Ricardo Presnell

Life Celebration for Ricardo

2010-04-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

From Carlos Braceras (Event MC), March 13, 2010

Hello and Welcome,

I am going to start our program and help facilitate our speakers. First of all on behalf of Caroline I would like to thank each and every one of you for your support, kind words, for just being there for her. Over the past 5 to 6 weeks we have all gone through a very difficult transition where we are working to come to grips with a new reality, for each and every one of us that path is different. But, it is with the support of the family that Ricardo brought together, everyone here and people that he touched around the world, that we are finding our path.

There is such power in friendship, Ricardo knew that. As I look around I realize that this family is together because of our friend, and I will consider it my responsibility, as I hope you all will, to maintain and nourish this family he created, with Caroline.

I have learned from Ricardo to enjoy and embrace everyday, every activity, and every relationship with passion and a smile. So, with a smile I raise my glass and say here is to you our friend, we are the luckiest people in the world to have had the opportunity to be a part of your family.

Caroline has asked that several folks say a few words; first Vic Heilweil will talk about Ricardo’s educational and professional achievements (I think he may ask for some assistance), then Craig Presnell will share some thoughts, followed by Rich Lennon and Kim Holtan Lang. After they have spoken we are going to open the floor for anyone who would like to share some thoughts. With that Vic.

Eulogy from Vic Heilweil

Tribute to Ricardo Presnell

Ricardo was many things to many people. First and foremost, he was a devoted and loving husband to his wonderful and talented wife, Caroline. To his professional colleagues, he was a hard-working and intelligent leader, motivator, catalyst, and inspiration. Then there was his close-knit group of comrades; friendships nurtured over decades and woven into a tightly knit web. The breadth and strength of Rico’s web has only recently become apparent to many of those threads, such as myself. A few considered Rico to be their closest friend. For many others, he was a kindred spirit and an irreplaceable part of their lives. It is these enduring friendships that now serve as the dedicated support network helping all of us through this difficult time.

For me, Ricardo was a rock – a dependable, engaging, and unique individual whose clear direction and focus in life was a stabilizing influence. He was an important mentor while pursuing my PhD here in this department, often getting me to join him on a ski tour or bike ride when things were becoming too frenzied and hectic; during these escapes, he would help me refocus on those important things in life – working hard, but taking the time out to appreciate family and friends, to laugh, and to enjoy the beautiful natural world all around us. His unspoken but unwavering goal was to live big and make the most out of life, something I and many others here today consider his legacy and a challenge to ourselves.

A letter from Russ Franklin (RTX) March 12, 2010

Thank you for the invitation. Unfortunately my wife tells me we have a friend’s birthday party we have to attend so I won’t be able to make it.

As far as comments about Ricardo’s professional life; I can say that Ricardo was a joy to work with. He had an even temperament and a great sense of humor to go with his incredible knowledge of geology and ore deposits. I could always trust his judgment and I will really miss leaning on him for opinions and answers. In the field, especially in remote situations Ricardo was one of only a handful of people that I knew had my back in the event something went wrong. He was calm under pressure and had the knowledge to know what to do and how to react to a multitude of situations. Many people probably don’t know that he was an incredible marksman as well. Every year in Alaska we went through firearms training and practice and from the first year we were all amazed at how good a shot Ricardo was, particularly in comparison to the rest of us. We thought it may be a fluke but year after year he kept it up. So obviously when working in grizzly country it was good to have Ricardo as a field partner. As you know Ricardo was always on the cutting edge of the latest research and ideas, he read constantly and had numerous contacts in both industry and academia. So working with him was like being in a virtual classroom. I especially enjoyed going on property evaluation trips with him which I did fairly often the last couple of years that we worked together. We always ended up meeting new people, learning new geology, and drinking good beer at the end of the day.

I know he had already made quite an impact on Full Metal Minerals in the short year that he worked for them. In speaking with many of my colleagues in the industry who have had dealings with Full Metal, all have said that Ricardo made a very noticeable improvement in the company by giving them clear direction and focus on their exploration. Ricardo seemed to me to be very happy with his new role and I think he knew the impact he was having on the company. He was also playing the role of mentor to a host of young geologists starting out in the business. I had dinner with him in Vancouver the week before his accident and he spoke very affectionately of his “kids” and how much he enjoyed teaching them the tricks of the trade.

Sorry I can’t make it tomorrow night. Give my best to Caroline.

Regards,

Russ Franklin

Eulogy from John Fletcher, March 13, 2010

I first met Ricardo in graduate school at the University of Utah and with similar research interests we took many of the same classes. In my first semester I came to rely on Ricardo's unique style of entertainment as we bent our brains to understand how minerals formed according to the laws of thermodynamic phase equilibria - the title of John Bowman's class. Ricardo's gravitational attraction has been described by many friends and I too quickly found myself pulled into his orbit. After a few months I had bought a pair of old tele skis and a mountain bike and joined his group of Wasatch fun hogs. Among many extracurricular activities, we started a weekly ritual that Ricardo named "meat night." Meat night was when the boys would gather at Tom's and my house to consume large quantities of ribs and steaks. It was a primitive affair and often coincided with Monday night football. The only rule of meat night was absolutely no veggies allowed.

At this point in our lives Ricardo and I were in our late twenties- early thirties and we often talked about all the things we did when we were "young." I have to admit that I would listen to his stories with amazement, but also a certain degree of skepticism because it just did not seem possible that one person could have done so many things. I noticed that every story took place with a wide variety of people whose names would be repeated in other stories and eventually I came to understand the existence of a great extended family. Throughout the gathering in the Wasatch Mountains to honor Ricardo's life, I was continuously surprised that every name corresponded to a real person and these people would repeat the very stories that Ricardo had told me. It really was all true!

After Ricardo and I graduated from the U we kept in touch at meetings, and, whenever possible, we would arrange to work together on different projects. What follows is my attempt to describe some of the highlights of Ricardo' s professional career based mainly on my conversations with him. This is not meant to be a complete list of his accomplishments, but rather I simply want to give a sense of how Ricardo was seen by those of us in the Earth Science community.

Geologists have a saying, " whoever sees the most rocks wins," which

basically means that the best geologist are those with the most experience studying and mapping rocks through different mountain belts and geologic settings. By this standard, Ricardo is the hands-down winner. I personally do not know, nor expect to meet anyone who has seen more rocks than Ricardo. For more than two decades he performed detailed studies of rocks and mountain belts on every continent on earth. He complimented this field experience with an encyclopedic knowledge of published studies in all of the areas that he worked, and he was one colleague that I could always count on to keep me current on new developments in our science because he voraciously consumed the volumes of literature that get published every month. Simply put, the man was unstoppable.

Another measure of a geologist is the people with whom he works, and

Ricardo worked with some of the very best. Many of the geologists that we both considered "legends" as graduate students eventually became his close colleagues, and throughout his career Ricardo worked with and published papers with many scientists who have changed the way we understand earth processes. His colleagues represent an elite class of scientists, of which Ricardo was an important part.

Ricardo was also associate editor of Geosphere, which is one of the scientific journals of the Geologic Society of America - considered to be among of the most prestigious societies in Earth Science. He was responsible for assigning reviewers for new papers that were submitted to the journal. The job requires someone who has his finger on the pulse of the science and can identify experts qualified to judge the merits and flaws of geologic studies and ultimately decide whether they will be published. It is a very important position that is only given to individuals who are leaders in the science and have the kind of extensive experience that Ricardo had.

I had the good fortune of getting Ricardo to come down and visit CICESE, the research institute where I work in Ensenada. The deal was he would give a talk and I would teach him to surf. He ended up staying with us for a week honing his technique in the large winter waves of the Pacific Ocean. Just to give another example of the ambitious personality and enormous goals that Ricardo took to everything in his life, the title of his talk was "Metallogeny of

North America." All geologists consider the mountains their laboratory and our field areas become second homes. The typical field area most commonly includes part of a mountain range that contains the geologic system that we are studying. Ricardo's field area for this talk was the entire North American continent. His task was to describe the genesis of every major class of mineral deposit in North America for the past ~3 billion years, which for most would seem impossible. He did a fantastic job. He showed how the complex patterns made sense in a way that only someone who had invested years of diligent, serious research could.

The last thing I would mention is not a direct accomplishment of Ricardo, but does demonstrate the scope of his influence in Earth Science. When two scientists are getting to know each other, one of the first questions they ask is, "where did you get your training and do your doctorate work?" In my case upon learning that I graduated from the University of Utah, the second question invariably is, "well you must know Ricardo Presnell! "

Ricardo is a dear friend and I sorely miss the high energy and joy

that carried him through life.

Eulogy from Craig Presnell. A letter to his children, March 13, 2010

Dear Caden and Naraya,

I would like to tell you about a wonderful man, your uncle Ricardo. He was very much like my father, intelligent, energetic, and gregarious. He was a respected scientist and an accomplished skier and bicyclist. He loved life and was very passionate on everything it offered. He had boundless amounts of energy and would perfect anything that he loved, especially his profession and skiing.

Even though Uncle Ricardo and I were not close we both loved to ski and bike. However, when we did see each other we spent our time enjoying the sports that we love. These sports were our bond as brothers. Let me you a couple of stories about Ricardo’s and my adventures.

When we were around five, we lived in Hawaii on the outskirts of the city of Honolulu. Our house was near a mountain and we were able to explore the jungles of that area. Ricardo was always the first to try new things. One time after a huge rain, Ricardo and I decided to go for a hike up the mountain trail. However, we were unable to climb the mountain trail because it has become too slippery. Rather than abandoned our hike, Ricardo, decided to take the large fallen palm tree leaves and use them as sleds to slide down wet muddy trail. We used these leaves all day, and were covered in mud. Unfortunately when we were done we track our mud all through our house, much to the dismay of our mother. This adventure could have been our first taste of sliding down the mountain.

