Honoring Michael’s Dad! Please help cover funeral expenses

It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we announce the passing of my dad, Rick Kunert. Having come into this world on November 9th, 1954 and flying home with the angels on November 20th, just passed his 70th birthday, Rick lived every day of his life to the fullest. He was a loving son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, son-in-law, uncle and friend. Rick was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and though we all knew he had an uphill battle, we could never have imagined losing him as quickly as we did. However, one thing that we will always remember is the spirit and smile he still showed through his entire ordeal.

It’s hard to quite put into words the man that my dad was because he was so many things to so many people. One thing we could always count on though was him being the support and the love that everyone he cared about needed. Growing up, he was never short on advice, or what we called, rambles. Always with a joke to lighten the mood, everyone that knew my dad always left more lighthearted than when they walked in the door. Rick loved his wife Josie fiercely and was everything she needed in a loving partner. They took many vacations through the years but you’d usually find them at a winery in Cambria or at a casino table in Laughlin. No matter where they were though, together, the two of them made memories that will last a lifetime.

His career spanned many years as both a successful executive recruiter and retiring as a caring social worker. His heart was heavy many nights given the work he was in. However, he always made sure to make time for my mom, even if it meant just mixing up a cocktail for them and talking on the patio. He and his sister Robin were very close, despite them living in different states. He would tell funny stories about how proud his parents were of his accomplished sister Robin and when it came time to talk about Rick, he was described as….a good kid. Rick loved rock and roll music, the Green Bay Packers, the Anaheim Angels, a forgiving golf course, an and a good bottle of tequila. As a grandpa, or as his grandkids called him, Da, he never said no to a game of kickball or playing catch in the yard. He was patient, kind, understanding and everything a kid could want in a loving grandpa.

I can still remember the day he asked me for permission to marry my mom. I saw how happy he made her and not a day went by where I wasn’t grateful for him coming into our lives. As a dad, he was more than I could have ever asked for and aspired to be. He instilled in me a work ethic that I will always embrace. He got me into the workforce early and taught me how to be a responsible and hard working employee. He was there whenever I needed him, sage advice always in hand and I will be forever thankful for the man he taught me to be.

Rick will be intensely missed but we are at peace knowing that he is no longer in pain. We will always hold him in our hearts and always feel his warmth wherever we go. Dad, you rest easy now and know that we’ll take care of mom. We love you and we’ll see you again one day.

Thank you for your incredible love and support during this very difficult time. Any funds raised are incredibly appreciated and will go towards helping us pay for the funeral expenses. Life is so precious and can only be lived minute by minute. In honor of my dad, hug your loved ones tight. We love you all!