On February 20, 2011, the extended Persson family gathered to bid fair passage to Rick Persson, brother, uncle, husband, and friend. The sudden parting was softened only by a week of fading hope which allowed time to muster for last good-byes. This is a personal story, a family story; this is life.
Now Rick's life and work are part of a family legacy that reaches back to father Seth and grandfather Frans. His is an early yet substantial story, writ of craftsmanship and style, structure and substance, versatility and speed. His work stands alone as the best testament to his skill and talents, a testament reported now by those who knew him best. This is also the personal legacy of Richard Thomas Persson, who sought and achieved a reputation as craftsman in his own right.
The path of the craftsman is not easy and never truly finished. Each new project challenges the old skills, and the laurels of past works are but the standard to be met each day. There is no living rest for the craftsman.
Now Rick is at his rest, the last project completed, tools put away. There is one vacant spot at the work bench, where we may pause from time to time to remember the life of a brother, uncle, husband, friend. And, master craftsman, a title won but never fully accepted, worn with humility in a life too short though, perhaps, just long enough.