Later on in life, Ricardo and I joined the Boy Scouts. We were living in Marblehead Mass at the time. The Boy Scouts opened the door for us to explore the wilderness, where we would take numerous camping trips and hikes in the mountains of New Hampshire. One summer, we went to “High Adventure” summer camp. Here we were given our first real taste of mountaineering, white water canoeing, rock climbing, and camping. Needless to say Ricardo excelled at all the High adventure events. In particular, he loved to rock climb, where he would continue to Rock Climb through college. He even organized school hiking trips into the White Mountains.

Another skill that we learned at the time was to ski. Our parents started our ski lessons when we were around seven. Every Saturday morning, our mother would shuttle us down to the local YMCA and we would board a school bus bound for Boston Hill. Fitted in leather lace up ski boots and wooden cable ski, we would spend each cold wintery Saturdays learning how to ski. Then once a month, we would then take a bus to one of the larger ski resorts to practice what we have learned.

In High School, our parents purchased a condo near the slopes of Waterville valley in New Hampshire. Here is where we enjoyed both Downhill and cross country skiing. Even though we were in different boarding schools, Ricardo and I would share the mountains together during our school holidays. On several vacations, Ricardo, myself, and a couple of our friends would take long ski tours around the valley. Sometimes, we would leave in the morning only to return in the evening. Our cross country ski tour adventures were epic.

Ricardo and I both attended different colleges in Vermont, where we both continued to share the love of skiing. We both had ski passes at a small ski resort, called Mad River Glen. Even though we had were at different schools we met quite frequently at the slopes. Here is where Ricardo’s skiing ability excelled. He also tied his skiing to the rhythm of music called “The Funk.” Even though he loved all forms of Jazz and Jazz-fusion, “The Funk” would be his standard party music. Before any adventure, Ricardo and his friends would play the music to get in to the mood. He even named a pair a ski in honor of “The Funk”. He would continue to encourage his fellow friends and colleagues with “Da Funk” to get them energized.

After college, Ricardo and I pursued our careers and drifted apart. After almost 15 years, I moved to Colorado and was able to rejoin Ricardo where he introduced to Backcountry skiing, called Telemarking. I also developed a fondness to this type of skiing but never compared to Ricardo’s passion and skill. On one trip to visit Ricardo in Utah, we had toured for almost 6 days. On a spring like day, Ricardo and I hiked up the slope near the Alta Ski area. Since it was a rather warm day, once we reached the summit, Ricardo and I dropped off our gear to rest prior to the descent. During this period, Ricardo would periodically run to the slope, stick it pole in the snow and say, “Ain’t ready yet!” Then we would sit and enjoy the view of the Wasatch Range. Ricardo would then start is geological lecture and describe the different areas that we were looking at. His passion for his profession was as great as his passion for skiing. Then after another 15 minutes, he would abruptly stop grab his ski pole and stick in the snow, and say, “Ain’t ready yet!”. He then sat back down and continued his lecture without missing a beat. This process continued for another 45 minutes. Then, on his final check, he declared “its ready!” After he declared this, within seconds, he had his gear on ready to go. He then declared, “Hurry up or we will miss our window!”. I struggled to meet his time line, but was able to get ready for the decent. At that moment, when he felt I was ready, Ricardo descended. At the end of run, Ricardo, was dancing to around to one of his many “funk” rhythms. He then declared “Super Job!” and we headed back to his house for beers and ESPN.

Years later, while I was living and working in Thailand, Ricardo came to visit us on what he described as a “48 hour furlough”. So, I decided to take him for a night on the town and then a mountain bike ride at one of the most technically challenging trails near Bangkok. Since Ricardo loved live Jazz, I decided to take him to my wife’s favorite Jazz and Thai restaurant call “Saxophone”. Saxophone is famous for great Jazz- fusion and extremely spicy Thai food. After a wonderful dinner followed by copious amounts of beer, we listened to some great jazz till early morning hours. The following morning we woke early to take the long two hour drive to the Mountain Bike area, called “Khao Ito.” Unfortunately the unfamiliar Thai food had taken a toll on Ricardo, but that did not stop him. After several trips to the bathroom, we were on our way for a typical hot and humid day in the mountains north of Bangkok. Once we arrived, we quickly dressed and headed off down the trail. Even though it was 95 degrees and 85% humidity, Ricardo rode strong despite his food ailments. He was even able to ride a notorious climb without missing a beat. At the top of the summit, we stopped for a drink of water and Ricardo was eager to head down the trial. Once we finished the ride, we took “bucket” showers and ate some local non spicy thai food. Later on the way home, Ricardo declared “Super Job!”, at that moment, I knew I had made his visit worthwhile.

These are only a few stories that you will hear about Ricardo. I am sure over the years you will hear many more of his adventures and trips through his close friends and family. One of Uncle Ricardo’s best qualities was his ability to gather his friends for parties, trips and adventures. He will always be loved and remembered not by his only immediate family but his close friends all over the world.

Even though you never got to know your Uncle Ricardo, he loved you both very much. He was looking forward to teaching you both how to ski and his world of Geology. Ricardo was a very passionate teacher. He would have loved to tell you of his work and tell you stories of his crazy trips. One of the most important lessons he would teach you is to be passionate on what ever you love to do. Strive to be the master of your craft and don’t let any one hold you back. Make sure that you know your goals and work very hard to get them. Also, he was a big advocate of “Work hard and play harder.”

Caden and Naraya, your mother and I will continue to raise you and give you every opportunity to grow and learn. One main theme that Ricardo and we would always want you to embrace is to “enjoy your life and take advantage of everything it has to offer.”

With Much Love,

Daddy

Eulogy from Rich Lennon

A PAEAN TO RICARDO PRESNELL

I want to first thank Dan for allowing us into his spectacular home, and for trusting us all with Beartrap Lodge. I also want to express my appreciation to Caroline, to Craig, to Laurie and Carlos, Sarah, Scott, and really to everyone who knew and loved Ricardo. Your hospitality has always been stunning to me over the years, and has never been more needed than today.

I’d also like to warn you all about allowing me to speak in public before you. Putting math-types like myself behind microphones is like walking into a minefield. This’ll make more sense in a few minutes.

Also in the This-Could-Get-Ugly Department is the sad truth that all my prior attempts to give even just parts of this speech have ended poorly, generally with me unable to continue… but I promise to persevere. There may be pauses, so please try to have patience with me.

The last 45 days have tried us all like nothing ever before has. As we’ve told each other over the phone, thinking rationally for more than 30 seconds at a time has been virtually impossible. Work has been pretty embarrassing, with constant mistakes. Sleeping, or more precisely my attempts at it, has continually resulted in pacing around the house in the dark, scaring Hell out of the cat, and worrying everyone I see with my resulting appearance. In my job as our company’s Controller, I’ve been so used to being in, well, CONTROL of myself that this has shocked me like nothing else ever has. So I’ve been wondering why. Here’s what I’ve concluded:

I’m A Man With Two Brains.

In geologic time we are barely zygotes. Our forebrains are astonishingly young, having developed less than 50,000 years ago. Much of the rest of our brainpans, the aft brain (sometimes called reptilian) goes back FAR longer, and is MUCH more powerful. It runs our involuntaries, including our emotions. We math-types don’t really understand the reason for emotions. We like equal signs. We love to solve equations. The irresistible response of my aft brain to Rick’s passing left me confused and reaching out for help, with a complete loss of control…and remember, I’m a Controller.

Rick and Rich were always near-polar opposites in many ways. We also shared much, of course, but since, magnetically, opposite poles attract, and since Rick was nothing if not MAGNETIC, we ended up sticking together, and roommates. In the last 6 weeks I’ve thought many times that those were simply awesome days, some of the best of my life…and we were only 19. Amazing.

Rick was motivation in human form. Rich was Hey, That Chair Looks Mighty Comfy, Let’s Give it A Try!

Ricardo was not just highly motivated, of course. He seemed to me to be, simply put, energy in human form, and that has had me thinking in the empty spaces (at night, in the shower, while driving solo) about what energy really is, and how it behaves in our universe. What’s the most famous equation (remember that math thing!) about energy? The famous German patent office clerk’s Special Theory E=MC^2, energy = matter at the speed of light squared. What Einstein never actually solved was what he called a Unified Field Theory, which adds gravity to his equation. Basically, the Theory Of Everything.

Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that Rick may have been the solution Einstein sought.

Physicists and mathematicians now have come to agree that there is significant evidence for parallel universes. I suggest that gravity is the key to the link between those universes. What is the ultimate expression of gravity? It’s what is now thought to be found at the heart of every galaxy of stars: A supermassive black hole. Don’t give up on me here. Energy equals matter at incredible speed. Doesn’t that describe Rick? A whirling group of stars, dust and gas around it, heated to unimaginable levels. That’s all of us. We’ve orbited Rick for years, and when we gather, look out! Black holes are theoretically created when monster stars collapse, when gravity overpowers them, and they become…a SINGULARITY. The ultimate power in this universe.

Rick was a singular guy, and in his passing has become, to me, just that: A singularity. He can’t be seen by our eyes, but his effects are still here and right in front of me: Everyone here tonight.

We can’t, and not one person here would wish to, escape his famous gravity. It holds all of us, each one of us, to each other…and to him, forever, in death as well as in life.

