Lisell, Richard "Rick" S.
Obituary
Richard Scott Lisell, 58, of Plano TX, passed away from oropharyngeal cancer on March 28, 2014, with his wife, LuAnn, daughter, Melissa Lisell, and daughter and son-in-law Shannon (Lisell) and Alex Stassen by his side. Rick was born to Lorna and the late Rodney Lisell, on August 12, 1955, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Rick graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1973 and received a BA in Music Education from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1977 and a MA in Music Performance from the University of Miami in 1979. He married LuAnn Ward in 1980 and they lived together in Eden Prairie, MN before relocating to Plano, Texas in 1991. In addition to his wife, daughters and son-in-law, Rick is survived by his mother, Lorna Vujovich of Stillwater, MN and sisters, Sue (Phil) Sheridan of Maple Plain, MN, and Shari Lisell of Minneapolis, MN. Rick had a passion for music. He was able to participate in many ensembles during his life. He particularly enjoyed the time he spent with the Classic Brass Quintet in Minnesota and the various ensembles at his church, Custer Road UMC, in Plano. In addition to spending time with his family, Rick loved to golf, travel, water and snow ski, and scuba dive. He became an avid golfer after moving to Texas, and for the past several years, spent nearly every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday on the golf course with his good friends. Memories from Melissa….. Growing up, Daddy was surrounded by women: his mother and younger twin sisters. When he married Mom, God must have decided he had acquired the necessary skills to handle two daughters, as well. Daddy was always a quiet man. So when he spoke up, you knew it had to be something important. Sometimes, it was a much needed humorous comment to lighten a difficult situation. Stories from the past were always a favorite. Occasionally, it was to tell us about a great day on the golf course and how many “dollars” he won. But most of the time, Dad’s words were pieces of wisdom and advice that I will treasure forever. The conversation that continuously comes to mind as I get older was about priorities. I was probably around 15 years old and I had gotten in trouble with Mom (probably for being sassy and a “know-it-all” because that’s what teenagers do…). Dad sat me down at the kitchen island and asked me about my priorities in life. After listening to my response, he sat quietly for a minute and said, “Let me tell you about mine.” Priority #1 – God Daddy lived up to this every day. Not just in the ordinary ways like going to church every Sunday and saying Grace before our meals together, but in the way he acted. His belief in God showed by the way he treated everyone he met with a friendly smile and welcoming words. In my 30 years, I cannot think of Dad ever saying a negative thing about anyone. We spent many nights around the campfire with my parents’ Sunday school class while Daddy led us through song after song, strumming away on his guitar. He used his musical talents to worship. Every time I hear the French horn soar over the orchestra in the sanctuary, I will know that he is sitting next to me saying thanks and giving praise. Priority #2 – Family We have always been the center of Dad’s world. Plain and simple, he treasured each of us every day… Every time he came in the door after work, he walked over, kissed Mom hello, and asked how her day was. This was gross and icky when Shannon and I were little, but we both grew up wanting this in our own future relationships. Dad never missed a parent-teacher conference, did our hair when Mom was out of town, helped us with homework, and taught us how to be independent/self-sufficient. He taught us both to ski at 2 ½ years old, drive a standard shift car, find our way through a foreign city, how to mow the lawn and use most power tools. He made time for Shannon and me anytime we asked. Looking back, my favorite memories of Daddy are from family game nights. I remember sitting on the floor of many airports and hotels playing Nubs or Yahtzee and the smirk on his face when he won time and time again. He frequently beat Shannon and me at Mario Party which earned him the crown (but in our household of women it was a bedazzled tiara). He always wore it proudly. Playing a game with Dad meant you were sure to get a wink and grin from across the table or a stomach ache from laughing too hard, like the time he strutted like a supermodel across the kitchen. Priority #3 – Friends Friends are the family that we choose. He told me to choose my friends carefully because they are a reflection of me. Daddy has the most amazing collection of friends after almost 59 years. There are friends that he still makes laugh with memories, like when he ran down the street with a kiddie-pool over his head just to complete a neighborhood prank. He had long-time friends that he met for adventures like cat-skiing in Chatter Creek, Canada just a year and a half ago. His golfing buddies put up with many Saturdays of losing dollars to Dad because (as they playfully teased) he retired early, which meant more time to practice. During this difficult time in our lives, Daddy’s friends have expressed their steadfast support because that’s what he would do. Dad was there for anyone and everyone, no questions asked. Dad’s priorities extended beyond these first three but I feel like this is how he will forever be remembered by anyone that knew him. His legacy will live on when Mom, Shannon, Alex, Chad, or I try a new experience. Daddy will continue to bless us with his presence whenever we hear a guitar or French horn. Most of all, he will bring us joy whenever we think of a time of laughter and love. Dad’s goal in life was to make us feel happy and loved. Now that is our responsibility to carry on with our family and friends. The family requests that donations be made to the Music Ministry Program at Custer Road United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano, TX 75023 or to the charity of your choice, in his memory. Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700
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to the Lisell Family – Ron and I wish to express our deep sadness at the passing of Rick. Much too soon, much too soon. We are holding you in our hearts during this time and always.
