The Sad Loss Of Our Friend "Rickipedia" Rick Stern

Rick Stern, known fondly as "Rickipedia" here at Trucking Truth, recently passed away. Rick was an influential contributor and supporter of Trucking Truth for over ten years!

The following is a statement from his good friend:

So who was Sick Rick?

Born September 12th, 1960, passed July 6th, 2021, Rick Stern, AKA Sick Rick, was a legend in many communities.

Rick was a recovering member of AA, sober for 20 years on December 7th, 2020. While that should be enough to give tribute to a person, it's fair to say he excelled at anything he put his mind to.

If you needed a computer fixed or had a tech question, Rick was the guy you went to. He has forgotten more than most of the so-called experts can remember.

Rick was into guns and wanted them to be PERFECT. So he learned gunsmithing.Again, he forgot more than most gunsmiths know.

After twenty-plus years in the tech field fixing computers and network problems, Rick was ready to hang it up. His goal was to drive trucks cross country. So he studied, and he studied some more and got his CDL.

Rick became an expert in the trucking community ( having never gotten that trucker's job ). He learned driving skills, laws, and regulations. He did what he typically did in Sick Rick fashion….. He got involved in the community to help and passed his knowledge on to others. I know that his personality could be …. rather harsh. But he was there to help, for free and for fun. He put his ego aside… he was here to help and assist every person on this board.

Love him or hate him, Rick Stern was a brilliant and articulate human being. He called you out on your **** when he had to but helped you through your problems whenever he could.

Rest in peace, my brother.

Your friend Huck (Gravedigger)

Rick was truly one of a kind. He can not be replaced. 

I am especially fond of Rick because he believed, as I do, in giving people the cold, hard facts and unfiltered opinions they need to make the best decisions for themselves. You may not like the answer and you may not like the straight-shooting style, but you could always count on getting the very best information Rick had, and his best effort every time.

Rick is a legend at Trucking Truth. Rick put in so much hard work to help our community for so many years. He volunteered his time because he wanted to be part of the community, and because he cared. I will forever be grateful to him for that. 

The last exchange I had with Rick was an enjoyable and spirited conversation about the government, the schools, and today's society, followed by several pictures of his incredible collection of firearms. I laugh about that now with fondness, knowing it was classic Rick and an appropriate ending to his last chapter with us. 

Thanks, Rick, for everything. You will be missed, but never forgotten. 

Sadly and sincerely, 

Brett Aquila
Owner and founder of Trucking Truth 

Sad indeed RIP Rick, I personally benefited from your efforts on TT. As Brett said, you will be missed.

Oh man, that is sad news . I've always enjoyed his insights and technical expertise.

Rick was a great friend to us all here at TT. He was instrumental in the learning process for me as I entered trucking, and could always be counted on to answer the unanswerable.

I will forever be thankful for his contributions and dedication to helping others.

Fly high, brother.

That's sad news. I always got excited when I saw posts from Rick, especially when they became rare. He was a wealth of knowledge and an incredible asset.

My condolences to his friends and family.

Rick was a pretty intense guy. And having experience with the legal profession, had a very good grasp of the legal system and it's principles. While, not an attorney, he knew the law better than many attorneys I know.

Rest in peace. I will miss your contributions here on TT.

Rob.

Beautiful eulogy, Brett.

Rick, if you are reading this from above, or afar . . .

I SO was looking forward to MEETING you, this year.

Love you, man.

~ Anne ~

ps: Robert & Phil .... sorry for your loss, as well.

Very sad to hear this.

Condolences to his friends and family.

In shock...

RIP Rick. Prayers and condolences to his family.

2021 has been the year of loss for many I know and have met, my condolences to everyone to who knew him personally