We don’t yet understand death, even after billions of people far wiser than any of us here (except maybe Craig, or John Bird) have studied it and theorized about it, inventing religions that operate on faith, faith for which we now have an inbred need. Remember, though, Einstein’s Special Theory’s corollary (remember that math thing, again, too!): Energy, like matter, can’t be destroyed in this universe, only changed. Perhaps Rick, who was energy incarnate, an utterly singular being (with certain apologies to Craig), has really just been spread out, like black holes do over geologic time, and from his new universe can still watch us as we remember him tonight. We’re still in his orbit. We’ll always be in it.

Ricardo’s legacy to this world? Look around you: It’s US. All of you, all of us, together. If each of us carries a bit of Rick with us for all the rest of our days, who’s to say his existence has ended? And these bits we carry are not just our memories of times together and shared experiences, although those are powerful accompaniments. His approach to life, the example he set in living his life and loving fully without reservation, those can and should rightly become integral parts of each member of The Tribe (there’s that math thing again!). Are these burdens, like the heavy pack on the steep skintrack, weighing us down as if by gravity? Far from it. They’re lighter than a feather, and even better. They are LOVE AND CONCERN FOR EACH OTHER, the best parts of humanity, ones we try to instill in the next generation, ones we all know are the only way our species can survive on this Earth going forward.

And we are most certainly going forward. With Ricardo held tightly in our hearts, in our minds (both of them!), and we needn’t even consider letting go. How could we? The pull is still so strong, like the invisible singularity. He’s here, with us, right now. He’s still a part of our universe. We don’t need another star to orbit here. The Tribe is now inexorably bound together. Every one of you is now a close relation, and I wouldn’t have it otherwise.

Funk On, my brothers and sisters.

Sincerely yours,

The Dean,

Rich Lennon

A Quote From Susan Neman’s “Moral Clarity”

“…something that makes those who have it fully human, and those who don’t look like sleepwalkers…Rousseau called it force of soul, Arendt called it love of the world…you may call it charisma. Is it a gift of the gods, or something that has to be earned? Watching such people, you will sense that it’s both: given like perfect pitch, or grace…and captured like the greatest of prizes it is. Having it makes people think more, see more, feel more…more intensely, more keenly… The gods of The Odyssey aren’t alive, just immortal…and with immortality most of the qualities we cherish become pointless. With nothing to risk, the gods need no courage.”

A Quote From Ricardo’s And Craig’s Father Found In A Photo Album

“Dr. Walter Madison Presnell’s professional and personal philosophy on emotional maturity cit[ed] the ability to deal constructively with reality, accepting frustrations with ‘a fair degree of grade’, the ability to adapt to change, finding more satisfaction with giving rather than receiving, and the ability to love. ‘The purpose of life,’ sa[id] Dr. Presnell, ‘is to matter. It must make a difference that we have lived at all.’

Dr. Ricardo Davis Presnell, professionally and personally, made that difference.

Words from Kim Holtan Lang March 13, 2010

There’s quite a collective history in this room. Circles of people and stories. These circles all overlap in the same place, in the heart. And Ricardo is that heart. The sunrise on top of the mountain this morning spoke so eloquently what we are all trying to speak now in words. For those of you who were not able to be there this morning the sunrise was amazing. The sun broke, illuminating the mountains, coloring them and the clouds as the wind screamed through the Wasatch. It was real and beautiful and terrible. It spoke an essence of Ricardo and his physical absence that words can’t capture.

Our collective histories overlap here, and in our hearts we share Ricardo. We’ve come to celebrate him and all our relationships to him. Let’s take a moment to touch each other’s heart. Please turn to your neighbors, shake hands, embrace, touch a shoulder. There are old friends and new friends, people we’ve only just met. Make contact. We’re Ricardo’s heart, his tribe.

I’d like to read this short poem, I don’t know who the author is. When my sister died someone sent it to me and I found it comforting. I hope it brings you comfort now.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there. I do not sleep. I am

a thousand winds that blow. I am

the diamond glints on snow. I am

the sunlight on ripened grain. I am

the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s

hush, I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there. I did not die.

Peace be with you.

Update to this weekend's events

2010-03-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

March 13 - 6:30 a.m. tram at Snowbird

March 13 Life Celebration - food will be provided. Please bring beverages!

From Peter Frew

2010-03-11T08:01:00.000-08:00

Cards

I met Ricardo at Middlebury the first week of school, September ’76. It took us two smiles and five seconds to realize we had way too much in common, and we bonded hard and fast over music, hiking, and a hedonistic devotion to make the most of every minute of life. Midd in ’76 was chock full of extraordinary people, and we reveled in the circle of wonderful friends that grew wider and wider. So many good people threaded that fabric; Dave Burnham, Rich Lennon (proprietor of the Simian Lounge), Chien Randalou Hagenstein, Cindy Buzby, Barb Yahr, and so many others, and it is hard to imagine a better time of life. Ricardo was always the axis of the centrifuge, beaming joy and kindling fun.

All freshman fall, the baby blue Volvo (later the brown “Arbito” as he called his VW Rabbit) zoomed in front of Battell North, and Cards hauled us up to the Greens for afternoon hikes through the orange and red leaves of Rattlesnake, the Cascades, and The Hump. In a pattern that would continue for decades, Cards would explain the geology of the mountains with incredible insight, and I’d throw in a line or two of Frost. Needless to say, his rock savvy became world famous.

After fall term in Allen and Batts, respectively, Ricardo and I moved into a tiny room in Milliken together, and cranked a lot of vinyl: Miles Davis (Dr. Presnell Senior purposefully gave his son a righteous middle name) Coltrane, occasional Beethoven, Francis Vincent Zappa, and early George Clinton (What’s happenin’ C.C.?). As the snow fell freshman winter, off we flew to ski at the Bowl, before we discovered General Stark’s gem of a mountain one hour north on the Long Trail.

Junior year, so many ridiculous memories from Lang emerge, including Peter Walker’s artful arrangement of Dog Doo Rockwood’s bills from the ceiling, but 98 in Rich and Ricardo’s room keeps bobbing to the surface. Did I say 98? Question penalty! 89 posed even greater challenges, and Cards would always be doing pull ups as newcomers to the game arranged their cards, and struggled vainly to understand the rules. Weather Report, Stanley Clark, and P-Funk cranked from Rich and Ricardo’s room, and spirits cranked even higher. As Rich memorized hundreds of characters for Chinese class, Ricardo maintained a brilliant commitment to geology, and his scholarship was inspirational.

From those funky roots at Middlebury, we chased graduate degrees, and Ricardo’s Mo’ (and his Mo’ was always Mighty) took him all the way to a PhD. During this time, I was lucky enough to spend countless days, the very best days, with Cards in the icy, tight-treed Greens, the fluffy Wasatch, the Tetons, and the Selkirks. No small bonus was getting to hang and ski (see pal Rich Lennon’s mention of the bro’s) with Card’s Western friends Lee, Lori and Carlos, Lars, Rich, Tom, Sarah, Scott, and so many others whose faces are strong, but whose names have faded thanks to long days spent chasing Ricardo up and down, too little sleep, and Ricardo’s infamous early starts. Best of all, I got to know Ricardo’s bride and soul-mate Caroline, who put up with way too many March weeks of Rich and me crashing there, of our late night antics, and our dawn pre-flight coffee scrambipulation. Calm and grinning her beautiful grin in the midst of our maelstrom, Caroline’s love for Ricardo was apparent not only in her tolerance for us, but in every stitch of the incredible, custom made Gortex clothes she made for him. I’m pretty sure it was Caroline’s perfectly tailored ski clothes, not Ricardo’s outrageous level of fitness, that enabled him to break trail for us in the deepest snow. Either way, Rich and I were frequently the beneficiaries of Ricardo’s lungs, thighs, and “great big bottom, up and up, a beat without a drummer…” Thank goodness for the spiritual bungee cord he threw to us as legs and lungs wobbled.

When Rich Lennon called me the afternoon of the avalanche, the third rock stopped spinning, both bindings released, wheels fell off. Inconceivable. It seemed like nothing could ever stop Ricardo. I can’t believe he is gone. I look back on so many of the best days of our lives, the deepest snow, the most outrageous rides in Moab, the most SHEER FUN on so many occasions (watching sunsets over the Addies, and yes, so many of you have mentioned Stark’s Nest) and I feel so lucky to have been there with him. May we always “Go big or stay home!” What a great, great spirit has passed through us.

Events for the weekend of March 12-13

2010-03-05T17:39:00.000-08:00

Friday - Open Dinner for the Tribe

Please join hostess Sarah Bennett for dinner and good company on Friday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. Lasagna and salad will be the fare, and please bring the beverage of your choice. Everyone is welcome, and this event will be an opportunity for locals and out of town guests to connect.

For directions and further details, please email sarah8144@msn.com or nataliemcintosh@yahoo.com

Saturday - Celebration of Life for Ricardo Presnell

The celebration for our dear friend Ricardo will be held at the home of Dan Knopp from 4-8 p.m on Saturday, March 13.

From the intersection of Wasatch Blvd. and Fort Union, head up Big Cottonwood Canyon (going to Solitude or Brighton) 11.1 miles. Dan's house is on the left and there will be parking available. If you get to the Solitude Ski area, you've gone to far!

Light appetizers will be served. Everyone is encouraged to bring other finger food, beer, wine or tequila. Information about the Dr. Ricardo Presnell Scholarship Fund will be available. Carpooling and the assignment of a designated driver is strongly encouraged.

Please check the blog between now and Friday for additional updates!

An Alaskan Farewell from Kate Bull and friends

2010-03-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, February 27^th, a group of us gathered in Girdwood, Alaska, to honor Ricardo. Most of us in Alaska who knew Ricardo will not be able to attend the gathering on March 13 in SLC, and we wanted have a few ski runs and tip a glass or two for him. Rob Retherford generously organized Cathy Frost’s Raven Glacier Lodge in Girdwood for post-skiing events. The day could hardly have been more perfect.

