Richard Edward Bautista
Jan. 21, 1948-July 29, 2016
Richard “Rick” Edward Bautista, a long time resident of Anchorage, Alaska, Passed away peacefully while surrounded by family and friends, on July 29, 2016, in Redwood City, Calif.
Rick was born on Jan.21, 1948 in Great Falls , Montana, to James and Ruth Bautista. Growing up, Rick was a talented musician who excelled in playing the Saxophone and who was an accomplished athlete, playig baseball, basketball, football and running track and field. In 1996, Rick graduated from C M Russell High School in Great Falls, Mont. After which, he attended the University of Montana, where he played basketball and ran track for the Grizzlies. Rick moved up to Alaska in 1980, and worked for the Anchorage School District for more than 30 years as a beloved P.E. Teacher. He also refereed basketball all over the state for 20 years, where he was a dearly loved member of the Alaska baseball community. In the summers you could find Rick on the golf course, where he was a Course Marshal at Anchorage Golf Course and Eagleglen for more than 10 years. Rick loved to golf and fish as well as watch sports to cheer on the Lakers and Broncos. But there was nothing he loved more than his daughter, Ericka, whom was his pride and joy. Rick was such a kind and loving person that touched so many people in the community, his smile will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Jack. He is survived by his daughter Ericka of Anchorage who currently lives in San Francisco, Calif., with her fiance, Dylan Wisthoff. He is also survived by his brother Larry (Jan) of Great Falls, Mont; his sister, Sherry (Ray) Steele of Loveland, Colo; and several nieces and nephews.
Rick was cremated and his remains will be scattered at locations he loved to visit. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, 1750 Abbott Road in Anchorage. A Celebration of Life, Pot Luck will be held at 7100 Dawn Drive in Anchorage on Friday, Aug. 5, 2016, at 6:30 p.m.
My deepest condolences to the Bautista family. May you find comfort in the beautiful words found at Revelation 21:3 & 4, where God promises us that He will soon eliminate all pain, suffering and death. While we wait for this promise to be fulfilled, may the fond memories of Rick comfort you and ease your pain.
I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Bautista was my gym teacher all through my years at North Star Elementary. I remember how he would always talk about you, Ericka. I never met you, but every time in gym, he would always have something to tell us about what you did. I remember one time when he told us how you both were at the theaters and how you found a pile of coins and instead of keeping it, you turned it into one of the theater workers. You were always his pride and joy. Again... my condolences to you.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Lora posted on September 26, 2017