In loving memory of Rick Tears

12/9/1947 - 1/19/2015

Location: Dallas, Texas

Visits: 25,313

A GREAT LOSS TO THE SAILING COMMUNITY. Rick Tears passed away at his home in Dallas Texas on January 19, 2015. This memorial was created in his honor. Rick was born on December 9, 1946 and passed on January 19, 2015. Rick was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all friends and family.


He is survived by his daughter Janielle, sister Lisa, uncle, Stuart, cousins Llona, Jeanne, Gary, Dahna and Brian. He was a member of the Rush Creek Yacht Club from 1971 to 2002, but continued to race, crew and participate there in events over the years. At Rush Creek Yacht Club, he sailed Quarter Tons, Shields One-Design, Lightnings, J24s, and owned "Preparation J" before it became an IC24. He co-owned a J22 with Dave Irwin, and in the fall was crewing with Kathy Irwin on her IC24.

He will be fondly remembered for his competitive spirit, knowledge of racing rules, and infectious laugh. To quote one of Rick’s friends,

“Rick made sailing fun for a lot of people”.

Rick attended many Shields class championships, winning the 1982 Shields National Championship. He also won the Rush Creek Yacht Club Armadillo Cup that remains in the Trophy Case. He was the winner of the 1983 International Lightning Class Association President’s Cup at the Lightning North American Sailing Championship. He was a great match racer, and represented Rush Creek Yacht Club many times in the US Sailing Prince of Wales championships. He competed for the US Sailing Mallory Cup many times, where boats were exchanged each race and was able to borrow sails and find boat parts to make a boat sail-able. He moved to White Rock Lake and Corinthian Sailing Club to sail Flying Scots. He will be sadly missed by sailors across the United States. Lastly, to quote Rick (and Gary Jobson);

"Take a deep breath every morning; say thank you for your health. The alternative is unbelievably tough. "

SAVE THE DATE(S) for Celebration of Life for Rick Tears Friday April 10, 2015 at Corinthian Sailing Club on White Rock Lake and Sat April 11, 2015 at Rush Creek Yacht Club on Lake Ray Hubbard. Details to follow as plans finalize. Find your old photos, and gather up your Rick Tears stories to share with family and friends.