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I have nothing but happy thoughts of SHS.. What a wonderful bunch of friends (everyone) I had. This kind of wonderful experience could have only happened in a small town. Working the fruit trees in the summer cutting asparagus in the morning before class. Milking cows with Barry & John. getting called to go to work smudging while watching the movie at the drive in. Brian Parkerson expertly signing excuse notes over at the 3B's burger joint for $5 a signature during lunch time. "And all that was during class time."
http://www.funeralhomesmith.com/notices/RichardRicky-Erwin
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Scott Drysdale
Rick was a blood brother of sorts. He got held back in the sixth grade that's where we met and became friends. We stayed friends for many years. He was the third of three brothers who were raised by their mom and stepdad, Dr. Roach. I think that his family life had a tough affect on both him and his two older brothers, Jeff and Tim. That led them into trouble. A shame, they were all smart, high IQ boys. But, they hung out with the "wrong crowd" a fair amount. Still, Rick and his brothers sought to make a name for themselves. They had a band as I recall beginning around our 8th grade or so. Rick stayed with music and after doing a few things here and there went back to college and, as I understand, graduated from Western Washington State College (now WWU) with a degree in music.
I hadn't seen him since my first wedding in spring 1974 when I looked him up in LA in 1985. He was struggling to become a famous musician. Not sure what he was doing for a living, but from what I could tell he spent his money on his musical endeavors. I spoke to him on the phone a number of years later and he was terribly proud of his kids. One of them, I think his son had just graduated from high school and he was so happy about it.
Rick and I connected on some levels that only exist between kids who have a tough home life. It was something that haunted us and affected our behavior both in school and later. A shame, really. He did ok, but I think if he wasn't fighting some of the same devils I had, he would not have felt so driven to be famous, but rather successful. Still, Rick was a true blue friend to me and I could always count on him. He was a deep soul and felt the range of anguish and great joy. I think of him often and I'm glad we were friends. RIP, Rick. Play with the best up in heaven.