RICHARD "RICK" TRINIDAD

July 24, 1975-December 29, 2020

Did you ever meet someone and know that that person was genuine? That was Rick. Kind, considerate, helpful, thoughtful, smart, soulful are often used words to describe him. He loved his parents, Richard and Helen, his sister Analissa and his brother-in-law Kurt, his extended family, and his friends.  And he was loved in return. M usic was his passion, listening to it, playing it, and composing it. And he loved his dog Leo. The dog he said he may not have picked, but the dog he needed at a difficult time.

Rick's story began in San Antonio, Texas where he was born. He grew up in Northern Virginia where his Dad Richard's job took the family. His love of music blossomed at Chantilly High School, Centerville, VA, as drummer and proud member of CHS's award winning jazz band. His love of music took him to the University of North Texas and then Colorado State University where he majored in Jazz performance. That's because you couldn't major in rock music performance at the time which was his true love. This music journey included gigs in Northern Virginia, D.C., Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, Los Angeles, and Austin. In LA he played at the Whiskey, Key Club, and others on Sunset Strip. Some venues are now gone, but not forgotten.

To his Dad's chagrin, Rick decided to tell him about his decision to pursue music after sliding into 3 rd base for the possible winning run at a pony league championship game. Dusting himself off, while his Dad is saying "Rick, why aren't you excited? Rick responded soberly, "Dad, I'm not a ball player, I'm an artist." This at age 13. Rick did score the winning run.

He loved to travel, was a Star Wars fan and studied ancient civilizations. This interest took him to places like Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simb e l, Luxor and Karnak; Machu Picchu, Peru, Mexico's Pyramids at Teotihuacan and Tulum. His planned trip to travel to Angkor Wat in Cambodia with his Dad was not meant to be.

His time in Los Angeles involved not only his music but jobs at Universal Studios, Viacom and MTV where his positions in facilities included emergency preparedness working with the city of Los Angeles emergency preparedness departments and representatives.

In Austin, he worked with the Austin Humane Society that was a great match with his love of animals. His last job was with LJA Engineering which he really connected wi th, enjoying his assignments and working alongside his colleagues. He was looking at it as a long-term commitment, but the good Lord had other plans. He called him home on December 29 th .

The Family requests that you consider donating to Pick With Austin, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that promotes education on depression and suicide prevention and distributes musical instruments to at-risk young people. All of Rick's musical instruments and equipment were donated to Pick with Austin (www.pickwithaustin.com).

You may share a message or memory on our online guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com