Past District Governor
Rick Bricker
Richard C. “Rick” Bricker, Rotary District 5580 Past District Governor
(Written by Gregory D. Carlson)
Richard C. “Rick” Bricker, Past District Governor for Rotary District 5580 and member of the Brainerd Noon Rotary Club, passed away November 16, 2022, at age 68.
Rick’s life exemplified Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self” in every aspect of his life. In addition to his service in the U.S. Army, he also served extensively within his church, community, and in Rotary.
With the Brainerd Noon Rotary Club, Rick volunteered in many community and international service projects including the Brainerd Rotary Park, and work in Haiti. Rick served as Rotary District 5580 Governor in 2019-2020, a year that will always be remembered for the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020. Rick was instrumental in beginning a Rotary District 5580 initiative to fight human trafficking and child abuse, along with Rotary Districts 5950 and 5960. Rick was the first of three consecutive District 5580 Governors to passionately embrace this important cause. This partnership would also form the basis for future collaborative work among the adjoining Rotary Districts.
I am honored by and cherish Rick and Susan’s friendship. I met Rick and Susan early in my Rotary journey. I had the pleasure of visiting with them at many Rotary events. I was honored to work with Rick during his District Governor year, helping share his experiences through my role at the time as Editor of the Rotary District 5580 “Cross Currents” Bulletin. Rick’s District Governor Messages traced the journey Rick and his wife Susan made to each District 5580 club, including visiting 23 clubs in August and a snowy visit to the District’s Canadian Clubs in October.
Rick’s inaugural message in July 2019 challenged Rotarians in the words of then Rotary International President Mark Maloney to “CHANGE, ADAPT, NOW”. In his August message, Rick stressed the importance of attracting and engaging members for club growth. In September’s message during Basic Education and Literacy Month, Rick wisely wrote “Education can solve just about every problem the world faces today”. In October, Rick highlighted World Polio Day and the continued effort on Rotary’s signature global initiative. In November, Rick expressed thanks for the Rotary Foundation along with the contributions and service of Rotarians to do good in the world. Rick’s December 2019 Christmas wish list included school supplies for children, medicine and food for the poor, clean water for all, and performing good deeds.
In January 2020, Rick challenged each Rotarian to follow his lead and invite one new guest to their club each quarter. In February, Rick highlighted Rotary’s role in resolving global conflict. Rick’s March 2020 message announced that the 2020 District 5580 Conference slated for Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minnesota would be cancelled for the safety of Rotarians and communities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, Rick announced that Zoom would be used to conduct necessary District meetings. In May, he announced that District 5580’s first-ever virtual District conference would be held June 18th between 4:00 and 6:00, featuring District and foundation awards. His June message referenced the words of the late Jerry Garcia in saying “what a long strange trip it has been”. Rick’s compassion, steady leadership, and sense of humor guided District 5580 through one of its most challenging times. Rick provided, courageous, transformational, servant leadership that for District 5580 as District 5580 Governor that will be remembered for many years to come.
I will be forever grateful for the guidance, support, and compassion Rick provided me throughout my own Rotary journey. Please join me in extending deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Rick's family, including wife Susan, friends, and the Rotary community. Rick’s full obituary can be accessed here.