I had the great honor and pleasure of working with Rick over the past 2 years on an extraordinarily complex loan package for the Westminster House, Presbyterian Campus Ministry at U.C. Berkeley.. Rick used all his gift and skills to assist Westminster House in refinancing the debt on our 171 bed student housing and campus ministry buildings. Rick exemplified both a deep Christian faith and consummate professionalism. All of us on the staff and Board of Westminster House grieve and are praying for Rick’s family, loved ones and colleagues at the Synod. May Rick rest in peace.
Rev. Randy Bare, Executive Director, Westminster House.
What can words say? I barely knew Rick, but was very impressed not just with his knowledge of finances, but mostly with the kindness and love that was so visible in his presence. God promises to be with us even in the darkest of hours and I will hold on to that as I feel the darkness of this loss. My prayers go to his family and colleagues.
May God bless us all,
Bob Kelley
Greetings!
I am one presbyter who did not know Rick, but was very grateful for what he brought to our presbytery. It seemed clear that he was instrumental in helping us regain a better footing in the financial arena, and whenever he was presenting information to us I rejoiced. His presentations were so clear and helpful, and his personal style was so engaging, that the financial business (which often causes my eye to glaze over) became manageable.
I had no idea he lived in Santa Rosa, but when Bob Conover posted the details of his funeral, and it was right around the corner from Church of the Roses, I felt moved to attend. Though I don't believe I ever spoke to Rick except maybe to express gratitude for those presentatons, I was very glad to be among those who honored his life at the service. The service was lovely (thanks Bob and Nancy). My heart is warmed to know that Rick had such a loving and beloved family, and my prayers will be with them.
Sincerely and with warm appreciation,
Kate Clayton
Associate Pastor, Presbyterian Church of the Roses.
I give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Rick.
His genuine care and concern for the churches in this synod showed in his work.
I will miss working with him.
John Mahon, Co-Executive Presbyter
Presbytery of the Cascades
I can't believe Rick won't be with us, physically that is. I will always remember him for his quiet, gentle and helpful demeanor.
When I joined Redwood's staff I often went to Rick with questions about loans and financial process and he always took time to guide me through. I know I often asked same question many times yet, he was always patience and helpful.
I will miss Rick and I am sadden by his death.
Aleida Jernigan
I had the privilege of serving on the Mission Finance Committee of the Synod with Rick. In fact, I sat next to Rick during our May 2005 consultations at the Mercy Center and I enjoyed chatting him up about some of the details of the work we had to do. He was always careful about not sharing too much
"inside" information but instinctively would tell enough that it become clear that he knew everything that needed to be known about the Synod's loan program. I remember thinking then that he was so good for his job and served the churches and the Synod so well.
Rick knew exactly how he wanted to approach any given situation. He was brilliant in explaining whatever concerns or issues needed to be addressed. He anticipated the hard question and was prepared to answer them all. He exhibited both competence but also humbleness. It's a rare quality these days. Knowing more than enough such that it was obvious he was doing a good job but not needing to tell everything he knows. He was the perfect teamplayer in serving Presbyterians. More than anyone I have known, he answered the call to achieve excellence at his work and yet was very humble in doing it. Rick Page will be missed.
We believe that God is good. Somehow I struggle even more with that thought given that Rick is gone. I trust that someday we will know more clearly that all is well and that God is good and that Rick is home with Him.
Sincerely in Christ,
Coke McClure,
Pocatello, Idaho
Rick was a true servant of God. He was always available to assist anyone who needed his help. His warm smile will be remembered by all of us who came to know him through the Synod.
He will be missed, and his memory will always be with us.
May God grant his special peace to all who loved him most. We know that Rick is in God's loving care and is at peace.
Helen Engeseth
The passing of Rick Page is a real loss to everyone in our Synod.
Through the investment and loan program, he performed a real ministry to the congregations of our Synod. His creative approach of providing options in the area of both loans and investment opportunities helped countless congregations.
I will miss him as a former colleague and a trusted friend.
Paul J. Masquelier, Jr.
Retired Executive Presbyter
The Presbytery of San José
Rick's intelligence, thoughtfulness, and wisdom were gifts to all of us in the Synod. He made it possible for those of us on Mission Finance to comprehend the impact of our actions on individual congregations--a most remarkable achievement, given that we deal most of all in numbers. I will miss him as a guide through the processes of MF; I will miss him far more as friend and colleague of warmth and gentleness. May he rest in peace.
Judy Austin
Commissioner to Synod
Boise Presbytery
I have had the opportunity to work with Rick for the past 4 years, as former Chair of the Committee of Mission Finances for the Presbytery of the Redwoods then as bookkeeper when he accepted the controller position for Redwoods. He is a true friend and I will miss him, we had many laughs together and tough conversations about what the church should be doing to improve it's financial situation. His skills will be missed. We have all lost a great colleague.
Calvin Groeneweg
Presbytery of the Redwoods
Chair - Council
Rick was a great asset to the Synod of the Pacific. His work with churches who had outstanding old capital advances particularly helped our church. He worked with every church who wanted a Synod loan making sure it was an affordable for the church. He recommended changes to the loan guidlines and revised the application forms so that anyone could read and understand them. He has done a lot for the Synod over the last four plus years. He will be hard to replace.
May he rest in peace
Mike Reyes
Vice chair M.F.
Presbyter of Stockton , Synod commissioner 00-06
I will remember Rick as a gentle, kind, and very capable person who helped our church (Trinity Presbyterian Church, Stockton) navigate through understanding an old Synod loan and how we could finally complete our obligations toward that loan and pay it off. He was always very helpful and professional. When he met with our session they were very impressed by his thoughtful and respectful nature. He will be missed for his spirit and his friendliness.
Our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to his family in this time of great need.
God's grace,
Rev. Jan Alexander and Trinity Presbyterian Church, Stockton
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