Rick Covell, beloved son, brother, father and friend, passed away on November 10, 2023 at his home in Laramie, Wyoming.
Born in Ridley Township, PA to John and Nina Covell, he graduated high school in 1970. Soon after, he moved to Los Angeles, CA where he completed his degree at the Art and Design School LA. This was during the VietNam War, and being the stubborn free thinker that he always was, he became a conscientious objector and refused to participate in something he didn’t believe in (this became a theme throughout his life). In 1974, he married Patti Jakeman Covell and in 1981 they welcomed their daughter Annie Covell. Rick was an artist, avid scuba diver, carpenter, animal lover and craftsman. He volunteered at the Marine Mammal Center for many years helping to rehabilitate marine wildlife and was a lover of nature and the outdoors. The majority of his career he worked as a highly skilled graphic artist collaborating on projects such as Star Wars and Barbary Coast Press. During this time he also co-owned Club Waziema, an Ethiopian restaurant and bar in San Francisco. In 2004, he moved to Laramie, WY where he became a talented contractor and carpenter perfecting his craft. Most recently he was the manager of the Sprucelyn apartments in Laramie, WY where his handiwork could be seen throughout the property. Rick loved to garden and even in Laramie’s limited growing season he was able to create beautiful flower beds and grow vegetables. His biggest love in his last years was his dog Phoebe. He can rest easy knowing she is safe and loved with his brother Jim and his wife Kelly in Grand Junction, CO. Gone too soon, Rick was very loved and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by many.
Preceded in death by his parents John and Nina Covell, and his sister Judy Hughes.
Survived by his daughter Annie Covell, brothers James Covell and John Covell, sisters Maureen Delcollo, Patti Moore and many nieces and nephews.
I owe Rick my professional career- he gave me my first job in graphic design in 1985. Good guy, peace and love to his family.
Rick's name popped into my head tonight so I googled him and found his death announcement. I hadn't seen Rick in over thirty years. Around 1987 or 98 Rick let me use some of his office space at 4th and Townsend in San Francisco. We spent every week day in that office and even got some work done. I have a lot of good memories of hanging out with Rick. I'm sorry he's gone. My condolences. My regards to Patty and Annie.
My deepest condolences. I loved Rick very much as if we were family, he would come into the Buckhorn when I used to tend bar back in the day. He had the sweetest yet stubborn soul. He always brought a smile to my face. I cherished our conversations and looked forward to them. He made the best birdhouses which easily showed his love for wildlife. He will be missed.
I had moved back to Laramie in 2019 after being in Utah for 2 years. I moved into 203 S 9th St where I met “Rick” my landlord. We immediately became good friends, and I loved having a couple beers in the shed listening to his stories. Sometimes when I felt lost in life or stuck. I’d go to Rick who would give me advice, and talk me through my problems.. I considered Rick a great friend and he will deeply be missed. Thanks for everything you got helped me with.
So sorry Maureen , sounds like a life well lived. Our condolences 💐🌷💐
Sorry to hear about this. I believe I met him on one of my visits over the years.
You will be missed forever and always uncle Rick. Peace in your eternal and easy rest..💙
Uncle Ricky, You will be missed by so many! Laramie wont be quite the same without you, that much I know. Your Jubilee Days set ups for the parade were such a special tradition that I always looked forward to and cherished. I will miss your beautiful yard, you always swearing up and down that I was a bad driver from one little ol trip to the cabin 18 years ago. We would all get busy, but I always managed to find the time to stop by and tease you about those damn signs and loved how you just snickered at me. Most of all I will just miss you, love you so much...Stop by from time to time to say hi, I'll leave the little light on in the bird house on for ya. Jess
What a beautiful tribute! Rest In Peace, Ricky. May the light of your memory burn brightly!