Comment / By Reporta / Sept. 28, 2010, 12:02 p.m.

That was pretty ballsy. If that happened today, he would probably be brought up on terrorism charges.

Comment / By Scott Willits / Sept. 28, 2010, 7:59 p.m.

Rick Springer was a giant of a man. He was a brilliant story teller but more importantly, he walked the walk, perhaps more than anybody I ever met. He had an enormous influence on our entire family and he will be sorely missed.

Comment / By Thirdeye / Sept. 28, 2010, 8:39 p.m.

Nice guy, good craftsman, but a nut with a Jesus complex. His description of the incident in his book makes it pretty obvious.

Comment / By Jack Durham / Sept. 28, 2010, 9:28 p.m.

I interviewed Rick in 1994 or 1995 and wrote a front page article for the Arcata Union. Rick came across as a charming and interesting fellow.

Comment / By Lodgepole / Sept. 28, 2010, 10:10 p.m.

I had the good fortune of hiking the Marble Mts. with Rick on a couple of occasions, years ago. He knew tons about the outdoors/survival and could hike his ass off.

R.I.P Rick, I’ll see you in the hills.

Comment / By kristy Hellum / Sept. 28, 2010, 10:37 p.m.

Rick telling of the the “glass eagle” story and was brilliant His passion for making the world a better place was sometimes hard to handle, but he was a big sweet lovable guy. His extremely intelligent and gentle pitbull visited us a lot and we all loved her too. He was the hundredth monkey. You’ll be missed.

Comment / By kristy Hellum / Sept. 28, 2010, 10:41 p.m.

Rick’s telling of the the “glass eagle” story was entertainment brilliance. His passion for making the world a better place was both inspiring and at times worrisome. Rick was a big sweet lovable man. He was the hundredth monkey. he’ll be missed.

Comment / By Mello Yello / Sept. 29, 2010, 7:38 a.m.

RIP

Comment / By what? / Sept. 29, 2010, 8:35 a.m.

“jessie’s girl” is overrated, but his other stuff is good.

Comment / By Peter / Sept. 29, 2010, 10:50 a.m.

I met Rick 20 years ago when I lived across the road from him in the Arcata bottoms. I remember how he got booted out by the landlord for being, in my words, just too darn much of a rabble rousing socialist hippie! Good bye, Rick, I wish I had just a fraction of your gumption.

Comment / By Francesca / Sept. 29, 2010, 2:40 p.m.

Brother Rick child of Mother Earth and peace wager you are deeply missed!!!! Thank you for teaching me your wood working skills, Sea kayaking and trekking treats with Hobo in Humboldt’s wildlands –– End the NUCLEAR ARMS RACE AND TESTING NOW –100th Monkey Lives on !!!!!

Comment / By High Finance / Sept. 29, 2010, 4:17 p.m.

What a sad waste of a life.

Comment / By Reynard / Sept. 29, 2010, 6:18 p.m.

Yeah, such a shame to care about something besides himself. HF, you are really pathetic sometimes.

Comment / By Hank Sims / Sept. 29, 2010, 6:34 p.m.

HiFi:

I agree with Reynard. You’re being an ass.

In order not to lose our minds, you and I and most of the world blocked from our consciousness the very real possibility of unimaginable horror — literal Hell on Earth. Rick Springer didn’t block it; he faced it. For that alone, you honor him.

Comment / By Surprise Cafe / Sept. 29, 2010, 6:49 p.m.

We had the opportunity to know Rick over the past several years in our small community. A human who walked the walk. At times aggravating in his enthusiasm, but more alive than most people! Deeply missed! Hard to find a good radical. Rick? Where’d you go? Our thoughts are with his family and bride.

Comment / By YEAH / Sept. 29, 2010, 6:57 p.m.

ALLRIGHT, it’s called Karma for you fog brained dimwits. Reagan lived longer, fuller and had much more positive impact on the world than this nut job.

Comment / By Joel Mielke / Sept. 29, 2010, 7:06 p.m.

He complains about “fog brained dimwits” and goes on to laud Ronald Reagan.

Comment / By YEAH / Sept. 29, 2010, 7:14 p.m.

Joel What’s that line by Bill Engvall……Oh YEAH….Here’s your sign, DIMWIT

Comment / By Joel Mielke / Sept. 29, 2010, 7:17 p.m.