I am saddened to hear about Rick’s passing. I was unaware of his illness until I heard that he had passed away last week. It was a shock to me. It had been a while since I had seen Rick & LuAnn, probably sitting in the congregation at Custer Road while I was playing with Jazz I.N.C a couple of years ago. Rick & LuAnn & I had been in the first group of musicians at Custer Road to play with Jazz I.N.C when we started in 1995. It was unusual to have a French horn in a jazz band, but Rick was able to make it work very well as part of the trombone section. Rick was always a quiet man, but whenever he spoke, it was wise. I remember one of the band members saying something like “I missed more notes in that gig than I’ve ever heard Rick miss in all the gigs & rehearsals we’ve ever had”.
I’m glad I had the opportunity to know Rick for several years. It was several years too few. Reading the notes from Melissa, it is obvious that he has left a great legacy. I pray for peace and comfort for all of the family.
Rick was a stand up guy, someone you knew who valued God, life, love, family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss, it was a pleasure to know this incredible man.
May God comfort you and surround you with peace and grace.
Please accept our sincere condolences during this time and the days ahead. May your memories of Rick, and your dad, be with you always. Your tribute was beautiful and describes him a wonderful man. Cherish the years you had with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The last time Rick played with the Dirty Dozen gang we traveled to Win Star and the last day he was my partner, he could not say much about our golf so it was great. Gentleman always. He was our youngest member, and it really is not fair that he went to heaven before the rest of us ole guys. I know you will be working on our foursome up there in Gods garden. All of our lives are better because we had you as one of our members.
My sympathy to the family on the loss, too soon, of this wonderful person.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. May God bless you all
I feel so blessed to have known Rick. Although I didn’t play golf with Rick, I got to hear about the games from Charlie and the guys. They always had the most fun playing together.
Melissa – I loved reading about your thoughts on your dad. What a wonderful legacy he left in you and Shannon.
I love this quote:
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Kahlil Gibran
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
It was my very great privilege for many years to play in Easter and Christmas Orchestra with Rick. He was a quiet and modest man of immense talent. Words are insufficient to express how much he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are for the lovely family he left behind.
Melissa sending many prayers to you and your family. This verse was shared with Jon & I last year when we lost his mom, hoping it will bring comfort and love to you all. † Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
Louann — our hearts go out to you at the passing of Rick. I loved reading your daughter’s rembrance of him — sounds like he hadn’t changed a bit since Gustavus days — always had a great laugh and a positive outlook. May he now live in eternal joy and watch over you, until you meet again.
LuAnn- I just read about this in the Gustavus Quarterly. I am so sorry to hear this. Although it’s been almost 40 years since we roomed together in Shakopee (Valleyfair).. I still remember that summer fondly and your crush on Rick. Your family photo tells me all of your dreams came true. Hold them dear to your heart during this difficult time. Will be praying for you.