Yes, I’m still holding onto my half of the 10 we split for our next pitcher of beer.

Sometimes when I have a  friend over I stick it under the edge of the doormat.
When they pull it out it gets some laughs and I tell them to come on in for a beer and let me  share some stories about growing up with my old pal Rick Little.

We will put that 10 back together someday my  friend

Rest easy my friend!

I will remember Rick always. Friends since 1963. I'll see you in the next room old friend......

When I first came to work for the Road Commission, Rick was so nice and welcoming. I soon found out he had a great sense of humor too. My computer locked up, so Rick came to my desk to fix it. I had only been at the RC a few days, Rick said in a stern voice, "what did you do to it", my look of shock made him start laughing as he was telling me, I was only joking,  once you get to know me, you will not take me seriously. 
He always kept us laughing! 


Chris, Jessica, Jason, Jenny:
It’s true what they say, “the good die young”!  I’m not sure what that says about me…!?, but Rick was one of the good guys.  I worked with Rick as my mentor, as my boss, and MY FRIEND for over 34 years.  He had a sharp mind, and an awesome quick wit.  So many laughs we shared together throughout the years.  I think I still owe him a case of Michelob!  Lost another bet!  He was always right!  
One of his words of wisdom backfired on me….on disciplining the kids….Do you remember when he would say “do you want me to rip your arm off and beat you with it?”  You kids would say no and your behavior would straighten up.  (he also said he would hang you kids up in the closet with a clothes hanger in your blanket sleepers.  LOL   I’m not so sure that was true.)  One 4th of July fireworks, I was at the water’s edge and my friend’s son kept reaching over the breakwall in front of me.  I was tired of telling him to stop messing around before he falls in and blurted out “you better stop, or I’ll rip your arm off and beat you with it”.  Well!!!!  He started crying, his parents took their kid home and I ended up apologizing for traumatizing their child.  Needless to say, my friends never asked me to babysit.  Still make me laugh today.  Just one of the many Rickisms I carry with me.  I also wanted to mention how proud of all of you he was.  Chris, at work he referred to you as his bride always with love and respect!  You kids!  He was so proud of the people you have become, proud of the spouses you chose, your parenting styles and the directions you picked for your life.  Love….in it's many forms, that’s what we take with us.   Till we meet again, my friend! 

Rick was my "little" brother - the youngest of us. He was 5 1/2 yeas younger than me.  At times he could be the "bratty little brother growing up. Even though he was my little brother, because my other brothers were out and about with their families, Rick became my "go to" brother.  He was always there for me in so many ways.  He helped me through 2 divorces, 4 moves ( he said he would never move me again), and just spending time with me.  We laughed alot, and cried sometimes, but he had things figured out.  He had an amazing wife and 3 amazing kids.  That family is very full of love.  He has left a legacy to all who knew him.  He fought a tough fight against the brain cancer.  Yet he still remained Rick as long as he could.  He is in a better place now and I know still looking at his family with love.  Rest in peace, little brother.  Love you,  Reenie

I have fond memories of Rick when our boys played football together. He always had a smile and positive word to say. His love for his wife was so evident and he was clearly a devoted husband and father. He will be missed. 

I smile as I reflect on the memories of growing up on the streets of Lansing with my pal Rick
We shared the streets on bicycles then on to dirt bikes and finally we had the freedom to explore with cars which exposed us to all the good things and temptations that growing up in the early 70’s had to offer, and we survived it all.
Rick was focused on his education with the support of his loving parents and grandmother which were always welcoming and engaging whenever we would hang around his home.  
I recall going to the motocross tracks with Rick to run gas for his brother Tom as he raced his big Husqvarna and then a few years later at 16 years old we did our first road trip from Lansing to Tampa to visit Tom and his young family.
I recall the times when his brother Chris who always had a smile, coming home from his tours in the military.
I left for Colorado in the late 70’s however we stayed in touch and Rick stood in my wedding in 79
As the years rolled on, we occasionally shared the highlights of our expanding families.
I will remember Rick as a guy that was truly a good and honest man with a witty sense of humor.
Rest in peace my childhood friend and hang on to the other half of that $10 dollar bill as we will bring them together some day for a beer.    


I knew To k as a little kid. He was the best. GOD SPEED


Such a kind, funny man! Even on his worst days always smiled and fought a great fight. Loved caring for him and his family. Thanks for the opportunity Hope @ Sparrow

The Earthly world has lost a good one in Rick. We met when i lived in his neighborhood in 3rd grade (1963-64). We were besties, I practically lived at his house! We both worked for Livingston Country for many years. My heart goes out to his family. Rick, I'll see you in the next room! God rest your soul..........

OBITUARY

Eric "Rick" Little

1 January, 1956 – 11 November, 2019

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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