Obituary — Richard “Rick” Brick,
1942-2025

CLAYTON, CA (Mar. 18, 2025) — Richard “Rick” Elmer Brick, 82, departed our earth Mon., Feb. 17, 2025, from terminal cancer.  He passed away peacefully in his Clayton home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Aberdeen, SD in 1942, Rick was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Mary Ann Brick and sisters Sharon Kohler and Debra Brenna. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Judy Brick and his two children, Lance (Olga) Brick and Stephanie (Greg) Van Cleave; grandchildren, Zachery (Stefanie) Brick, Makenna Van Cleave, Ethan Brick, Ashton Brick and his first great grandson, Maverick Brick, son of Zachery and Stefanie.

Rick was in the first graduating class of Clayton Valley High School in 1960. After graduation he joined the United States Air Force, stationed at Chanute Air Force base in Rantoul, Illinois. It was at the local Lutheran church where he met his future bride.

Rick began his 43-year career in sales at Farm Bureau Insurance. He and his long-time business partner and friend, Terry Shimamoto, continued their partnership in Clayton until Rick retired at the age of 70.

Rick loved riding his cherished red bicycle throughout Clayton and Contra Costa County. Each year he made a goal to ride the same number of miles as the current year. He rode his bike right up until he was diagnosed with cancer.

Rick was a proud member of the local AA community. He led the men’s AA group in Clayton for over 43 years. Rick received his 43-year AA chip this March, was an outgoing speaker, and had sponsored many members throughout his leadership in the AA group. He attended his last meeting on Thursday before his passing the following Monday.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., Sat., April 26, at Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton.