It is with all the sadness in my soul to write that my father passed away this morning at 11:20 am. He was surrounded by his family. We all held his hands while he made a gentle transition from this world into the next. Though everyone who knows my father already realizes we had an angel on this Earth, we now know for sure there is an amazingly tough, good looking, very funny, incredibly witty, albeit "short" angel now in heaven. Little Ricky Burrus was and is truly loved by all who were blessed to know him. It was incredibly difficult to say goodbye, so we did not, we just said "until then....". We let Dad know that everyone loved him and supported him and appreciated the incredible fight he gave.
Before he was sedated, we played Dad the ASU fight song and we said out loud... A S U!
We have just arrived home from the hospital and we have hung his ASU flag outside his home and we are wheeling out his motorcycle as a tribute. As you know he loved both passionately.
To all his dear friends and family who faithfully prayed and who have sent us your love and support, we all thank you in the Burrus household. Please know that you all held so much joy in my father's heart.
We will all come together to celebrate my father, your friend, very soon. Please keep checking this blog as I will keep you updated on upcoming arrangements.
With love and condolences for your loss,
Katie
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Katie, I am so greatly saddened and so moved as I read your words. Your closing sentence with remain with me for along time.
ReplyDeletePlease know that your Dad was much loved and both David and I knew he was an angel on earth - not because Bevy told us so, but because it was so easy to see this. Our world, my world, was just a better place knowing that there was Ricky Burrus somewhere out there, in it. I have said this many times and am smiling now at some of the funny memories I have of your father. He always made me laugh and possessed the most affable wit. Katie, thank you for keeping us posted and please know that you, Amber, Derk and your Mom are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. - With love, Catherine Cassady
Katie, I am so so sorry. My condolences to you all. He was such a fantastic man. One of my most favorite people on this earth.
ReplyDeleteGod rest his soul.
If there is a service, I would love to attend.
Tony Pro
Katie and your entire family, I am so sorry for your loss. What a great guy! He will be sorely missed by all us "biker scum" he loved to hang out with! (A vain attempt at humor, something your Dad had oodles of) I'm so sad it's really hard to type. Sympathies, love and thoughts to all who knew Rick - his motorcycle brother, DC
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to your family. I will miss Rick dearly. Angel De Sevilla
ReplyDeleteI received a phone call from Ricky just before last Christmas. We spoke about Michaelanns developing skills and expertise on the road as a novice motorcycle rider, and how we were all going to get together for a ride. We spoke about Mac getting a little more skillful and confident on the road before heading up his way, or how he would come down and we would take a ride along PCH together. Ricky really seemed to get a kick out of how his niece had been bitten by the motorcycle bug, and joined the ranks of a brother hood he loved so very much. Ricky wanted to know what type of riding gear Mac had, and asked what she needed. I told her that I had gotten her a pair of inexpensive riding gloves for when she practiced, but wanted something a little better for her. Ricky assured me that he would take care of it.
ReplyDeleteOn Christmas morning at the Connies there was a package from Ricky addressed to both me and Michaelann. Inside the package were two little bells made from silver. The bells are called Guardian Bells. I had heard of these bells, but in over 25 years of riding have never owned one. Please read an excerpt from the website that has been manufacturing these bells for a very long time:
Legend has it that Evil Road Spirits have been latching themselves on to motorcycles for as long as there have been bikes on the road. These Evil Road Spirits are responsible for mechanical problems and bad luck along a journey.
Legend goes on to say that by attaching a small bell onto your bike, the Evil Road Spirits will become trapped inside the bell where the constant ringing drives them insane, making them lose their grip until they fall to the ground. (Ever wonder where potholes come from?)
Legend also has it that the mystery of the Guardian™ Bell carries twice as much power when it is purchased by a friend or loved one and given as a gift.
The bells were an extremely thoughtful gift and representative of what a truly thoughtful and caring person Ricky was. The bells have been on both our motorcycles for the past several months and we have experienced no misfortune. I will always cherish them.
I regret not having had the opportunity to take that ride with Mac and Ricky, but every time I back both of our bikes out of our garage (Mac doesn’t like to do that) I hear a little silvery tinkle coming from the bells mounted under our bikes, and I will always think of Ricky Burrus and what an awesome guy he was. I am eternally grateful to be a part of the family, and super glad to have known him.
Here is a poem I found online that liked:
THE REASON
You sit behind the handlebars,
while the engine plays it's tune,
you ride by soul, more than touch,
as if guided by some acient rune.
You think, as we all have,
you look within as you ride,
without thinking about it,
without thought for pride,
for true bikers dont ride for glory,
or for the rewards of men,
but for the simple joy of riding,
That's not a what, it's a when.
Like the tale of man an machine,
growing together old,
Something not understood,
by those not of our fold.
Or the joy of building,
a new ride and friend,
that will be ridden,
until the end, of life or of the road,
for in this life we chose,
there is not a lot of difference,
between the two of those.
Preacher, 5/2004
My heart breaks to know that he is no longer with us, yet at the same time I rejoice to know that we will one day ride together again. I really loved your description of one of the newest angels in heaven.
ReplyDeleteI was privileged to meet him in person a few years ago. His kindness to a total stranger amazed me. He will always have a special place in my heart and I will never forget him.
I pray that God will surround all of you with his love and grace, and that peace that only He can give us. Special hugs for Patti.
Cindy Cox (FairWthrRider)
my heart breaks knowing I'll not see Rick again here on this earth. When I started riding my motorcycle at 47, Rick was the first person I met and we bonded. He was a mentor, father figure, friend and fine man. I loved him dearly for all he was. Patty - may your grief be brief and may the love and joy of family bring you all peace. I know Rick fought a long and brave fight and he was loved by everyone he ever met. It is an honor to say Rick was my friend. I traveled with him on several motorcycle road trips and fell over with him in San Francisco ... we both still have a different version of that story but needless to say we both know it was Doc's fault!!!! Rick - please continue to watch over the rest of us as we ride. We will all see ya later - love you man.
ReplyDeleteRobin - RBStorm
It is difficult to imagine a world without Ricky. a VERY unique, talented, warm, wonderful man. We miss him. We enjoyed your heartfelt posts, Katie. You are a wonderful writer and your love for your father shined through all posts.
ReplyDeleteKatie, Mr. Burrus (as I know him) will always be the kind of man you hope to have as a neighbor and friend. My family has been blessed for 14 years to have had your father wave to us from his lawn (often with Morty), stop us for a mid-street update, invite us in to chat with Patti, and check on our kids' education and happiness. He always left me feeling a better parent than I felt I was. What a gift he has consistantly been to so, so many of us in Oak Creek Canyon. He made serving on our HOA an enjoyable memory - that is truely no small feat! So many here will miss Rick, our 'ombudsman' (his vocabulary, of course). Patti married a special man. Well done.
ReplyDelete-The Hess Family: Dianna, Skip, Jenna, Carson, and Uni
Thoughts and prayers to you and the family. Rick and I went to Pacific HS together and he was such a neat guy. Had seen him at a couple reunions. At least you know now that he is out of pain and in Heaven -- enjoying doing whatever he wants. He will be a "special guardian angel" watching over you always. May God bless you. I would try to come to the service as our daughter lives in Simi Valley but I have a couple appts. in Highland, CA so not possible. Thinking of you --- Karen E. (Hoffman) Hardin
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