Obituary of Steven R. Tice

Sixty years ago in the Upstate city of Buffalo, Steven “Rick” Tice was the first born child of James “Ray” and Jacqueline “Jackie” Tice. In the years to come, Rick took the responsible role of ‘Big Brother,’ first to younger sibling Sherry followed by Mary Alice. At the time, Rick had help with his brotherly charge with the tutelage of both maternal and paternal grandparents also residing in Buffalo and conveniently living across the street from each other. While Buffalo was a starting point on Rick’s journey through life, he was challenged with new schools and creating new friendships as the family relocated first to Pittsford, then to Shinnston, West Virginia, to Elmira, eventually bringing the journey near full circle with the final sidestep landing permanently in Victor, where he later established his own home. In the business world, Rick was respected as leader and friend by both his peers and direct reports. His career encompassed various management positions at, but not limited to, Computer Consoles, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and most recently Nazareth College. Rick was a person who loved life and everything it offered; not material things but life itself and everyone close to him. He loved sharing time camping, travel in his and Linda’s RV motor-home, swimming, boating, and water skiing. Like his grandfather Daniels, his passion for antique cars never waned, with incessant attention to the maintenance and restoration of his 1937 Packard limousine. An accomplished and licensed pilot, Rick flew private airplanes under VFR criteria and enjoyed navigating radio controlled models from the ground. When he was faced insurmountable health constraints, his love for flying moved to the computer running flight simulator programs. His love of animals, especially his dog Teagan, came with the challenges of agility training while bringing the joy he shared to others in a therapy role. As a father and family member, Rick was always there to encourage, support, and participate in the events of his children and nieces and nephews. Whether graduations, weddings, religious milestones, or sporting events, Rick could always be counted on to be present. This is the fabric of Rick’s soul . . . nothing or no one was more important than family. Always a ‘giver,’ he never asked for anything. Somewhat like the story of The Gift of the Magi, no sacrifice was too great for those you love; this was Rick’s embodiment of altruism. Affable fails in fully describing Rick as a friend and human being; he was social and loved being with others, known or yet-to-know, whether at home or anywhere his travels took him. During his tenure in Elmira and at the time of the flood, he served the community in a role of volunteer fireman. As we all grow older our dreams make their way to our proverbial ‘bucket list’ in hopes that someday they will come to fruition during our time here; had he had one, Rick’s ‘bucket’ was empty. He accomplished everything he wanted and did it with those he held dear. As we reflect on the great good and inspiration Rick brought to all that knew him, we will continue to cherish the memories he has given us . . . memories that make us smile and those that make us outright laugh. Always ready for the new adventure, Rick was first in line for the inaugural ‘flight’ of a boat towed para-sail. In concept, one is fitted to a harness which is then attached at one end to a parachute style canopy while the other connects to a boat by a sizable length of line. As the boat accelerates, the participant runs across the beach and is gently lifted aloft when the canopy fills with air. Not to be . . . a misfitting of Rick’s harness gone unnoticed followed by a robust sprint across the beach as the boat accelerated yielded not the expectant sense of liftoff and floating . . . but rather an event that mimicked a tethered submarine ride. No harm, no foul . . . unscathed and jovial, the ‘crew’ and Rick had a great story to share for years to come. If, by chance on a cold December day past, you happened to see a red convertible—top down—with a smiling, bearded Santa behind the wheel on his way to bring joy to others, and it brought a smile to your face, you too had been touched by Rick Tice. OBITUARY: Victor: On May 17, 2016 at age 60. Survived by his wife Linda (Kowalski) Tice; their children, Justin Kennedy, Sean (Gina) Kennedy, Chris Tice, Kyleigh Tice, Paul Tice, Courtney (Mark) Outhouse; parents, Ray & Jackie Tice; sisters, Sherry (Jack) Tice, Mary A. (Lou) Siciliano; father & mother in law, Ed & Barb Kowalski many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Family and friends are invited to call at Lucey-VanVoorhis Funeral Home (301 West Main St / Victor) on THURSDAY (Today 5-19-16) from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Rick’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church (115 Maple Ave. / Victor) on FRIDAY (5-20-16) at 9 AM. Interment private. Expressions of sympathy may be made to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation:P.O. Box 368 / Pittsford, NY 14534 OR The National Kidney Foundation 310 Packets Landing / Fairport, NY 14450 in his memory...