MYERS, Rick Lee --- 1947-2010
ELLEFSON, MYERS, BARTOLOME, PAPP
Posted By: IaGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 1/2/2011 at 13:14:37
Rick Myers
Rick Lee Myers, 63 years old, went to be with the Lord November 22, 2010. A memorial service will be held at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, where Rick donated his body to science. Anyone wanting to give a donation on Rick’s behalf may send it to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or Jerry Lewis MDA Foundation.
Rick was born January 31, 1947 in Dubuque to Leo and Carma (Ellefson) Myers. Rick was diagnosed at 16 months of age with having Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy but was later diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Rick graduated from Waukon High School in 1965 and then went to Chicago, IL to college but left there in pursuit of warmer weather given his health condition. He was recognized for scholastic achievement at both State and Federal levels, graduating with a Master of Education degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Texas at Austin. In 1992 he retired after almost 20 years as a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor of Houston, TX and was the oldest individual in the Texas region with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and possibly the oldest in the country.
Rick had an interest in designing, developing and adapting equipment for the severely physically disabled. He has worked side by side a few times with Jerry Lewis and his Telethon, appeared on CNN, and had talked personally to the late Dana Reeves, wife of the late Christopher Reeves. Rick was an inspiration to everyone he came in contact with. He did not let his disability stop his positive mental attitude with courage, patience, adaptability and perseverance. And as he has said, it would be impossible to have this attitude without faith in God.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 16 years, Teresita Bartolome Myers of Texas; a stepmother, Chris Myers of Arizona; a brother, Gene Myers of Lansing; a niece, Lori (Todd) Meyer and family of Waukon; and cousins, Sue (Joe) Papp and family, Roger (Lynn) Ellefson and family, as well as other cousins.
Rick’s story, “Boundless Mind”, is featured in the book, “Always Hope”, by Cindy Cline-Flores, true stories of ordinary people overcoming extraordinary odds. Rick will be greatly missed by many who he touched.Waukon Standard, December 8, 2010
Allamakee Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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