Sonoma High football games or standing behind the grill at Nick’s wrestling tournaments. Rick’s passing will have a deep effect on all who have crossed his path in their lifetime, and we will miss him dearly. He will be remembered as a great father, hard worker and honorable man.

Please stop by for a Celebration of Life in honor of Rick Fedrick on Saturday, Oct. 5, between the hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 22780 Burndale Road, Sonoma, CA 95476. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Rick’s favorite charity, woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

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