Richard Steven Faust

Rick Faust, 74, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a courageous 3.5-year cancer journey, throughout which he and Margaret continued to enjoy their backyard fishponds, daily walks and regular visits to area art museums.

Rick was born in Winston-Salem to Stuart Faust and Hazel Eads Faust. Described by his teachers as “the All-American boy,” Rick graduated from RJ Reynolds High School in 1967, where he was a standout student, golfer and wrestler. Rick earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering at NC State University in 1971. He earned his law degree from UNC- Chapel Hill in 1974 and went to work for B. B. Olive in Durham, thus beginning a successful career in patent law.

After a few years, Rick accepted an offer to join Arnold, White and Durkee, a prestigious patent law firm in Houston TX. Since he had decided to move, he told his then-girlfriend Margaret, “I guess we should get married.” Seven weeks later they were married and living in Texas.

Their time in Houston was valuable for both of their careers and sparked a love for travel, culture and new experiences. The love of North Carolina drew them back and they made their home in Raleigh in 1980. Rick went on to establish a solo practice as a patent attorney, using his engineering knowledge to secure patents for innovative local products like moissanite diamonds and LED lighting.

Rick and Margaret raised their two sons Eric and Hardy in a wooded neighborhood in North Raleigh. His leisure time alternated between fun family trips to the beach, mountains and theme parks as well as tubing and fishing on the lake. He enjoyed numerous rounds of golf with his friends at North Ridge Country Club.

Rick’s love of golf was rivaled by his passion for art. Over the last 30 years he built an eclectic collection of art and art books. During their extensive travels, Rick always managed to find an art museum or gallery to visit. Although Rick insisted on touring at home and abroad without reservations, they somehow only ended up sleeping in the car once.

Rick was known for not doing anything halfway. One 10-gallon fish tank grew to two 70-gallon reef tanks and eventually to the koi ponds the family still enjoys today.

Rick is survived by his wife Margaret Rose Faust, originally from Wilson, his son Eric Faust (Andrea) and grandsons Percy and Kenny of Durham and his son Hardy Faust (Melissa Mikell) of Raleigh. In early July, the entire family enjoyed celebrating Percy’s second birthday together.

Rick is also survived by his brother Larry Faust of Chilhowie, VA, as well as several nieces and nephews and their children.

The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation for the compassionate care provided by the entire team at UNC Cancer Hospital, especially Frances Collichio, MD and Paula Landman, RN.

A service to celebrate Rick’s life will be held on Friday August 16 at 11:00am at Raleigh Moravian Church 1816 Ridge Road, Raleigh NC 27607 with the Reverend Fran Saylor officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service. If you wish to honor Rick’s memory with a gift, please consider donating to Raleigh Moravian Church www.raleighmoravian.org or to the Melanoma Research Fund at UNC Cancer Hospital www.give.unc.edu