For the second time this week, I've been searching through my archive for photos of a friend that passed away. Rick Fairbanks lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on the morning of Tuesday, February 22, 2011 surrounded by his family in their home. If you're a regular reader of this blog you'll remember this post from earlier this fall: www.hiredlens.com/blog/2010/10/8/sponsor-a-paddler.html. I will always cherish the time that I shared paddling with Rick and learning to love the Lake in the same way he did. It was truly an honor to know him.

Memorial Services will be held for Rick on Friday and Saturday at Saron Lutheran in Ashland, Wisconsin. The Friday service will be held at 5 p.m. and will include prayer and sharing of stories. Saturday at 9 a.m. the family will be at the church for visitation and a formal funeral service will be held at 10 followed immediately by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall in the basement of Saron Lutheran. All are welcome.