ERIC A. ASHWORTH, II, beloved and devoted son of Catherine and Eric Ashworth, died Saturday after a long illness. He was 34. Ricky's love of life and friends was matched by the perfection he brought to his passions: the art of make-up and hair styling, tropical wildlife and gardening. His home reflected his deep appreciation of the flora and fauna of the rain forest, with a menagerie including rare species of frogs, passion flowers and brightly hued fish. His deep and abiding concern was the world's indifference to fragile ecologies, endangered species and rain forest depletion. Though the exotic and unspoiled realm of nature was a passion, it was in the urbane world of beauty where Eric's talents were prized. A legion of clients came to Eric at Cite' de Paris for make-up that was subtle and flawless and hair styles that combined precision with imagination. It's no wonder that, when Town and Country came to town for its Houston issue, Eric got the assignment. Just as his make-up artistry for the print medium and movies took Rick around the world, so did his passion for theater and music which he shared with his parents. The trips they enjoyed together are a treasured memory. Ricky will be greatly missed. Donations to Omega House would be appreciated. A Memorial Service is set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale, Lake O' Woods Chapel. "Night night. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite."

(Originally published in the Houston Chronicle, June 6, 1995)