Slow down, “Yeah.” You’re hyperventilating.

Comment / By what? / Sept. 30, 2010, 11:04 a.m.

it’s all good that people want to talk crap about this guy…they’ll never admit to knowing exactly what it is about him that makes him so revered. He had nothing to gain and everything to lose…for himself…with no plans of changing, to set aside his standards for everybody.

Thirdeye, who responded above, has foremost to point out that the guy had a “jesus complex”…coming from somebody who refers to himself as “Thirdeye”, I assume it’s meant with an affirmative tone? What “type” of person are you if you give yourself Omniscient-esque pseudonyms on social networking websites? What would somebody have to “have” to be unafraid of speaking up and acting out for the immediate redirection of something everybody’s been calling for since the course was forced upon everybody in the first place? At least two more cajones than you’ve got…

Comment / By brian / Sept. 30, 2010, 12:12 p.m.

Never speak ill of the dead, it’s just bad form.

Comment / By Stacey DePolo / Sept. 30, 2010, 12:46 p.m.

Rick was one of my heroes, a total inspiration to face horrible realities in a powerful way. I was so proud of him the day he confronted Regan and got us the press coverage we couldn’t get any other way, for one of the most important issues of our time. We had such a journey together on the 100th Monkey trek to Nevada, and his courage became a source of strength for me for years to come. I will never forget him and I hope his spirit has a smooth transition. Those who are remembered, Live…Blessed Be!

Comment / By Thirdeye / Sept. 30, 2010, 4:08 p.m.

@what?, 11:04:

Revered by whom? Certainly not by anyone who believes that social activism should be rooted in sanity rather than flaky New Age twaddle and acts of stupendous egotism. Seriously, it’s the kind of stuff that makes activists look bad to the rest of the world. All 100th Monkey could ever point to as an accomplishment was feel-good for its participants.

Comment / By what? / Sept. 30, 2010, 4:55 p.m.

it’s good to know there are guys like you out there, Thirdeye…driving past protests, sizing up which demonstrators have the biggest ego. “Look at that guy, he can’t even spell his sign right” It’s okay, Thirdeye…you’re too dumb to be part of the real problem. Keep up the inter-activism on the inter-net!

Comment / By Paul Davis / Sept. 30, 2010, 5:57 p.m.

To YEAH. It’s better to be quiet and thought a fool than to speek and remove all dought. Rick was loved and respected by his family and friends and did more for this world than your sackless a*# will ever dream of. R.I.P. Rick WE Love You, P

Comment / By siddiq / Sept. 30, 2010, 10:25 p.m.

it was a blessing to know him and be his friend - he had great passion - a blazing bonfire

Comment / By Marcel & Geri / Oct. 1, 2010, 10:20 a.m.

Rick was our neighbor and a good friend of ours in Surprise Valley…. we have one of his dogs Frida….He was an amazing man, taken from us way to early in his life…..we will miss him…he was my brother…..life goes on….

See you on the other side my friend…

Comment / By emily and michael / Oct. 2, 2010, 11:02 a.m.

Rick was also our neighbor in the valley……….I miss the darn burro, goat, geese, chicken, cat, dog, menagerie……….he was a very complex person that walked many paths in this life. He was amazingly passionate, animated, industrious, crafty and full of it in all ways possible most of the time. Most certainly he was himself. Peace be with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment / By Jacob Ritz / Oct. 2, 2010, 6:31 p.m.

Rick Paul Springer was a huge influence on my life, both as a person… and as my uncle. I only met him a few times throughout my life, but the positive impact he had on me was immense. His passion for life and the things he did were amazing, though I may not have fully agreed with his political standpoints. My he rest in peace, and know that his family friends love him and miss him very much… Uncle Rick, one of my heroes.

Comment / By Nancy / Oct. 2, 2010, 7:50 p.m.

I’ll miss your smile, your laugh, your sparkling blue eyes. I’ll miss your stories, I’ll miss your hugs, I’ll miss you till the day I die. You better be waiting for me on the other side… I Love you Rick….always did….always will…Peace Honey…..

Comment / By Krissy / Oct. 3, 2010, 11:03 a.m.

If u knew him, u loved him. If u didn’t know him, u missed out. I am so proud of him and his”Jesus complex”. Isn’t that what we all are supposed to have? To want to make this a better place with peace? All of u who shunned him obviously had no clue of what a wonderful and passionate man he was. He will live forever in our hearts. Love u Uncle Rick!!!!!

