Dick Rice

Dick Rice

He was a man of many names-Richard Allen Rice, Corny LeFerret, Blaine, El Conquistador, The Librarian, Gorilla, Bird, Rice and Vicki's Great Love. Husband, son, brother, uncle, friend.

Dick Rice passed away unexpectedly on July 29, 2017, after a life that was full of laughter, wit, humor and unconditional love for and from the family and friends who surrounded him.

Dick was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, on March 17, 1949. He was preceded in death by his mother, Violet Margery McCleary "Dottie" and his father Marion A. Rice "Dick". Dick and his family moved to Indianapolis, where he attended Public Schools #90 and #61. In 1971, Dick graduated from Northwest High School (Class of 1967), where he was an honor student, played varsity basketball and baseball, and served as Senior Class President.

A 1971 graduate of Indiana University, Dick was a resident of the infamous "Maxwell Manor" and majored in Economics, Political Science and whiffle ball. From 1971-73, he served in the US Army. Dick began his work career selling for several printing companies, but spent the last 30 years working with his wife, Vicki, in their business, The Artworks, as a graphics forms designer. The last few years of his life, Dick happily worked part time at the Pike Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library, where he was known for his "go to spirit" by his co-workers.

Dick coached boys youth basketball, refereed, and sat on the Board of the Municipal Gardens for more than 30 years. The City of Indianapolis honored his dedication to the Gardens by proclaiming February 24, 2003, "Dick Rice Day." It is said there are prominent Indianapolis high school, college and MBA players who owe their love of the sport to the time they spent in Dick's program at The Gardens.

Dick has been called the "Alpha Dog" of the "Dogs of Mussman," a group of friends who from 1968 to 1985, gathered outside the gates of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on 30th Street. Their objective-to race into the infield, jockeying for the Holy Grail of parking spaces at the 500 Mile Race-a spot against the fence of the third turn.

Affectionately called "Stinky Leprechaun Baby" and "Pooter Pants" by nieces and nephews, Dick was like a favorite uncle to all children who entered his life. He had a special way of connecting with them, a nickname for all he met, and the quick wit and boisterous laugh that they all love.

Dick is survived by his wife of 41 years, Vicki Leonard Rice; and his brother, Douglas A. Rice.

Per Dick's request, there was no funeral; but hundreds of friends and family gathered to drink beer and bad Merlot with ice and tell their best Dick stories to celebrate the life of this good man who was a beloved, steady, hilarious, quick-witted, dependable and genuine friend to all of us.


Memorial donations may be made by sending a check in Dick Rice's name to No Barriers Warriors, 224 Canyon Avenue, Ste 207, Ft. Collins, CO 80521 or call 970.484.3633 (ask for Sara) or Sacred Sycamore Animal Rescue, 6722 Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Or you can use the links on the side of the page to make online donations.

"My rock, my inspiration, my protector, my humorist, my happiness, my soulmate, my great love." -Vicki Rice

"The thing I want to remember about Dick was the way he made you feel when you were around. He had a way of making you feel welcomed and in the right place. He made my children feel important and interesting. He brought out the humor and saw the humor in people. When you were with Dick you felt ‘in a good spot.' Unless you cut in front of him at the Race." - Terry Daugherty, friend