Ricky was living his life’s dream in Santa Monica California. He loved surfing, riding his Harley, and getting tattoos- much to his mother’s chagrin. He was incredibly intelligent, and loved expanding his mind through reading, writing, and long winded discussions with others. We joked that he was the original AI writing app because he could change the rest of the family’s gibberish into a literary masterpiece within minutes. Ricky was a big kid at heart which made him especially good with his nieces and nephews. They adored their uncle Ricky, and he loved them as if they were his own. He played with them, took them to all the fun places, and bought them way too much candy, never able to tell them no.
Ricky was one of those people who burned brightly: his magnetism drew in others and made them feel like they had known him forever. Ricky was selfless, and he always put others’ needs ahead of his own. He had the biggest heart and everyone that came in touch with him knew that big heart. Ricky was a selfless friend. His loyalty and love for his friends was almost tangible. His energy was electric and his humor unmatched. Ricky had an ability to command a room and his routines would often leave people in stitches. Everybody wanted to be Ricky’s friend and the best part was that you could be. His caring and compassion for others was evident not only in his personal life, but also in his professional life.
Ricky was a few months shy of getting his MA in clinical psychology with a concentration in trauma. He had begun providing counseling at Southern California Counseling Center, an affordable mental health center helping those in need. His compassion, patience, and authenticity were felt by all of his clients, and he had a way to bring joy and relief when things were heavy. Because of the life he lived and the hardship he went through, he could show up for others in a very unique way because he understood on such a deep level. Though his life was cut too short, he lived so many lives in a way, and the past three years were the best of them. He was in a great place and had recently said, “Life is awesome, I’m so glad I didn’t miss it.” He was living proof that healing is possible; love is the key; and just being there, fully present, for others is enough. In the end, he was living selflessly, and he found joy in that.
Ricky was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Hooper Alexander Turner and General and Mrs. William B. Caldwell III. He is survived by his parents Dell Turner Gray (Paul) and Rick Caldwell (Gordon); his sister Adele Stone (Hofer) and their four children, Della, Jack, CeCe, and Turner.
Celebration of Life will be held at the Magnolia Grove Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11:00 with visitation after.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Southern California Counseling Center or a charity of your choice. Said donations will help provide affordable mental health care to those in need. https://www.sccc-la.org/donate/