Saturday morning began on the slopes with a friends’ farewell to Ricardo. Nick Enos, my husband-- Terry Honeysett, and I went to the top of Christmas Chute, a favorite run of Rico’s at Alyeska ski resort. Nick and I each took some of Ricardo’s ashes and tossed them together into the air with fond farewells. Caroline had asked us to spread Ricardo in spots he loved in Alaska, and we were only too happy to oblige. We didn’t get the 1^st chair, as Rico would have, but the sun came out just in time… he’ll guard the top of the chute for us now.

We spent the rest of the day skiing the hill with more friends, such as Rob Retherford, Stan Foo and others—way more low-key than a Presnell ski day, but just what we all needed, and a great way to recall the fun we’d all had on various slopes with Rico.

The evening festivities at the lodge included fresh-lime margueritas, incredibly good food, old friends, slides and stories. Nick and I shared slides of a ski trip we took with Ricardo into Fairy Meadows Hut in B.C in 1999, Terry and I shared photos from one of Ricardo’s visits to Fairbanks last summer, and Trisha had set photos from the blog to music for all to enjoy. And, we can faithfully report to Caroline, that we (at least those of us who didn’t drive back to Anchorage) danced! It had to be done.

Raven Glacier Lodge

Dessert!

Joe Kurtak and Trisha

To me Ricardo was the glue holding so many together, an hysterical bright spot in my life and in any gathering. His optimism was contagious. He was also one of my most loyal friends—always calling to check-in, visiting me in Tasmania where I schooled for 4 yrs, making sure to stop in Fairbanks whenever he could. He always supported me in my work, and encouraged me to return to exploration when I was ready. Ricardo was a friend forever.

Everyone at our gathering last weekend noted that it was so wonderful to see eachother again--- what a sad thing that it took such an excuse to get together… we need to try harder to come together without the loss of good friends. Still, Ricardo is a great excuse to laugh, ski, eat and dance. He’d have had it no other way.

6/09 Fairbanks, AK

From Stephen Parker

2010-02-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

My freshman year at Middlebury in 1979 I was introduced to an amazing group of people through my older sister who was in the class of 1981, Ricardo was one of them. It might have been at a Black and Red party where the floor broke from heavy funk, “everything is on the one y’all and don’t forget it” (Weybridge House?). Or it could have been oozing down a hallway late at night. The smile that drew you in, the energy that made you move, too. I was young and impressionable and impressed.

An early indelible ski memory was that of riding up the chairlift at Sugarbush North (Glen Ellen) with Kim Holtan. It was the last of the slush bumps but the lift was open. Below us bumping and grinding butt naked Ricardo and Rich Lennon showed their stuff and it was a proud site to see, “rotor-router baby bubba”. Many memories flash and move, some fuzzy in a funky groove, George Clinton and P-Funk at South Lake Tahoe? “Something smells like a skunk and I want some”. Some are as sharp as this morning, early, even though I couldn’t drag myself out of bed for the early breakfast at Proctor Hall; I wanted to, just to be there. Early powder at Hatcher pass, Ricardo waiting at the Eagle River exit already up for hours jammed with java, waiting for the Alaska winter light. Denali in that late October light from the ridge, the cold and dry turns dropping into Eldorado Bowl. Angelic Kudjo in the Audi après ski at Alta. Sharing stories of Stacia and Lambert, Helicopter pilots we both flew with, rocks and remote locations. Scary stuff, turbine powered flying rocks.

Waves of grief hit me at random intervals. Even a hemisphere away the swells roll in from the pacific. When talking about our current trip to South America, the smile flashed the beta began to flow, he knew this land, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia these are stomping grounds, bread and butter, Tierra cognita.

Still the waves roll in. It’s happened before. An acquaintance, a near friend, another friend, a parent even, the shields of youth and time eased the pain. But this time it is so close to home as a knife to the heart. How many times have I been the bearer of this news, holding back the tears of empathy, sharing the hurt but still distanced, not as raw and real. A subtle distraction and it hits.

I look at the Forecast center website. I see the pictures. I’ve seen them before, with other people. I’ve been on a breaking slab. The crown face is over head high. The slab looks hard. All the other tracks to skier’s right are still intact.

The best get fooled, the avalanche forecaster in Cordova last year. Robson ski cutting was carried into trees resulting in a fractured femur. With Ricardo you feel comfortable. There is a plan. It is sane and rapidly but well conceived. This is how it goes… Then it all changes in a second. Life changes either imperceptibly slowly or in a fraction of a second. There is no middle ground. You think you can plan, prepare then it’s gone. He never changed. Despite my lack of hair, neither did I. We could call each other doctor but we are the same despite all the imperceptible changes that others may perceive. There is constancy. Ricardo will never be far and sometimes he will hit me, the boom box background beat on the ridge. Time to get down and boogie baby.

-este

From Roger Gallagher

2010-02-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

We were lucky to coordinate schedules during our visit to the Olympics, to see Ricardo in Salt Lake. My two boys were then 10 and 5. He talked effusively about Caroline, her horses, the dogs. Over a few beers, he caught us up on backcountry skiing, his geologic triumphs and adventures, and I remember my kids’ wide-eyed admiration of this man who was part James Bond and part Indiana Jones. To this day, one of their most vivid memories of the 2002 Winter Olympics was meeting Ricardo. He came up often in conversation after that meeting, brief as it was, and my boys would invariably exclaim, “Oh, he is THE MAN.”

Both my wife, Martha, and I were at Middlebury with him, and we have many memories of parties there and adventures in the surrounding woods. We did a downhill race on the snowmobile tracks of Snake Mountain – on cross country skis. We funked so hard at Weybridge House that we collapsed the floor.

One of my best memories is a cold hike through the dark Vermont night up to Stark’s Nest, toting skis and brown death. It was so cold that the cider froze, so we just sucked the 151 out of it. We stayed up late, telling stories, playing cards and laughing ourselves to sleep. I had so much fun trudging up the damn mountain (accompanied by the usual chatter, of course) and freezing in the cabin overnight, I was stunned in the morning by the realization that we got to make fresh tracks in the sparkling powder on the way down - oh yeah - the FUN part!

Somewhat coincidentally, Martha recently handed me Forrest Church’s Love & Death and in it he writes, “Whether or not there is life after death, surely there is love after death. The one thing that can never be taken from us, even by death, is the love we give away before we die.” Ricardo leaves us with a mountain of love, and for that, I know my kids are right – he is THE MAN.

From Kim Holtan Lang

2010-02-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

Songs in the Key of Ricardo

The Reverend Doctor Ricardo Davis Presnell. Ricardo. Card. Rico. Ric. The Wiggler. Ricky Dee. Boo Boo. The Man. The Boy. The Reverend. The Rev.

I knew Ricardo by many names and am sure there were many I didn’t know. He was expressive and multidimensional, and not just in name. His life was crammed full of high level experience, people, love, adventure, profession, passion, and vitality. He was our Ricardo. The man I loved to share. Sharp, funny, beautiful with an infectious laugh and insatiable curiosity. He had many faces and voices: robust laughing Ricardo- rubbing his hand back over his head and giving me THAT look; straight faced Rico- with perhaps just a curl to his upper lip; the wiggy wiggy woo woo silly Ricardo; early morning Ricardo, caffeinated, focused, and planning the day’s mission; crisp, clipped professional Ricardo (the little bitty piece I saw); dancing his little skip wiggle dance Ricardo; outdoor Ricardo, too vast to describe; and the god forbid if I’ve had the misfortune to displease him Ricardo, ruthlessly silent and stonefaced. My Ricardo. Our Ricardo.

I can’t believe his life is complete. Mine is now so fragmented and disrupted. My memories flow, a small pulse in Ricardo’s vast song. Our collective memories are Ricardo’s symphony. He may be gone, but we keep his song.

I remember the first time I laid eyes on Ricardo, skiing at Mad River Glen. I’d never seen anything like him. He was fast, really fast in that point ‘em straight alpine boot 205’s javelin skis kind of way. He was the most beautiful, baddest, blackest skier I’d ever seen in my life. Not a common Vermont sight in 1978, to say the least. For those of you unfamiliar with Mad River Glen, it is a small ski area nestled in the Green Mountains. Hard, steep, narrow, and gnarly with abundant trees, stumps, rocks, and hunks of random ice. The kind of terrain that beats a body up, 20 year old Ricardo’s kind of place. Back in those days the tree skiing was not as known or popular as it is today, still Ricardo knew the shots. We bonded as skiers that first day, skiing hard until the very last chair. That night I ran into him at the Alibi (Middlebury’s dive bar). We drank beverages, we danced, we shared stories and friends. Sound familiar? Like so many of you, it was the pattern our friendship was to take for the next 32 years. Can he really be gone?

That first spring of our friendship he took me on my first ski hike after the lifts closed for the season. Skis on my shoulders hiking straight up the mountain, I quickly realized I was in trouble. I was skiing strong, but this task required some mental fitness that I had not previously considered. I eventually fell into the rhythm of his gait and boot pack. A new part of me began to sprout. Ricardo was a pivotal, powerful influence in my life. I discovered much about myself through him.

Our friendship deepened with many college exploits. Ricardo had the best music. A bunch of us would crash some normal people’s party usually wearing funk outfits and the omnipresent sunglasses (“ya gots ta have on your sunglasses”). They’d be milling about, probably bored, no dancing. Ricardo would swiftly yank off whatever was droning on the stereo and replace it with one of his notorious “bad tapes.” The mothership landed and everybody must dance. It was contagious so dance they did, no longer bored or normal.

