Rick Warwick

James Richard "Rick" Warwick, affectionately known as Pops, passed away at home on August 31, 2009 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 62, after a prolonged illness.  He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 8, 1947.  Rick led a rich life, enjoying and keeping lifelong friendships, exploring the great Southwest with family, and sharing Goofy with his grandchildren.  He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Lois J. Warwick, a Manzano classmate discovered 14 years after graduation; mother and stepfather, Cassie and Bobby Emerson; sister, Cassie (Bunnie) Reese; children, Staci Dailey and Pearce Warwick; five grandchildren, Chance, Austin, Logan, Ariana, and Brody;  Maureen Warwick, mother of grandson, Brody and wife of Karl Coomler; two brothers-in-law and their families, David and Scott Sorenson; three nieces and their families, Denise, Elizabeth and Aimee.  He was preceded in death by his father, James E. Warwick and father-in-law, Karl D. Sorenson.  Rick was a member of the Northeast Church of Christ and felt the love and support of his church family through struggles and successes.  He served in the United States Air Force, and the FAA as an air traffic controller.  As well, Rick was a journeyman pressman at the Albuquerque Journal, and sales manager for Territorial Roofing.  He was a fan of watching NASCAR and sporting events whether it was his son playi8ang or the professionals (GO Packers!).  Rick enjoyed monthly get-togethers with graduates from the Manzano Class of 1965 and helped in planning reunions, reminiscing with Air Force buddies, Rich, Tom (Moose), and C. E. , and other fellow air traffic controllers, working at the Professional Women Controllers Training Conferences with Lois, and building a family with his brothers and sisters in Christ.  He did not realize the impact he had to nurture and support others.  As many know, Rick could spin a yarn, pull your leg, and keep you laughing.  If you believed him, the joke was on you and he loved it!  A Memorial Service will be held at the Northeast Church of Christ, 11000 Paseo Del Norte, on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 3:00 p.m.  Interment will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. with US Air Force Honors.  In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Northeast Church of Christ Building Fund, 11000 Paseo Del Norte NE, Albuquerque, NM  87122, in Rick's name.  Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW, ABQ.  505-343-8008

Published in the Albuquerque Journal on Thursday, September 03, 2009