Rick was born in San Jose, lived much of his young life in Colorado, later moving back to California. He lived in Anaheim, then Crescent City. Since 1995, Rick called Fortuna home. He was taken suddenly from us after a brief illness.

Rick was a kindhearted, hardworking, man. He loved a good practical joke, as long as he was the prankster. He had friends all over this country because he was a long-haul truck driver. He was proud of his Cherokee heritage, was an accomplished drummer, and loved watching endless YouTube videos of some of his favorite musicians, studying especially the drummers of his favorite bands. He was described by all who knew or met him as “a good man.” He was a believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, recently recommitting his life to the Lord.

As mentioned, Rick was a long-haul truck driver, taught as a young guy by his Uncle Joe and his father, Dennis. He worked for a few companies — Snoozie Shavings, Parkway Feed, Kendal Trucking, Davis Trucking — but since 2009 with Combined Transport in Medford. Rick was so proud to work for this company, to belong to Team Combined. He achieved many safety accommodations, and in 2014, named Driver of the Year where he was described by his employer “as an outstanding example of Team Combined, always willing to help out when needed, and with a great attitude 100% of the time!”

Rick had nothing but good to say about anyone who knew and loved him. He was very proud of his mother and his sisters, and all his nieces and nephews. He loved all his brother-in-laws, his special uncles, and aunts. He had numerous friends and co-workers who he spoke so highly of. I appreciate all the love and support of every one of them, brothers in the Lord Ivan Beckendorf, “Pyro Bob,” and “Big Jack.” His special trucker friends, supervisors and employers John Best, Mike Stevens, and Chris Clark. Those of you who have taken time to talk to me on the phone will never know how much it meant to me. I knew you all because of all the things Rick ever spoke about you.

Rick was also a lover of all things canine. He had three loyal truck driving companions through the years — Judy, Andy and Oso. Oso remained at Rick’s side 24 hours a day and was with him to the very end.

Rick is survived by his wife of 28 years, Rita, his mother Louise, sisters Leah, Becky, Angie and Kim. Special Uncle Jim and Aunt Carla and Uncles Burk and Joe, numerous nephews and niece, step-son Jason, his daughter Samantha and grandchildren. Rick loved and was so proud of you all.

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The obituary above was submitted by Rich Hefley’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.