I loved Ricardo, always will. His friendships were a communal inspiration. We weren’t satellites in Ricardo’s orbit, we were stars in the same constellation. The beat goes on. In places I can’t imagine. Molly Stevens said to me, “You can’t die in your bliss if you’re not living your bliss.” Life is movement, a pulse, a beat, a dance. If you’re not in it you’re not living. Show up, do it, be it, feel it, relish it. Dance it!

I want to my finish my piece with my happiest day. Ricardo became a minister of the Universal Life Church so he could marry Gil and me. Reverend Ricardo noted in our ceremony that a circle of friends is a family. We know this. Ricardo’s friends were his family. And through Ricardo we are all family. The Reverend married us outdoors, Vermont’s fall foliage blazing beneath Mt Mansfield. During our vows I swept my arms towards the mountains and said, “This is my Cathedral.” It felt so right having wild-hearted Reverend Ricardo officiate! He ended our ceremony with these words: ”I pronounce you man and wife. And may your single track be endless and powder bottomless. You may kiss the bride.” That winter we went to Utah and skied with Ricardo. As we skinned up a gorgeous ridge on a bright sunny day Ricardo turned to me, smiled broadly and swept his arm out across the Wasatch and said, “This is my Cathedral.”

Ricardo gave me my happiest day in my Cathedral, and on my saddest day he left me forever from his.

Peace be with you.

Kim Holtan Lang, Burlington, VT

October 9, 2004

Stowe, Vermont

Steve Rosenfeld, The Bad One, Peter Walker. 1980

1980

Ricardo, P. Scott Russell, Molly Stevens

Rico in Daddy Presnell’s Tux.

With Phebe Jensen and Kim Holtan

New Hampshire 1981

Molly Stevens and Ricardo

Big Ol’ Gagger Tour 1988

Camel’s Hump

Rich Lennon, Kevin, bad Ricardo, Kim, Charlie and Mima Tipper

Middlebury 20^th Reunion Hike 2001

Doug Rich and Ricardo

Umbrella Tree March 2004

‘Chard, Wad, and ‘Card

March 2005

The Rev & The Newly weds

March 2006

Boo Boo and the Wee Man

Nelson 2007

Ricardo’s 50^th

Moab 2009

Last Visit

From Sarah Lloyd Bennet

2010-02-09T16:17:00.000-08:00

Hi All, I have made numerous attempts over the past week and a half to reach out and let you know what has been going on here, but I have whipsawed by grief and despair, some pretty desperate lows but some pretty amazing highs as well. As I write this my exhaustion is almost complete. Went for a skate to the top of Millcreek Canyon today. I must have been aided by the energizer bunny himself because I felt like I could go forever, despite the exhaustion. It was, as Ricardo would say, a "jungle skate," which means a combination of challenging conditions (bullet proof at the bottom and soft and lumpy at the top) and both two and four legged wild animals constantly darting out in front of you. It was one of Ricardo's regular outings and one he loved. Always a good bonding experience with the canine kids and a good aerobic thrashing. And who didn't love a good aerobic thrashing? As I came down I passed Search and Rescue personnel heading up on snowmobiles. The parking lot had turned into an emergency command center. Another avalanche. Later (now Tuesday a.m.) I found out this one had wrapped a skier around a tree that saved him from the full 1000 foot ride and burial, but resulted in double compound fractures in both legs. Being able to get a helicopter in there under clear skies saved his life. There were two other large avalanches Sunday, one on a slope that had been skied by many skiers the day before in area known as Gobblers Knob, and another one in Millcreek that resulted in a shoulder dislocation of the skier trying to arrest himself on the avalanche bed. He survived and skied out. All involved very experienced backcountry skiers. The dragon is still out there. The weekend following the accident was a blur of sad faces, bonding, and beautiful snowy woods. As many of you know Tom and Khristy Gavigan drove from Tahoe and Natalie and John McIntosh flew from Minneapolis. Having those guys here was incredible and helped many of us pull through those first really difficult days. More on that later. Scott hosted us Saturday night for what was an essential group hug. We tried to douse the shock with tequila with limited success. Sunday around a dozen of us straggled back to Scott's and headed up to Solitude and the avalanche site. in lightly falling snow we put on boots and skins and began a slow march toward the base of the Meadow Chutes in the Silver Fork drainage. The banter, and the laughter, and being together was incredible, but as we approached the site the group fell silent. As we arrived there were only sobs and hugging for what seemed like a long time. Several people walked off in different directions for a moment of solitude. I skied up to the tree where Carlos had erected a picture of Ricardo the Friday before and hung a lei that Blair and I had made around the portrait. Scott also carried and wedged in alongside the photo something Caroline had given him. Tom and Khristy taped a Canadian Loony to the photo a few days later. Undoubtedly there will be more tokens of affection for the man who came to rest in such a beautiful spot. Here he faces the slope where he took his last turns.

The Monday after that weekend was one of the darkest days of my life. Getting back on the merry-go-round of life was an impossibility. I was imprisoned in the present by grief and wanting to do nothing but wallow there. Others had the same experience on that day. Finding something to do for Caroline, for Ricardo, was critical. I pulled myself together and went over to the house. Natalie and I took Caroline downtown to get her passport expedited for travel on Wednesday to Vancouver. We got that accomplished, the passport would be at the airport for her to pick up on Wednesday morning, but at the last minute Caroline decided not to go. It was too soon and she made the call, one that enabled and empowered her to refocus on the mounting pile of decisions before her. Khristy, Natalie, and neighbor Laurie England hovered over Caroline seeing to her every need during those days, while Tom and Johnny got busy sorting through and organizing stacks of bills and paper work in Ricardo's office and even tackled the garage. We all had to chuckle as it became apparent how Ricardo was able to find so much time to get out and play. Johnny and Natalie pushed off on Tuesday but Tom and Khristy stayed, committed to getting Caroline on her feet and aiding in the onerous task of putting Rico's affairs in order. I have helped where I could but have needed to still be a mother to a concerned 8 year-old and take care of the maddening and relentless details of day-to-day life. The caring and attention Tom and Khristy gave to Caroline and others, including myself, while they were here for a week-plus, was nothing short of heroic. It was so incredible to have the Gavigans and Macs here to completely devote themselves to Caroline by being physically present. Laurie and Carlos too, living across the street have been caring and watching over Caroline almost constantly. I can't adequately express my respect and gratitude to these folks. Their love and caring is testament to the incredible friend that Ricardo was, and the unwavering friendship he fostered in others. The days have worn on...I am both grateful for this and abhor it. I can't help that feel that everyday that does by takes me farther from that day and my friend who I will not see again. While I can read the paper or sit clear eyed and absorb what is being said, I still have moments of every day where I am blinded by tears of regret, pain, and worry for a future missing that gleaming smile and hilarious commentary. Still processing, still processing. So thankful to have had a few days on the hill with Tom, Khristy, and a host of others to make some turns and feel both the presence of the man and a hope for shared days in the future. Getting to connect and reconnect with so many has been so very sweet. The calls and emails I have received over the last almost two weeks now, offering up kernels of wisdom and encouragement have been lifesaving. Thank you. I will look forward to seeing, skiing, and sharing with you in March. Leaving you with two more pictures...One from the top of the Meadow Chutes two years before and from Moab last spring. Miss you Rico. Love you, man. SSsss

From Catherine Harris

2010-02-09T16:03:00.000-08:00

In 51 years, I have yet to post anything to a public blog. But this morning I'm reflecting on how much comfort and how many smiles have come to me through the sadness as I've read your stories that honor the man and capture the memories. So it seems that if ever there was a good reason to put aside my inhibitions about public web sites, this is it.

I met Ricardo freshman week at Middlebury. In a mix of people that seemed, to me anyway, to all be blessed with a mixture of athleticism, brains, wit, energy, and confidence that I could only dream about, Ricardo stood out - and only in a very small part because he was black at largely white Midd. I think much of it had to do with a quality that he never lost - he seemed happiest and most energetic when those around him were also enjoying themselves. And he always took the time to check in on others.

I never took part in Ultimate Frisbee, but I can see him flashing around the field, in more places than seemed possible. And he had mastered the trick of looking relaxed - I think it was his eyes - while being impossibly amped.

Our paths crossed only occasionally at Middlebury - we had different majors, and he, like me, took an extended and frequently off-campus course to a diploma. I have some vivid memories though - trying to keep up with him a few times at Mad River, and being right behind him one day when the single chair at Mad River broke down for way too long. It won't surprise anyone that he was better prepared for some chairlift sit-time than most would have been, and I'm not talking about the blankets ... I remember his dialog kept all those in earshot laughing and happy in spite of the cold.

We reconnected out in Utah in the 80's, where several others of that Midd generation ended up. We rejoiced about how much better the snow in Utah was than Vermont, and there were few who enjoyed their play-time as well as Ricardo. I found myself, once again, trying to keep up with him: at Snowbird, touring, or sometimes - even more impossible for me - mountain biking.

I never could keep up, and probably would have seen less of him than I did except for my boyfriend, now husband, John (Bird '82) who shared with Ricardo a seemingly endless energy, an enthusiasm for defying laws of gravity and momentum, and the love of mountains as well as passion for geology. I have heard from several people how Ricardo will be missed from a professional perspective - I can say from a "layman's" standpoint that his gift for sharing extended well beyond the good times of recreation - it was always a treat to hear him talk about his work and geology in general, and inspired me to learn more.

Looking back, I wish I had gone along on more outings - I was often held back by the thought that I couldn't keep up. Remembering Ricardo, I realize that he wouldn't have cared about that as long as I was having fun. On more than one occasion I saw him remind friends, both those who could keep up with him, as well as the rest of us,that it was the company and the fun that counted - not how good you were, how many days you had been out, or some of the other "notches" that we like to keep track of.

