Richard Raymond Rohrback Jr.

Rick always said everybody has a story, his story was magnificent. Born in Sonora, CA to Richard (Dick) and Dee Rohrback, raised in Winton, CA and put down roots in Merced, CA. Rick worked in the meat industry alongside his dad since the age of 10. Rick loved all things meat, especially cows who he would refer to as “hamburgers” when driving past them in fields. He would often say “ain’t nothing on a pig you can't love.” In 1974 Richwood Meat was founded, Rick worked alongside his dad and a wonderful family of coworkers, eventually becoming assistant plant manager. He developed the famous Richwood Santa Maria tri tip recipe. Rick attended Atwater high where he met his first wife Joanie and later had two sons Ricky and Cory.

In 2000 Rick married his second wife Celeste. The love Rick and Celeste shared was beautiful, a close inseparable pair. Together they loved traveling, wine tasting, visiting friends, a good steakhouse and most of all entertaining as they often threw big parties in their backyard full of Rick’s BBQed food, with the blues playing on the stereo.

Rick loved people, getting to know them, and hearing their stories. He could instantly make friends with anyone from any walk of life and even if you only met him once you would never forget him. His beaming smile and rapid one liners instantly put everyone at ease. In times of stress or darkness he could always lighten the mood with his one liners referred to by the family as “Ricks.”

Rick was an active member of the Merced Elks lodge for 34 years, where he could be seen enjoying a Tanqueray, a laugh and the company of his many friends. Rick embodied the motto grab life by the horns. He never missed out on a good time. His stories were legendary but not quite safe enough for this platform but if you ever heard one of his stories you would always remember it after you stopped laughing.

A passionate lifelong fan of racing and he loved his midgets. Frequenting drag strips and even working as a crew chief for a local team, he loved a good nitro blast! A lifelong 49er fan with fond memories of tailgating at Candlestick Park.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard “Dick” and Delores “Dee” Rohrback, stepmother Arlene Rohrback, and his dachshunds Freida, Frank and Nate.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years Celeste Rohrback, his children Cory Rohrback (Rebeca), Ricky Rohrback (Chelsae), Kandace Spellins, Kyle Spellins, and Kim Smiley (Rick.) As well as his grandchildren Cody Smiley (Abby), Kelcy Smiley, Madison (7), Morgan (3), and Faith (1). His brother Randy Rohrback (Martina) and sons (Ryan, Daniel and Chase). Kevin DeWolfe (Elissa), and step brothers Johnny and Jeff Klundt. He also had a wonderfully large circle of friends, as well as his beloved weenie dog Albert.

A life well lived, full of love. The memories we all shared with this spectacular affectionate man will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday May 20th at Elks Park at 11:30 a.m. at 3600 Wardrobe Ave. Merced, CA 95341