Rick passed away on April 20, 2023 at his home in Carlotta. Rick had early onset vascular dementia that progressed rapidly. Rick was born January 4, 1959 in Fountain Hill (near Allentown), Pennsylvania. Rick grew up in a large family. He had six brothers and one sister. He had fond memories about the historic home he grew up in that was built solid, of stone. He always spoke fondly of how his father could fix anything. Rick was proud of his father, Jesse Tyson, who served as a pilot in the US Army Air Corps during WWII. Rick’s father was deployed to England in March 1944. He flew a B26 FLYING Marauder until the end of the war. Rick respected the fact that his father would not speak of the horrible nature of war. He adored his mother, Phyllis Tyson, whom he loved dearly. She provided a loving home for their large family.

Rick graduated from Salisbury High School in 1977. When Rick enlisted in the US Navy he had a plan to further his education. He received a certificate of completion in, “Basic electricity and electronics”, given at the Service School Command Naval Training center in Orlando, Florida. He then completed, Construction Electrician Class “A” School with honors in November 1981. Rick arrived in Humboldt County while proudly serving his country for five years 1981 to 1986, in the United States Navy, stationed at Centerville Beach. He received a Certificate of Completion of 216 hours at College of the Redwoods, in industrial electricity & electronics.

While in the service he met his first wife, Debra Young. They eventually settled in Shively, where they shared a home with their adopted sons Steven and Robert.

Rick worked for Eel River Sawmills as an electrician. He then obtained his contractor’s license and started his own business — Tyson’s Electric Service. Rick had the reputation for getting the job done working with many businesses in Humboldt County. Rick was highly skilled as an electrician and would take the time to teach the colleagues he worked with. He also built complicated computerized timing panels. Rick loved his work and enjoyed the company of the people he worked with.

As life ebbs and flows, relationships end and new ones begin, Rick and I met in the springtime, our favorite time of year, over a cup of coffee. We hit it off like two puzzle pieces fitting together — it felt like we had known each other our whole lives. He showed me his favorite places in Humboldt, which turned out to be mine as well. We both loved and spent time exploring Humboldt, we hiked the Avenue of the Giants, Founders Grove, places off Highway 36 and the area’s beaches. We also loved traveling up Oregon’s coast. We married on June 7, 2003 in Gold Beach, Oregon right on the banks of the Rogue River. We were just two months away from our 20th wedding anniversary when Rick passed away. I will never forget the two weeks we spent working our way up the Oregon coast, exploring every lighthouse along the way, and how patient Rick was with my wanting to climb the stairs to get a view from the top. We also took a few days to go to Las Vegas and took in a show at the Bellagio Resort — Cirque Du Soleil. This was a surprise for Rick because I knew he loved clowns. We were so excited after the show we spent hours discussing our favorite parts and we had to be at the airport at 6 a.m. to go home.

Rick had a good heart and was a giving man. He helped others without asking for anything in return. He always seemed to know what I needed without me asking. One of Rick’s favorite pastimes was reading. He always had a book or two he was involved with. I don’t know how he kept the story lines apart when he read two books at the same time. He liked Stephen King and John Grisham-type books. Rick also loved poetry. He introduced me to EE Cummings and Edgar Allen Poe. He even wrote me beautiful love poems that melted my heart. In 2006 we moved to Carlotta after we purchased an 1870s farmhouse that was a dream come true for the both of us. With over three acres, an old redwood barn and a year-round creek. It doesn’t get better than that. Rick loved mowing the lawn on his John Deere mower, and taking the grandbabies for rides too. He loved growing tomatoes, green beans and other vegetables in the garden. He also loved having a shop he could tinker around in. Just like his dad, Rick could fix anything.

Rick also loved listening to music. He loved classic rock. Bob Dylan was his all-time favorite. After we met I introduced new artists to him. One of his new favorites was Natalie Merchant. He loved watching the DVD I bought for him one Christmas, MTV’S Storybook concert. He said her voice was angelic and it was a must-watch once a year minimum. He put up with my feeding every stray and feral cat that found their way to our farmhouse. But he also loved taking care of them too, which endeared him even more to me.

Rick loved his sons Steven and Robert, he had great stories of their time in Shively. Although my sons Jared and Aaron were in the teenage years when we married, he grew to love them as his own too. Going above and beyond to guide them as they grew into adulthood. He loved having the kids over for weekends, and holiday meals. As the grandbabies were born, he enjoyed watching them grow, he loved being called Papa Rick. He would always have a toy or treat to surprise them. As they grew older he let them ride the John Deer mower.

Rick is survived by his loving wife Lucy Tyson, his step-sons Jared Vleming (Kayleigh), Aaron Vleming (Lisa), grandchildren Carmen, Aaron Jr. and Eddie Jean. First wife Debra Young, his sons, Steven Tyson (Terri) and Robert Tyson. His brothers, Kevin Tyson (Cindy), Jon Tyson (Tracy), and Matthew Tyson (LeAnn), sister Katie Steiner (Tom), and many nephews and nieces.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Phyllis Tyson, his brothers Robbie Tyson, David Tyson and Mark Tyson and granddaughter, little baby Ellie Vleming.

It would be the family’s honor for those who knew Rick to join us for a celebration of life, followed by a Veterans Honors Ceremony provided by The Mad River Community Veterans Honor Guard, at 175 Wilson Lane, Carlotta, off of Highway 36, on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 1 p.m. I would like to thank the incredible staff at Hospice of Humboldt and Christian from Agape Home Health for all the help and care Rick and I received. Because of their support, I was able to care for Rick in our home. Funeral arrangements provided by Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary.

Ricky, I will carry you in my heart forever, I love you!

“[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in],” by ee cummings

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