That said, whenever I ran into him around town, he always gleefully recounted how many days he had under his belt. But he was so happy about it, you couldn't help be happy too! We got so many comments that he was "best story-teller" at our wedding... I still sometimes wonder if it would have been a boring event without him!

The time and energy vortex of two kids and more conventional jobs, not to mention a slew of injuries and aches (which he seemed immune to), meant that in the last few years we enjoyed Ricardo's adventures vicariously more often than participated, and even social visits were infrequent. But he had the gift of making those gaps in time disappear whenever you did see him. For me, it was most frequently while driving home, up Emigration Canyon outside Salt Lake. He biked here often, and I always knew that if I took the time to pull over (in my soccer-mom mini-van) and crank the music, he would turn around - but never unclip! - and lean in the window, trade hugs with me, high-fives with the kids, and share a few stories about life and friends - how did he keep up with so many people? - and leave me full of laughter and more energy.

The thought that I'll never be able to pull the car over for him again saddens me more than I can write about.

A very bright light went out when Ricardo passed - I hope that those of us fortunate enough to enjoy its warmth can carry on his joy of living. I know if he were writing, there would be something about vibes, but I still have trouble using that word myself. I think it's enough that I learned to like P-Funk, although never as loud as he liked it!

It's a beautiful day here in the Wasatch, and Ricardo would no doubt be out enjoying it - so I'll close here and make him my example.

With love, Rin

From Leslie McCormick Tate

2010-02-05T17:35:00.000-08:00

I first met Ricardo after graduating from Middlebury in 1985 and coming to work at the Alta Lodge. I didn’t know him at college, but he was a huge part of the Middlebury family that welcomed me to the Wasatch and helped me decide to make Salt Lake my home. Several years later, my brother Bob received the same welcome, and soon became part of the Boy’s Club. I remember vividly how Ricardo was always the life of the party. For someone who tends to be shy, I was in awe of Ricardo’s exuberance. But like Ricardo, I cherish connections to people first and foremost. He is The Connector! Sadly, I realize that I saw a lot more of Ricardo BC, before children. In fact, the last time I saw Caroline, my 11 year old, was in a stroller! Without making a conscious decision, I’ve definitely been in the “family zone.” Since having kids, I’ve toured the backcountry very little. One of the last times I saw Ricardo was skiing at Alta. I called to him as he loaded the chair. The wind was absolutely nuking, and I was astonished that I got to the top he and Tom Gavigan were waiting for me. “Eagles Nest,” they called to me from the abyss, and then they were flying over the high traverse. It was a great run, but I can’t honestly say that we skied it together. It sure touched me that they waited, though. The big life lesson I’ve learned from Ricardo is that it’s way more fun to be a participator than an observer, and every time I’ve forced myself to leap into a situation, I’ve been glad that I did. Ricardo never even had to think about it. He was The Initiator! I will hold dear these lessons learned from The Man, and try to live them as he would. And do the best I can to stay connected to all of you.

Carpe Diem!

Love, Leslie

From Neal Lischner

2010-02-05T17:24:00.000-08:00

Ricardo was such a presence. The loss is unbelievable and feels infinite.

My first memory of Ricardo was during my first year at Middlebury on a very early season skiing day at Glen Ellen (now SugarbushNorth) with his roommate Rich Lennon. During the drive to the mountain from Midd, I was simultaneously introduced to P-funk, espresso (the Mag-D) and some green leafy substance that caused me to forget how to put on my skis. I don’t remember how I got connected with them, but it was a memorable day of skiing the same run over and over, faster and faster, and more and more, until they poured me back into the car at the end of the day. There were many more like that over the years and I never was able to quite keep up with Ricardo, but I was continually inspired to try. One year ago Eileen and I met Ricardo at the bus stop at the foot of Little Cottonwood Canyon with the snow coming down. He drove us up to Alta for a powder day to remember. He taught us the importance of getting up the road early to beat the inevitable closings behind us. He taught us how to do “laps” at Alta, which basically meant starting at the top and racing to the rope tow while stopping as little as possible. Eileen giggles and calls it the best day of skiing of her life whenever we talk about it. I noticed he wore his avalanche beacon despite our day of inbounds, life-accessed skiing. He was always planning ahead and aware of the situation. He consistently knew the exact direction on the mountain to take to find the best fresh tracks, saying ”stay high for optionality.” to me when we got off the lift.

When I heard the terrible news, I could not quite believe it could be true and that this could have happened to him. Sometimes life and death seem so random and unfair. Not being someone who believes in a heaven, I think I have determined where Ricardo might be now. An expert geologist, I think it would be fitting that he is probably now a part of all the rocks and mountains we all visit or live on. I’ll think of this every time I am out there.

We will miss you.

Neal and Eileen

From David Burnham

2010-02-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

How does one start? What can you say that his wonderful wife and friends have not said already? Every time I think I'm done crying, another phone call, shared moment, or image pops in my head and brings it all flooding back. Strangest of all are the breakdowns when the call is from someone who never met him but knew how much I cared for him and had heard at least one Ricardo story (it really only takes one to fall in love with the guy).

I met Ricardo freshman year at Middlebury. Very soon we found ourselves members of a breakfast club (a small group of people who despite what happened the night before would always be the first table formed at breakfast) . Would any of you be surprised to hear that he was always there first? Invariably, the contagious smile was only matched by the hilarity of his story from the night before or the beat of the tune he was still humming.

We took Baldwin's History of Geologic Time J-term freshman year: we would make lunch at breakfast, (toasted pb&js) and drive to class so that we could head to the Snow Bowl directly...friends for life. I skied 51 days that winter, Cards invariably more than that. Once we discovered Mad River we never looked back and 6 laps on Paradise was considered a perfect afternoon.

Skiing was a shared passion that tied us together over the years. I remember visiting him at Tuckerman's the winter he was there: his posse was anxious to get going. Cards suggested we all start up Hillmans and that he would finish his chores and then catch up. We were over half way up before he started but he passed us...never stopped once, we were all winded and sweating when we got to the top but there he was all smiles ready to lead us on an adventurous day.

Epic ski days followed Cards wherever he was but once he found the Wasatch he knew he was home. His love for the back country was only matched by his love for sharing it. I think he gained as much satisfaction from sharing his adventures as living them, so generous with his time, knowledge and expertise. Living at sea level, I am one of those lucky people who as Caroline put it Ricardo pushed to "their physical limits" without ever leaving behind. Thank you Ricardo and thank you Carlos for putting up with me.

Ricardo's love for life washed off in showers on anyone who came in contact with him, every moment with Cards was a wake up call, a reminder that living large and doing what you love actually makes you a better person, husband, father, friend. I look forward to seeing all of you in March, hearing more stories and celebrating his legacy. In the meantime, I am going to let Ricardo lead me one more time as I recalibrate what is truly important: family, friends, fresh air and the combination of the same.

David Burnham

Fishers Island

From Steve Schueler

2010-02-02T18:09:00.001-08:00

This picture is from a hike back in April 2007 around Twin Lakes Pass. One of many great Wasatch hikes over the years.

This pic is from last fall in Moab. A beautiful weekend in Southern Utah.

Rico my friend, I will miss you dearly.

Steve

From Molly Stevens

2010-02-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

I met Ricardo at Middlebury sometime between 1978 and 1979. Kim introduced us because, as she tells it, she wanted her friends to be friends. Whatever her reason, it worked (thank you, Kimmee!), and, ever since, my life has been unquestionably brighter, bigger, louder, richer and more fun for knowing and loving Ricardo. Looking back, I can’t imagine my college years without the force of Ricardo’s energy and heart. From the start, it was obvious that Ricardo was always moving, and so being his friend meant trying to keep up—or better yet, wanting to keep up. It was not one of those situations where I felt unwillingly dragged along (I’ve been in plenty of those); instead Ricardo’s forward motion was contagious. I wholly wanted to be swept along for the ride wherever we were going. Whether it was a dancing with the pre-lunch-funk-bunch in my dorm room at Hillcrest (“Don’t stop till you get enough, don’t stop...”) or a pre-dawn drive to the New Hampshire for a marathon hike, Ricardo amped up the energy wherever he went. He was a force unto himself. An absolute original. I will be forever grateful that I was lucky enough to get caught up in the wake of his radiant vitality and power for even a short time.

In addition to his infectious enthusiasm, I learned several important life lessons from Ricardo. First off, he turned me onto the pleasure and necessity of strong coffee (ah, the Mag D). He introduced me to the White Mountains. He showed me the way down Paradise. He made me understand how having a solid beat playing in your head can carry you all the way down a bump run. And most of all, he helped me see that everything doesn’t have to be spoken, and that sometimes—most times, really—dancing is enough. And yes, there was the funk. Always the funk.

After college, Ricardo and I went separate ways but loosely stayed in touch. I will never forget one particular phone call in the autumn after graduation. I had returned to my parent’s house after a few months wandering around Alaska. Ricardo was in Denver working at a real job. I had no job, no prospects and I was floundering. “You’ve got to get out of there, Moll” was all he said—once again, urging me to move forward, to point ‘em downhill, and he was right. I did pick myself up, get out of there, and took up the reins of my own life.

From then on, we saw each other only a few times before falling out of touch for about a decade. Happily, life events eventually brought our orbits closer with occasions like a college reunion (that ridiculous hike to Stark’s Nest in the thick fog and rain), my teaching trips to Salt Lake (where I so happily met lovely Caroline), Kim and Gil’s wedding (the Rev), and, of course, our somewhat irregular Utah ski trips. And each time it was always an electric happiness. That same powerful spirit and smile. That sparkle. And the funk. Always the funk.

