RIP Rick Ward 7X

[rockymountainqueen]

Just got an email from RMSHA that Rick Ward had been killed in an accident. I am absolutely speechless and heartbroken. Rick was one of the most stand up guys I have ever met. His hands were the size of softball mitts, but he was so soft spoken and such a kind heart. I just can't believe he is gone.... It is such a shock to our racing community. Rick was one of the founding members of RMSHA and has been a huge part of getting it to where it is today....When we bought our sled from him we picked it up at Pebble and he worked his butt off to get it ready for me to ride that day. He loved what he did. I can't believe what a nice guy he was and now he is gone...

Life is too short and only the good die young.... Prayers and kind thoughts to his family, he will be deeply missed by everyone who ever met him...

 

[Bad Oscar Customs]

RIP Rick Ward

RIP Rick #7x

Thanks for all you have done for me and the sport and for being a stand up guy. You will be forever missed and remembered every time a sled is started. Thank you Michelle for all you have done and our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Ryan Kendrick #138
Polaris hillclimb race team

 

[backus]

RIP Rick, Thanks for everything you have done for Trent and I over the years; you have been a role model to us and I have learnt alot of things from you. You will be greatly missed..racing won't be the same without you.

Tyler Backus

 

[xmr256]

Amazing guy for sure! RIP

 

[plumnuts]

7X

We are currently asphalt racing in Woodburn, OR and got the phone call this morning about 7X's death.

We met Rick at Jackson several years ago and although we raced a different brand, he was always helpful, easy to talk to, and would offer pointers on getting to the top...

It is our belief the sport of hillclimb racing has lost another great racer and role model.

Rest in peace Rick and to the family it is our hope time will help heal your pain.

Mike and Janet Cloke
Plum Nuts Racing

 

[rockymountainqueen]

I'm still in shock over this. It is so hard to believe he is really gone. Its like a bad dream I can't wake up from. Did anyone attend the service for him? I really wish I could have gone. Don't think I could have controlled myself if I had to see the sea of polaris shirts and all the people who loved him grieving over a life cut too short. I wouldn't have been able to stop crying. I'm just sick over this and I only knew him a few months. I guess that just goes to show you what kind of a man Rick was, that he could impact someone's life so much in only a short time. Can't even imagine what his friends and family are going through. I'm wishing them all the prayers I can...

 

[plumnuts]

bigger thread here: http://snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1715206&posted=1#post1715206

 

[victorsledneck]

The service was really good. Everyone did a great job and kept it together with an occasional shot of tears...which I think showed the respect and reverence for Rick in how he, perhaps, would have wanted a funeral to go. It was sad to say good bye to such a great, humble guy that inspired and influenced many people from all over. It is hard to believe still for me...guys like Rick are suppose to be superman and just conquer everything has he has shown many times. Darin did a great job in his comments recounting many experiences from 1st grade, high school, their race years and friendship. Outside of the church was one of Rick's sleds, his drag race car as well as other drag cars as his escort. His hearse was a restored 50's Chevy station wagon of his cousins. Inside were many wearing Polaris shirts and jerseys. Darin was in the foyer greeting all that entered with a big hug, sharing experiences and words of encouragement as people went to pay respects to Michelle and the family. There were pictures of his family and their adventures, articles framed, awards, bronze metal from the Xgames. There were many trophies in one corner which were said to be only 1/4 of what Rick had. At the grave site, balloons were released towards heaven and no one wanted to leave. I saw many put a hand on Ricks casket, bidding farewell. My last conversation with Rick was about month ago as we stood in Ty's body shop, drueling over a 65 GTO that was just completed ready for a test drive. I know Rick wanted to be in that drivers seat breaking in that 509 Butler motor...and he would have left a few marks around the country side to. As it was said in the service..."If there wasn't snow in Heaven...there is now." Forever Climb 7x.

 

[rockymountainqueen]

Thanks for filling us in on how the services went. Sounds like it was exactly as Rick would have wanted it to be....

 

[rmk_racer]

Thanks for the info on Rick's funeral.

Looking forward to snow but dreading a race season without Rick there.

 

[H.I. McDunna]

in "Ty's body shop, drueling over a 65 GTO that was just completed ready for a test drive. I know Rick wanted to be in that drivers seat breaking in that 509 Butler motor..."

It was my GTO. And his Chevelle was going to be just like it. Black...true black. Just like he liked. last thing he said to me was "your gonna take me for a ride in that...aren't you. " yes i said. Rick replied "that has to happen. I gotta feel that. it will be something."

I got busy i never got around to it ect, ect, ect.... The same ole' excuses. Now i wish i could.

I learned my lesson. You better take the ride, the trip, the vacation, when you can.

 

[bmanke]

We live in Reno Nv. Every year we come to Jackson to watch the hillclimbs. Rick has always been an amazing rider and when you talked to him. He just seemed like an ordinary guy. This is just so sad to hear this. My prayers go out to his family.