Comment / By Laurel Davis / Oct. 3, 2010, 4:12 p.m.

I have known Rick since he was 13. He was my brother-in-law when I married his older brother. ANYONE who has ANYTHING negative to say about “Uncle” (to my children Krissy and Scott) Rick is an ass. If you can say anything negative about Rick you didn’t know him. He will always be a very special man to me and my husband Paul and will be greatly missed. He had a sense of what is right and did something about it. Maybe it was wrong in some people’s minds but at least he did something. He lived to help the poor and needy and put them before his own needs and wants. Rick, I love you more than words can say and I always will. I will miss you and hope one day I will get a big hug from you. You have a big piece of my heart!

Comment / By Ron / Oct. 5, 2010, 12:17 p.m.

Rick was a good neighbor. I helped him with electrical, plumbing & road maintenance chores, he helped me with carpentry and other homestead projects, as well as contributing to a neighborhood watch system. He will be missed.

Comment / By Colleen Grace / Oct. 7, 2010, 7:07 p.m.

I first met Rick while working at the Rose Palace in Pasadena—rock concerts in 1969 with the likes of the Dead, Led Zepplin, ect… He was my sister’s boyfriend for a while and both worked at Fox’s Dinner in Altadena. He was a dedicated activist and stuck to his principles. RIP Rick

Comment / By Jessica Schmidt / Oct. 8, 2010, 9:54 a.m.

I just want to thank all My Uncle Ricks Friends for supporting him in the fight of making this world we all live in a better place without all of you helping it would of been much harder for my uncle “Thank You So Much” for standing up for all is right.

Comment / By Jessica Schmidt / Oct. 8, 2010, 10:55 a.m.

My Uncle Rick was a speical man had a heart of gold. He would of helped anybody at anytime if he could of . He was a Son a Brother and Uncle and a Great Uncle. He was the world to us and many always will be. We have shared alot of times together. When He would come and visted, him and his storys i will miss alot and we would talk for hrs i will miss that to. Now you can travel faster and cover more earth that you loved so very much. R.I.P Uncle

Comment / By Bob Grace / Oct. 8, 2010, 3:02 p.m.

If there were more like Rick mankind might just survive. Thanks for trying so damn hard to fight the good fight Rick. Rest now, you deserve it.

Comment / By rob hepburn / Oct. 8, 2010, 7:01 p.m.

Rick’s Great Spirit of love for Our Mother Earth and all of life lives on in every peaceful action every kindness we do! All Our Relations!

Comment / By Reinard Knutsen / Oct. 19, 2010, 7:46 a.m.

Rick, I love you and give thanks for your life. I appreciate the care and kindness you showed me in 1991 when I showed up at your door. You taught me so much about life, activism and love. I will forever be your friend. My heart and prayers are with your family, loved ones and the huge circle of friends we shared. Peace!

Comment / By Linda / Oct. 19, 2010, 9:19 a.m.

He was a man of his convictions. Say what you will, but he never stepped down from his beliefs. Who among us can truly say that?

Comment / By justine / Oct. 21, 2010, 12:52 p.m.

dear friend - how you will be missed - i was looking forward to hearing how you lived your elderhood. As the ‘second monkey’, reliving old times come pouring in - reynard coming to the farm as a youngster, being pushed off the couch by hobo - all the test site gang - bill, corbin, willie, felipe - i know i can speak for all who knew you when i say our hearts surround you with love and blessings for a grand next step in your journey - jc

Comment / By Caroline from Belgium / Oct. 24, 2010, 6:15 a.m.

I met Rick for the first time in Sept. 1992, when preparing for a backcountry-action at the Nuclear Test Site in Nevada, whilst being on the Walk Across America. I was 1 of the 4 Belgians he ‘trained’ to walk during 3 days to our destination on the testsite, to stop the 2nd last nuclear tunneltest in Sept. 1992. He stayed at my place in Gent for a few months in ‘98. And then we lost contact. I search him for years and I ‘found’ him back last year, and he invited me to his farm. I told him I would visit him in 2012. He send me his last book: ‘By Burro, by goat, by God’. And now he’s gone and I can’t believe it. I wish his family and his love lots of strenght and support. He was my friend. Thanks Rick, for knowing you! Caroline

Comment / By tra / Oct. 24, 2010, 9:36 a.m.

