Rick was born November 17, 1964, in Germany and spent the majority of his youth living in Concord, NC.
A graduate of NCSU, Rick supported anything Wolfpack. He was a proud member of the Theta Tau Fraternity, and he remained close to his high school and college friends over the years. That was Rick. If he knew you, he could rock on, talk, and laugh. Whether he was working with his RC model airplanes, attending shows and concerts, playing MTG and D&D or cooking and traveling, Rick embraced life with joy and an inquisitive nature.
Above all, he loved his family. He dated the love of his life, Cindy, since 1987, and they were married in 1993. He adored his daughters, Charlotte and Holly, with all of his heart. He was a devoted and engaged father, whether that meant being in a cheerleading routine or diving into any other support for sports, dance, school, or their jobs.
Rick spent his career in the technology space, most recently working for Capital One as an IT Specialist. He was committed to providing for his family.
Mostly we hope you will remember Rick’s laugh. He loved quoting movies, TV shows, and cartoons with friends and especially family. Whenever we laugh or appreciate entertainment, it will be one way of him living on through us.
He is survived by his wife Cindy Lynn (Haas) Tatem, his daughters Charlotte Annelle and Holly Aeryn Tatem, sisters Ann Dutch and Ursula Rymer, Mother-in-Law Brenda L. Haas, Sister-in-law Karen Leigh Haas as well as numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
Rick is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Margarete Tatem and brother Michael Decker.
A Celebration of Rick's life was held on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation towards the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association, by using the links below, under 'Donations'.
If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Rick, or a message of condolence for his family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.
