Rick Armstrong passed away January 22, 2022, at the VA Hospital in San Francisco after a valiant fight. He is survived by his partner in life and wife Sandy Armstrong.

Rick was born in Liverpool, England on March 18, 1960, to Kay and Frank Armstrong. He immigrated to Rio Dell in 1962 and eventually moved to Eureka. The family moved to Myrtletown, Eureka where Rick attended Lafayette Elementary School. Rick was like his father in many ways, and being mechanical was one of them. Rick’s father, Frank, passed away when Rick was just 8 years old. He was taken before he had a chance to see Rick grow up.

Rick had a passion for cars and bought his 1957 Chevy Bel Air when he was 15, before he could drive. He graduated from Eureka Senior High School in 1978. During his high school years, he raced stock cars at Redwood Acres with his friends Richard Marks, Don Cambell, and the Ferguson family. Ann and Fergie Ferguson, (along with their sons Nick and Rick Mitchell), were his second family-taking him in like he was their own.

Eventually, Rick’s mom Kay remarried to Fran Titus, who treated Rick as his son. Rick’s mom passed away when he was 17. Rick joined the Army and served in Germany as a motor mechanic, eventually receiving an honorable discharge. Rick worked for Schmidbauer Lumber. February 1, 2022, would have been his 39th work anniversary.

Rick met Sandy, the love of his life and they married at Ruth Lake on July 2, 2011. They enjoyed working in the garden, cruising the cars, car shows, big NASCAR fans, taking their dogs to the beach for a walk, and staying in Gold Beach.

Rick is survived by Sandy Armstrong, her three children, ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. His older brothers Peter and his wife Melissa, David and Debbie Bolton along with nieces and nephews Kate, Jacob and his wife Ashley Bolton, Molly, Alli, Amber and Andrew and Maggie, He is also survived by his cousins Elaine, Raymond, and Brian Ericson.

Rick’s first passion was his wife Sandy, but a close second was his cars. He was known for his strong will, loyalty, and work ethic. He will be forever missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on March 19, 2022, at Moose Lodge, 4328 Campton Rd., Eureka. We will also celebrate his birthday. There will be a potluck for those that would like to contribute.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Rick Armstrong’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.