You gotta love the “WTF” look on Reagan’s face as his award shatters around him. Then Rick saunters up to the mic “Excuse me, President Reagan…” as polite as could be. It waas a surreal moment.

Comment / By Jeanie Schumacher / Oct. 26, 2010, 8:49 p.m.

I am so sad.. I met Rick in late 1999. He had made it to the hot springs in Mexico which were a favorite New Years place for us. My cousin, my friend and our 3 dogs rolled into the canyon sporting a friends beat-up Hummer. We nicknamed him “Ass Man” and were the first to ride his burros. We rode them to the Cuevas Pintadas at Canyon de Guadalupe. We spent a week with Rick he told us of his tales, his sister sent me his book. He changed the course of my life. I saw him three more times after that and introduced him to others.
I have told many his story….

I found news of his death while looking for him. I wanted to tell him I am at UC Berkeley in the Peace and Conflict Studies Program.

RIP Ass Man, I hope I make you proud….. ! If any of his family read this, look me up, I have a few photos from Mexico of him.

jeanjjjeanie at hotmail dot com

Comment / By Krissy / Nov. 6, 2010, 3:33 p.m.

Jeanie, I tried to contact u about the pix but it won’t go thru. I am Ricks neice. Please contact me at kandersen722@yahoo.com. Thank u!

Comment / By Jane Tallents / Nov. 20, 2010, 1:46 p.m.

While visiting some activists in Belgium this last week I heard the sad news about Rick. I met him when he arrived here in Scotland with the For Mother Earth Peace Walk in 1998. He made a big impression on us all during the following two weeks as we camped out in the endless rain and took action against the UK’s nuclear weapons. Rick came to our house one evening along with Katri and Krista to get into their wetsuits and set out to be dropped off on a dark shoreline and swim the cold waters of the Gareloch to the Trident submarine base. They succeeded in getting to their destination. Story here http://www.tridentploughshares.org/article574 and photo here http://gallery.tridentploughshares.org/main.php?g2_itemId=2079 Rick - we will miss you in the world. Rest easy big man JaneXX

Comment / By Aaron Clegg / Nov. 21, 2010, 3:33 p.m.

When I was in college at HSU, I spent over 100 hours researching and proofreading his book “Excuse Me, Mr. President.” Rick was a good friend, and mentor, and in some ways he let me be a mentor to him. He taught me things about strength and confidence, and about knowing the right way to go in my life and in the world.

And we’d lost touch recently. I will miss him.

Blessings, bro. Aaron.

Comment / By Krissy / Dec. 7, 2010, 5:59 p.m.

You left us too soon. I miss you so much. U will live forever in my heart. I love u forever Uncle Rick…. RIP til we meet again.

Comment / By julie / Dec. 30, 2010, 4:10 p.m.

My goodness..what a wildman..passion and love..encredible energy..I completly fell for him…I loved his stories..I will never forget him..He always said to me ” If your not part of the solution your part of the problem” I think of him often..I hope is at peace,watching over us all..J

Comment / By JK / Jan. 3, 2011, 12:45 a.m.

TRA, coming into a forum uninvited, smashing the award while someone else is speaking, etc., is not “as polite as could be”. Who can blame people for not being interested in hearing what Rick had to say?

Sad that he died so young, sadder still that he smashed his own message that day in 92.

Comment / By julie / Jan. 3, 2011, 5:50 p.m.

Can someone please touch base with me about the status of the investagation about Ricks death and service..Thank you julieanngrady@aol.com

Comment / By Hank Sims / Jan. 3, 2011, 5:56 p.m.

Julie: The Arcata Eye had a follow-up here.

Comment / By Larry Burton / March 3, 2011, 6:46 p.m.

I knew Rick as my best friend in high school for 4 years. He was a young man of his convictions then and I admired him. I was walking a different path and lost contact with him. I met him again briefly while he was in town and was impressed by his stories of hiking the Sierras and suggested he write about his travels and adventures. It is pleasing to read the thoughts of his many new friends and I’m glad we all knew him.

Comment / By rick hooper / March 9, 2011, 7:02 p.m.

rick stayed in my house in las vegas he taught me about the monkey and he travled with me at lolapalozza shows across the country i am still in shock i miss him a great man