Rick Sullivan, 1942-1988
Rick was born May 27, 1942, with his twin brother Mick, in Wichita KS. Rick passed away February 21,1988.
Rick graduated Wichita East in 1960 then from Long Beach State University. He earned a masters degree at Antioch College.
Rick had a strong love for adventure and always wanted to try new things, and this characterized his life. He loved going to countries alone and meeting people. Even when he didn’t know the language, with facial expressions and hand waving he could communicate and make friends.
He traveled to Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America as well as spending three years in Iran in the Peace Corps. He helped people; he kept contact with them. He was one of the friendliest, most outgoing individuals you could ever love.
Rick loved to excite people about travel and believed travel to be necessary for a sound perspective of life. His enthusiasm has motivated many people to step out of their ruts to enjoy a richer life.
Rick had an unusual capacity for deep and lasting friendships. All of us here, and his friends everywhere will mourn him.
Although his first love was collecting friends, he also had a fascination for collecting unique items with historical significance – from the old train bell and moose head in his living room his Dali lithographs, art deco pieces, collection of Persian rugs, unique textiles and jewelry from around the world to his recent find of an autographed Joan Crawford picture.
His Kansas upbringing gave him an appreciation for owning land, so he acquired property in Kansas, Colorado, and California, with a special deep love for Alhambra.
He was deeply concerned about the plight of students who entered American schools without knowing how to speak the language. All of us who knew Rick were always amazed by this friendly face and unique smile. When he was teaching youngsters who couldn’t speak English, you always saw this trail of students behind him. He was like the Pied Piper. People followed him and trusted him because he always gave you a warm smile and a friendly glow. He always had time for everyone and would spend as much time as possible listening to their problems.
A prominent educator in Alhambra and member of the 1987 State CATESOL (California Assoc. of Teaching English as a Second Language) Conference in Pasadena, where he served as chairperson. He was active in bilingual education. He had great credibility with teachers, administrators and peers of all ethnic and racial groups.
His life will be a great loss to our schools, our community and to our lives personally, but for Rick, death is just another new adventure.
Rick is survived by his brothers Dr. Michael Sullivan and Dr. Collins J. Sullivan; sister, Cheryl Sullivan; grandmother Helen Inscho; uncle, John C. Inscho; 4 nephews and one niece. Services were February 25, 1988 at the Church of our Savior, San Gabriel, CA, with interment at San Gabriel Cemetery.
Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Mick Sullivan’s son Tim for finding the obituary and eulogy used in preparing this story. Mick attended the 62nd Reunion with his sons Tim and Jim and daughter Patty.
