Richard “Rick” Motherwell peacefully passed away at home in Eureka on June 17, 2024, at the age of 75.

Rick was the youngest of three children born to Ann & Thomas Motherwell in Jemison, Alabama on March 26, 1949.

He spent several years of his early childhood living in Jemison until he and his family moved to Fort Bragg, where they lived a few years before making their way to Eureka, and where he would continue to reside the rest of his life.

As a young teenager, Rick began his career as a commercial fisherman working with his stepdad, Rudy, aboard his fishing vessel. He loved the smell of the salty air, “the fog,” and developed a love and a great respect for the ocean.

He enjoyed the outdoors, spending many days hunting, fishing camping, and especially enjoyed starting and sitting around a big campfire. One of many good times to be had was when he and his beloved wife, Ruth, would pack up an ice chest of goods, and go on drives either not knowing where the roads would take them or being on a set destination. They always had so much fun enjoying each other while traveling and exploring those numerous destinations together.

Rick was very talented, and capable of doing so many things. He created several beautiful woodworking pieces, assisted in building a few houses, construction work, cooking, smoking fish and cheeses, making jerky & home made bread, as well as working on his and other friends’ boats. Being the natural-born storyteller and prankster he was, he also enjoyed entertaining his family and friends with his stories, playing his pranks and of course laughing. One of his most admiring qualities though was him taking the time to talk and show the kids big or small how to do a project that needed to be done while offering and teaching different options in which they could complete any task.

A turning point in Rick’s life was when he met his wife Ruth. Not being fools rushing in, they waited a few years before they married in August 1995. He again asked her if she would remarry him, and with the answer being yes, they renewed their vows in May 2024. They created an amazing life of being best friends, being in love with countless wonderful memories shared between themselves along with many family members and friends that will always be remembered & cherished.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Ann; stepdad, Rudy; his father, Thomas, and sadly so many other family members and close friends. Rick is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 38 years; brother Tom; sister Nancy; brother Rex; son Rich (wife Tamme); son Tom(wife Yvonne); son Jesse (fiance Alma); son Joey (wife Sherri); son Nate (wife Tricia); and son Bobby (wife Pamela); 11 grandsons; 12 granddaughters; three great-grandsons; several nephews/great-nephews, nieces/great-nieces, and many other extended family members, friends and loved ones.

At his request, there will be no formal services held. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Rick’s name to Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Fall Court, Eureka, California 95503.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Aussenberg and his staff; Dr. Trieu and his staff; the wound care team, the lift team, and the nurses and aides of Providence-St. Joseph Hospital; the staff & care team at Providence Home Health, and the staff and care team with Hospice of Humboldt for all your kindness, help, support and the care you provided. You are an amazing group of people and are truly appreciated. Thank you.

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