In the present moment, I find myself fighting back feelings of regret—regret that I didn’t call more, didn’t email more, that I didn’t plan our ski trips better around his schedule—but then I realize that none of that would change anything. It wouldn’t make me miss my friend any less. It wouldn’t ease the pain in my heart. And, most importantly, it wouldn’t change the connection and love that I feel toward such an amazing and brilliant individual. I feel honored and blessed to be a part of this extended tribe of people paying tribute to our dear friend. Ricardo taught me to keep on moving, and I hope that one of my first steps forward out of this abyss of sadness will be to travel to Utah to celebrate with you all. Peace. Love. The groove will always be in the heart.

Molly

Vermont

An Ultimate Frisbee Situation at Middlebury

2010-02-01T09:24:00.001-08:00

From Bob McCormick

2010-02-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

It was with great sadness that I heard the news of the loss of our friend Rico. He was one in a bizillion. When the news of his passing came, I was about to teach my high school students how important it was to conserve soil and water. Suddenly, saving the world didn’t make as much sense as dismissing my class and going for a walk. Like you, the memories came as fast as the tears.

I still remember the day when I first met Rico in the late 1980’s. I was immediately intimidated. He was smarter than most, he spoke too fast, and he seemed to expect quick answers. Watching him defend his Ph. D thesis in Geology did little to dispel my intimidation, but it didn’t take much time outside for us to find common ground. After a few tours and several big powder days at Alta, I found I could at least hang with him on skis. We had a mutual devotion for skiing great snow with great friends and for sucking all that was good about living along the Wasatch front. I learned what we all did: Good times were more easy to come by with Rico on board.

Like most of you, I loved Rico’s joy for slang and the lingo that arose while playing outside. After a really hard run, we “Talked to the Chief” (Chief Burning Thigh). If we overdressed, we were “Mohatma.” Long climbs left us “worshipping the Emporer Hirohurt-o” and “Gottaloopit” meant no out and back ski tours for us. We had to make loops! Talking about “Herman” (a term for his presumeably large manhood) was surprisingly OK among single guys, and when “the Vishnu Schist hit the Alluvial Fan,” we knew trouble was afoot. And then there was his music. How many of us would have ever have given “Dee - Lite” a second listen had Dr. Funk not forced Bootsy Collins upon us?

The last time I saw Rico was at Tom and Khristi’s wedding, way too long ago. He joined my then girlfriend and now wife Maryann and me on a short and mellow mountain bike ride. At a time when I was unsure about my life as a married man, he made a point to pull me aside after the ride and tell me that she was worth hitching my wagon to, and that I might want to get on that. As usual, he was right. He knew stuff before most of us did.

The common friends here seem to be an eclectic mix of souls from many different places and spaces, yet we all share a common bond: The man touched us all, and his loss came way too soon. We will miss the life-fueled calls from Rico at 5:30 AM telling us where the next adventure would be. We know it would be better out there with him, but we shouldn’t let his absence keep us from living it up. He wouldn’t have wanted it that way, and he’ll be there with us anyway. In spirit. Forever.

Peace,

Bob

From Craig Larsen

2010-02-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

Rico my dear brother

RIP… to you … I’d like to say, but knowing you, I know there’s no way.

In another dimension space or time your energy will continue to light the way for mine.

Your cup of life so full, you always gladly spilled over into my cup, over and over.

For now I will have to keep mine full through my tears, unlike yours so full with achievement not fears.

Wherever we go after this life, I know you are there to brighten the light. I take solace in knowing your energy will never die

Whenever I fire one up, inhale the herb like a kiss, then strap on my skies or ride my bike, celebrating the joys of life, it is you I will miss.

I will remember and think about you so the times we spent will always be new.

Because the deeper the wound made by your loss, the larger the scar is in are hearts to always remind us who and what we are and what we can be ……. it was you the teacher not me.

For all of the people in which whom you danced, all of our lives you so greatly enhanced. Like the hush of falling snow late in the night, we will be with you tomorrow and follow your light.

One time your friendship I tried to shrugged off… so soon to know that it was not easily tossed. So in my apology heart felt and true, I was still a little mean to you. You called me a ‘Blue Meanny’ that was all and our friendship again stood firm and tall. You are a better man than I my old friend. That lesson I will hold till my life’s end. I hope beyond hope that we meet again.

Please excuse me in my humble attempt to take a shot at the feelings and memories of the time we have spent.

There are no words to try to say the feelings I feel, so sadly now, that you’ve gone away,

Robert Hunter put it so well:

Fair the well, Fair thee well, I love you more than words can tell. Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul

I will always love you Rico, more than words can tell

Larz

From Collin Hargrove

2010-02-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

My time with him was short, but its amazinig how spending 7 days in a backcountry hut in the middle of the Canadian rockies can allow you to see someone for who they really are.........I'm so happy that I got to spend those days with him....I'll never forget it! He is an inspiration to me!!! Ski on!!!!

From Andy and Carol Lanes

2010-01-30T04:00:00.001-08:00

Thoughts from Vail,

It is thru a profound sadness that we fight to share some happy thoughts with the community that is the legacy of Ricardo Presnell. I have known Ric since playing opposite him in an ultimate Frisbee game in Middlebury in 1977, which neither of us was going to lose; we were instant friends.

In Denver, in the 80’s, he met my wife Carol, still the only person I know who could call him Ricky without bearing that scowl of disdain that we all would occasionally see when we weren’t up for something. Ricardo’s career took him away from Denver, but not us, or anyone else anywhere on the planet with whom he felt a connection.

In all the time since, we were treated to at least annual calls announcing a visit, trip to Moab, trip to Fruita, rendezvous at he and Caroline’s place for canyon adventures, something. I remember as if it was yesterday researching our first foray to what is now the mountain biking mecca of Fruita. In the early 90’s, however, it was the realm of select few and Ricardo was on it. Hell, one of the big loops that Troy & Co had linked together, even had a thirty foot rappel in the middle of ride and was billed as an all day epic. There was no discussion that would be done first.

I realize it is rhetorical but I still have to say that Ricardo did not participate in any of these endeavors to satiate a need for danger. His motivation was always how to most and best experience his surroundings and how many of us he could bring along for the ride. We are this community because whether we were the best, well generally second best in his company or bringing up the rear, we all are willing to make the effort; that is all he asked. The current adventure is to gather shortly and celebrate an extraordinary individual who’s life we are all the better for participating in. I can’t wait…think I’ll go for a skin and discuss it with him.

Andy & Carol Lanes, Vail CO.

From Rich Lennon

2010-01-29T14:52:00.000-08:00

To The Enormous Circle Of Ricardo Presnell’s Friends And Co-Workers:

Cards was an irreplaceable friend. His loss is nearly unendurable, and as I type the tears falling on my keyboard are reminding me that I’m still a rotten typist and also want to be careful of electrocution. Perhaps that might not be so bad, because it’s only now after the greatest friend a wuss like me has ever had is gone that I realize what I’ve lost. He was a force of nature, an irrepressible soul who instantly made everyone around him feel better, not only about themselves but about the world in general. I’ve never met anyone else like him, and the space that used to hold my heart is filled with longing for missed opportunities and the realization that the world is now a much, much poorer place for his passing.

When I first met Ricardo as freshmen at Middlebury College, I was amazed that a wonderfully personable guy like him would be at all interested in developing a friendship with a nearly antisocial Masshole like myself. He’d immediately become the center of a great group of friends, of all the classes there in 1976, and his personality was ridiculously contagious. We planned to room together as sophomores, but he ended up taking a year off to work for the Appalachian Mountain Club, and I remember the solo hike up the Tuck’s trail, in the dark, with a huge pack, to visit him for a few days at the Tuck’s cabin where he was stationed with Joe Gill, an AMC-er of astounding repute. I had never been that scared in my life before, as the darkness closed in and heavy snow began falling and wiped out the trail, but after sliding down a short hill into some trees on my back I saw the cabin’s single light, dragged my butt to it and there was Rick, giant smile on his face and offering me a beer. Nothing ever tasted as good, and the smiles of Rick and Joe as I recounted what I nimrod I’d been warmed me like nothing else. A few days of hardcore turns followed, also scaring the bejesus out of me, and I knew I’d found a lifelong buddy.

He returned to Middlebury the next year, and the stories that came out of the 4^th floor corner room in Lang are too numerous, if not ridiculous, to catalog here. We’ll all be recounting them soon together! Rick’s studies in the tiny, but prestigious, Middlebury Geology Department started him on a path to becoming a force in geological exploration around the world, and I’m incredibly proud that I was able to associate with him.

After graduation, as he headed off to Denver and then Michigan, we stayed in touch, and in 1984 we met up again in Denver for my first western US trip, first to Crested Butte for the Al Johnson, and then to Salt Lake, where I began meeting the wonderful and wide circle of friends who also found themselves utterly entranced by Cards, and who I adore more than anything in this world.

A couple of years later, Pete Frew, Midd.’80 like me, began joining Rick and I for Salt Lake spring trips, and these continued for another dozen plus years. Pete and I became “Darryl and Darryl” and each voyage eclipsed the previous one in memorability. We’ll be reliving these also, I’m sure, but sincere thanks have to go out to Carlos and Laurie Braceras for putting us up during several of those years! How you two could put up with The Colons coming to town with such acceptance still amazes me.

