Rick grew up and studied violin in the Hamilton area. After obtaining a BSc from McMaster University, he taught secondary school science and physics for 32 years, at Fort William Collegiate and Waterloo Collegiate where he was a staff advisor for arts festivals, choirs, musicals and rock variety shows. In 2002, he was awarded the Stewart Award for Teacher Excellence. He continues to be an occasional teacher. After playing across Canada in the National Youth Orchestra, Rick played in the Hamilton Philharmonic, the Thunder Bay Symphony and the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony and more recently in the Leith Quartet. As well as playing since 2003 in the KW Community Orchestra, he plays in Waterloo Chamber Players, the KW Chamber Orchestra and the Stratford Symphony. Rick appreciates the support of his wife Patricia and their 2 sons. He enjoys spending time with 5 grandchildren, working in his wood-working shop, gardening and reading.