Ricardo A Aguilar

Ricardo Augustine Aguilar (Rick) passed away gently in his sleep on March 2nd, 2021 after a long battle with heart failure. Even though Rick’s heart muscle was weak, his capacity for love was very strong. His family and those who knew him best attest, a kinder and more loving heart could never be found.

Rick was the youngest of three sons born on January 5th, 1954 in Rapid City, South Dakota to Jesus Tiofillio Agular and Odelia Marie Aguilar. Due to his father’s military service, Rick spent his childhood living in various places before his family settled in Spokane, Washington. Rick graduated from Eastern Washington University obtaining a degree in Education with a dream of becoming a teacher. The direction of his life changed when he accepted a job at KREM TV and made it his career. He became a photo editor and received many accolades for his life’s work. Even though Rick did not become a teacher, he took great pride in his oldest son, and namesake Gus, who is following in his father’s footsteps, attending college with the same dream to become a teacher.

Ricks greatest love and greatest joy, were his four children and three grandchildren. It saddens our hearts that Rick will not be able to meet his fourth grandchild due this spring. Rick certainly will be an angel looking down on him the day he is born. Rick was an amazing father and grandfather; nobody could rock a baby to sleep like he could.

Second to love of the family, Rick loved baseball. He looked forward to opening day every year and believed it should be a national holiday. It was so fun watching a game with him because he understood it like nobody else. He enjoyed all sports and especially enjoyed watching games with his children. He spent countless hours throwing the ball with his youngest son Max. He was extremely protective of his daughters Megan and Stephanie; they had such a special bond built on love, fun and respect for each other. He will be remembered for his contagious smile, quick wit, sense of humor and generous spirit. Rick’s favorite saying was “as the coyote howls in the wind, so shall the lips of the chicken pucker”.

Rick is preceded in death by his dear mother Odelia and his oldest brother Anthony Michael (Tony) Aguilar. Without a doubt, Rick is with them now and they are having a joyful reunion. He is survived by the loving mother of his children, Katherine Mary (Tina) Aguilar and their four cherished children, Megan Olivia Kitchell (Aguilar) and her husband Nathan Alexander Kitchell, Stephanie Ann Aguilar, Ricardo Augustine Aguilar Jr. (Gus) and Anthony Maximillian Aguilar (Max). He leaves behind three adored grandchildren, Jazrael Sage Kitchell, Theodore Christopher Kitchell, and Oliver Alexander Kitchell.

Rick is also remembered dearly by his father Jesus and his older brother Stephen Aguilar; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Our hearts will always remember how special rick was to each of us. Knowing how much he loved is will always give us comfort for our loss and great memories to cherish.

The family will celebrate his life at future date and hope to have his ashes placed with his mother and brother in San Juan, New Mexico this coming summer.

Condolences can be sent to Hennessey Funeral Home for his children.

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