I made a few more solo trips after Pete became more family-life organized, but I then ended up finding ways to convince myself that visiting was just impossible, a foolish notion that seems crazy now, and perhaps I was. Only last year, after the most incredible birthday party I’ve ever attended, Cards’ 50^th, took place in “Mob” did I finally head back out for just a couple of days with Rick. He’d become even more electric, and his abilities on skis and his daily conditioning regimen were awesome to behold. Watching him make those powerful, wide-stance turns was literally inspiring, every time. It felt so good to see, it was like he wasn’t born into air at all, but into water, frozen or liquid. He never mentioned a thing about my slowness and inability to keep up, but just stood there calmly waiting with a trademark enormous smile and swinging his arms to stay warm as I struggled down…or up.

I’ll always even remember the late-night arrivals and departures at the airport, where a big hug would await my arrival. I really wish I could give him one more, and tell him how much I love him. No one who ever met him will ever forget the experience. His loss will weigh on me the rest of my days on this Earth. Love you deeply, Suckah!

Rich Lennon

Walpole, NH

Update on the celebration for Ricardo-the date is not firm! More info coming later today.

2010-01-29T06:58:00.000-08:00

Public release regarding Chief Geologist, Dr. Ricardo Presnell

2010-01-28T17:50:00.000-08:00

A very thoughtful news release from Ricardo's company:

VANCOUVER, BR

ITISH COLUMBIA -- 01/28/10 -- Underworld Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: UW) and Full Metal Minerals Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: FMM) announce with regret the sudden passing of our friend, Chief Geologist Dr. Ricardo Presnell. He was an integral member of our exploration team, and contributed significantly to the exploration success and geological understanding of the White Gold Property.

The Board of Directors and Employees of Underworld Resources and Full Metal Minerals would like to offer sincere condolences to wife Caroline, his family and his numerous friends around the world. The Companies, together with Ricardo's wife are establishing a scholarship fund in Ricardo's memory at the University of Utah for Minorities who are studying Sciences. In lieu of flowers to the family, friends of Ricardo can send donations to: 'The Dr. Ricardo Davis Presnell Memorial Scholarship Fund' at Suite 1500 - 409 Granville Street, Vancouver B.C. Canada, V6C 1T2.

Rob McLeod, VP Exploration said, "We were so fortunate to have Ricardo join our team a year ago. His contributions to the exploration successes in Alaska and the White Gold District were significant. Ricardo's mentorship of our young team of exploration geologists, utilizing his extensive and world-wide experience in economic geology was invaluable."

In the 1990's while with Kennecott Exploration, Ricardo helped instruct prospector Shawn Ryan in the science, exploration techniques and big-picture strategy that Shawn has utilized, leading to the discovery of mineralization in the White Gold trend.

Dr. Ricardo D. Presnell was a world-renowned Economic Geologist with over twenty-five years of experience in Exploration. In 1981 he received a B.A. in Geology from Middlebury College in Vermont with a Senior Thesis on The Metamorphic Petrology of Marble, Anorthosite and Amphibolite Association near Gore Mtn., New York. From there he spent six months with Sohio Petroleum in Denver before attending the University of Michigan. In 1983 he received a M.S. in Structural Geology from the University of Michigan with a thesis on 'A Structural Model for the Sevier Desert and Environs, Utah'. He then worked for Sohio Petroleum from 1983-1986 as a structural geologist in the Overthrust Belt of the western United States.

In 1986 he joined Kennecott Exploration as an Exploration Geologist responsible for "drilling out" the Barneys Canyon Gold deposit near the world-class Bingham porphyry Cu-Mo-Au deposit. Kennecott subsequently funded his PhD. on the deposit, which he completed in 1992. From 1992 to 1994 he searched for Cu-Mo porphyries in the Southwest US and Northern Mexico before working on porphyry and Au exploration in Central America. In 1996 he became responsible for Au and Cu deposit area selection in Alaska and the Yukon while based in Anchorage, Alaska. From 1999 to 2006 he was a Principal geologist in Kennecott's New Opportunities Group based in Salt Lake City with a focus on area selection for Cu and U. From 2006 to 2008 he was a Principal Geologist with Rio Tinto's Project Generation Group responsible for world-wide area selection for Copper.

In 2009, Ricardo joined Full Metal Minerals and Underworld Resources as Chief Geologist. With Underworld, he was part of the team that discovered the million ounce Golden Saddle deposit at the White Gold Project. During his career, Ricardo worked throughout the globe in the search for world-class base and precious metal deposits.

He was a Councilor for the Society of Economic Geologist (SEG), and the Society of Applied Geologists (SGA), and an Associate Editor for Geosphere. He published a variety of papers and abstracts on Carlin-type gold deposits, the structural control of porphyries, and on the tectonics and metallogeny of North America.

Ricardo's passing is a loss not only to his family and many friends but also to the mineral exploration community. He will not be forgotten.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/underworld-and-full-metal-minerals,1141949.shtml

From Khristy Gavigan

2010-01-28T15:57:00.001-08:00

From Natalie McIntosh

2010-01-28T15:26:00.000-08:00

Ok, I've crossed the wake...

I think I got it!!!
Whoaaa!!!
Augghhh!

And then there was tequila and Advil.

Anyone who played with Rico understood how quickly he'd pick up the next new toy. I had the pleasure so many years ago of coaching him on Big Emma as he wrestled the early season snow on his first attempt with a snowboard. Anyone reading this knows that he had no patience with not being the master of his game, whatever the game. The turns came together for him in no time, and quickly he was leading the charge across the Cirque Traverse or through Rat's Nest, and he'd patiently wait for me.

Ricardo was a devoted friend and managed to find a way to weave Minnesota into his crazy travel schedule to visit us after we moved here from Utah. The photos above are from 2008 when he came to visit for a few days. We rode bikes and went wake boarding (hence the need for Advil and other medication). He and I are about the same height and same shoe size, meaning there was always a good set of gear for him to use. I seriously think my bike went faster after Rico visited.

See the look of determination on his face? It's inspiring. Always has been. Always will be. My heart aches, and he will always be my brother.

Ricardo on Moots - from Jim Largay

2010-01-28T12:54:00.000-08:00

From Jim Largay

2010-01-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

His smile was a reflection of his heart, spirit and love for his friends. Rico made us laugh and feel special and that we are for sharing our lives with him. Memories burn brightly as does the great feeling of loss for so many. Everything the man did made us smile from the early morning energetic phone calls, dancing to some funk, enjoying a barbeque in the back yard with trips to the garage), pulling my fat ass up the hill (on a bike or skis) or just enjoying his caring company)) The words are hard to find and describe how much you will be missed Rico but know I will see you in all your friends. I love you buddy….forever.

From Tom Gavigan

2010-01-28T12:20:00.001-08:00

From Sarah Lloyd Bennet

2010-01-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

Hey All,

It is through a raging torrent of sorrow and tears that I write to you this morning. I wanted to, need to... reach out and celebrate the tower of power and amazing friend and human being that Ricardo was and always will be in our hearts. The thought of going onward through my days without the energizer bunny's blinding light of good vibe shining down on us is almost too much to bear. I know how much he cherished all of you. Ricardo loved us so generously and it was so easy to love him back. My gratitude for being part of that web is boundless.

I need you to know that yesterday was a spectacular day, the turns supreme, and Ricardo was gleaming to the power of 10. He noted the quality of the turns were some of the best he'd ever had, said that he loved the Wasatch and would always ski here no matter where work took him, and let on that he was thinking about buying a place in Moab. We giggled and laughed about all sorts of things and made several long forays down memory lane in the realm of live music and mountain bike rides, mostly for Joey's sake. We talked about some of you. I've kept tabs on many of you over the years through Ricardo who always loved to update me on your latest. He loved to share and I loved hearing the caring and devotion to you in his stories. He talked a lot about the test he was getting ready to take, the string of incredible job offers that have recently come his way, and some of the lucrative projects he was getting ready to apply himself to. One thing is for sure...professionally Ricardo was on top, and he knew it. It was fantastic to see him in that place, and ready to take on the next challenge. So phenomenal to have been so accomplished at both recreational AND professional pursuits.

Although there are many more details of yesterday to share there is only one thing I need you to know NOW...Ricardo did not suffer. He was as well, as happy, as wonderful as I have ever seen him and in a matter of seconds it was over. As he bounded away out of sight on our last run, making his classic big-stance turns, we marveled at the man, the humor, how much fun it was to be with him, and then he left in a thunderous roar. The sequence of events that followed were agonizing but Joey's ski and patroller background, the fact that I had a phone and we were so close to Solitude meant that the rescue went as quickly and efficiently as humanly possible. In the end, it wouldn't have mattered if we had gotten to him in two minutes, the trauma he sustained in the slide was catastrophic.

For more than 25 years I loved Ricardo with all my heart. He was one of the finest human beings I have ever had the honor to know and call a friend. Anyone who had the good fortune to rub up against Ricardo during his too-short time with us has learned to live better for it. I can't even begin to express the incredible gratitude and blessing I feel for getting to spend those last few hours with Ricardo yesterday. They will forever be some of the finest of my life. As we muddle forward over the next few days, weeks, months and years without our friend, trying to live with this unbelievable loss, we can honor him by living it up, getting down, making it funky, loving each other, and carrying on the positive every day. Love you, Rico...love you so much.

Taken on our last skin...1/27/2010

Ricardo Presnell

2010-01-28T08:15:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and family of Ricardo Presnell,

Yesterday was the saddest day for all of us. We received the news about Ricardo late yesterday afternoon from Carolyn Sterrett. Johnny and I are just devastated. Please share your thoughts and your fondest memories of Ricardo. It's sure to be quite a catalog! Yesterday Johnny spoke with him in the morning before he headed out to tour. Many of you know the nature of the early morning, full throttle coffee-fueled calls with Rico. Infusion of energy and Rico's unique hilarity. Sharing on this blog is about the only thing that may ease the pain a bit.

We love you, brother!