Published: December 31, 2008 09:29 pm      

Former Independent business manager dies

Rick Rakes remembered as caring, compassionate

Ashland — Rick Rakes, a longtime employee of The Independent who helped establish The Needy Families Fund in 1988, is remembered by friends and co-workers as a caring and compassionate man.

Rakes, 59, died on Monday after a courageous battle with cancer.

“He was always there to help people,” said Lisa Callihan, who worked with Rakes in the newspaper’s business office since 1990. “He was very much dedicated to the job and to the people he worked with.”

Callihan replaced Rakes as the business manager last summer when he became too ill to work.

“He was a mentor and a friend,” she said. “We’re all going to miss him.”

Rakes, who lived in South Point, was an active member of Westmoreland Baptist Church in Huntington. He previously served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, treasurer, assistant treasurer, Sunday school superintendent and usher and was on several other church committees.

Callihan said Rakes took on The Needy Families project like it was his own.

“He dedicated his entire time to make sure names were done correctly, donations were correct, and was always trying to help people,” she said. “That was Rick. He was very compassionate.”

Eddie Blakeley, publisher of The Independent, was one of Rakes’ many admirers.

“Rick was not only a great employee, he was a terrific person and I was fortunate to have him as a co-worker and friend,” Blakeley said. “Without a doubt, