Tribute to Rick John - Utah

patrickjuhlin

patrickjuhlin

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I am very sad to say that the pool world here in Utah lost one of it's most important figures.

Richard "Rick" John passed away on 2/20/2011 of a heart attack far too early and will be missed by ever pool player in the state of Utah.

Rick was instrumental in keeping competitive billiards alive by running the Utah State Open. He invested so much time and effort to create a venue that promoted the sport which kept local pool players motivated to compete at higher levels.

Most importantly he was one of the nicest most genuine people you've ever met. I am proud to call Rick a friend and wish I knew him longer than I did.

Thanks for always being there for the pool community. We will miss you Rick. Rest in peace and keep running racks but make sure you give me the 7 ball when I meet up with you on the other side.

Sincerely,
Patrick Juhlin

Here is a link to the Utah Open that Rick was putting together this coming March 11,12,13. I hope we can get together and make this tournament happen in honor of Rick John.
http://www.utahopenpooltournament.com/index.html

Rick and his wife Coleen at the 2009 Utah Open

RickJohn_2009.jpg
 
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Rick was a great man. This is truly sad, the pool world has lost a shining example of grace and dignity in Rick John. Condolences to Coleen. -- Robert R. CO
 
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tommie baker and bernie devlin and damion ponkpanik called to let me know.i'm just sick.rick was my friend and i'll miss him dearly.my heart is full of prayers for rick and coleen and there loved ones.thank you patrick for starting this thread.the pool world has indeed lost a champion and i have lost a great friend.funny,you never know how much you love someone till there not here anymore.god bless rick,rest in peace. dago
 
Rick!

Rick & I first met in 1973. He taught me more about pool and about life in the first couple of years after we became friends than anybody before or since.

When my phone started ringing on Sunday morning I found myself hoping that it was somehow some horrible mistake even though I knew it was true.

In the last 38 years there was never a time that it failed to bring a smile to my face when I saw him in person or heard his voice on the other end of the phone line. This is truly one of the saddest days in my life.

Rest in peace my friend.
Regards, Roger
 
Sorry to hear of Mr. Rick (John) passing

Thanks for the posting and his picture. looks way way to young to have heart trouble. My prayers are for John ,his friends and family. Lord bless all involved. Sounds like he was a friend to hundreds of pool players-mark
 
Very sad,what a beautiful picture of rick and his wife,i hope ricks wife and family pull together and get pass these horroable times,with all of my prayers GOD bless these beautiful people!
 
Very Sad News

I haven't posted on here in almost a year but I thought this sad news merited me dusting off the keyboard to say a few words for Rick.

He was a funny, kind, and encouraging person. He always made me feel like I belonged and that I should stick with pool. I never once felt like I was treated like a beginner around him (Even when I once was one). I think he had a genuine love to see people enjoy pool and improve at the game.

He also ran one hell of a tournament that I always made sure to try to make every year.

You will be missed buddy,

RIP

-Andy
 
it's a sad day

Very sad to hear the news about Rick. Rick was a great person and he will be missed. My condolences go out to Coleen, family, and friends.
Eric
 
Rick John's passing

Rick’s passing leaves a hole in my heart and the heart of everyone who loves pool, and who loves classy people.

He was a kind man, always a smile - always considerate. He was awe-inspiring. The quiet strength of his personality carried over into his game and made him one of the most envied and respected players I’ve ever encountered.

Rick John did not choke. He played pool with grace and lived with grace.

My sincere condolences to Coleen and family.

Marilynn
 
Rick was a prince of a guy, with a good word for everyone he met. And he could play too, make no mistake about that. He was always one of my favorite guys to see at the U.S. Bar Table every year. Never complained, just got out there and played the game, win or lose. Rick was a winner on the table as well as off the table. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP my friend! :angel2:
 
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