Richard Michael “Rik” Soos, age 57, passed away on June 26, 2020. Beloved son of the late Paul and MaryAnn; loving brother of Karen Roberts (Grant); dear uncle of Grant Paul Roberts and Meagan Roberts; cherished friend of JoLavern and David Sanders. Rik was a friend of Bill W. for 30 years.
Richard’s life was absolutely cut short, and he leaves us an example of why the little things in life are so important. He was challenged most of his life and disabled for the past 5 or 6 years. He graduated with an associate’s degree in electronic engineering, but truly never go an opportunity to apply that to a career in a life with so many challenges and hurdles for him.
He was super intelligent and would have impressed you with the way he processed things. He spent time in his home working on equations and even writing math books as a hobby. He had a passion for detail and at one time had an amazing large-scale train system he worked on for many years. When his Mom (MaryAnn) passed two years ago, he was insistent on living an independent life in the home he grew up in, and with help from his family and from his amazing neighbor Dave and Laverne. He worked hard to maintain his home and maintained his independence and pride up until the day he left us.
During that time Richard was truly happy. His heart and concern for others shined always. He became an example of why the little things in life are so important, which is a lesson we could all use these days. While he did not have any of the luxuries we may enjoy as a part of our normal life (car, going out to eat, events, concerts, high end electronics), he so endeared the simple things, it was cause for pause. The Cleveland Indians were his biggest passion as he never missed a game. He would not watch the games on TV, but only listen intently on the radio. His neighbors could attest to his love for the Indians, and certainly his emotion when they won or lost. Often Rik would score these games, pitch by pitch as they happened. He obviously missed that this year.
Richard was a man you could give a CD of an obscure album, a DVD of an old-time classic movie, or a used book about history, or baseball, and his appreciation just shined. His thanks and love for a the simplest of gifts, was expressed stronger than some of us do when given an expensive gift such as jewelry or a Rolex watch. We will miss those calls with thanks over and over. We will miss visiting and seeing these little gifts on the TV, playing on the radio, or laying on the counter with a book marker in them, and writing throughout the book. We will miss seeing him in the Indians hat, or tee shirt we got him. even if he wore it 10 days in a row!
Rik related almost everything in life to a song. He knew them all. Every genre, every type, and most of the time every word. He left us with a jazz music channel playing loudly on both TV’s in the house, as music made every day a great day for him. He loved to share his music by telling you about a song he related to you, EVERYTIME you saw him. He made mix playlists for his buddy Dave next door, and he takes with him such a passion and knowledge of music.
Richard never asked for more from life, but he also never complained (EVER) about what he didn’t have. We don’t even think that was a thought in his mind. He wouldn’t dare ask for anything, even if he needed it. Rik is a Christian with deep values and a true belief he would be united with his Mom and Dad one day. We know from the bottom of our hearts, that MaryAnn came to get him and escorted him with pride to his eternal life in heaven. She gave Rik true unconditional love, and he returned it making this reunion the peace that helps us understand his departure at such a young age.
Richard you will be missed so much by all of us. You are our dearest brother, brother-in-law and uncle became the best example to all of us so we may live our lives with your examples of appreciation and love. Rest in peace until we meet again!
All are asked to gather at All Saints Cemetery, 480 West Highland Road, Northfield, on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate graveside funeral services for Rik. Please meet at the front entrance of the cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested in his name to AA, 1557 St. Clair Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114 or online at https://www.aacle.org/donate/.
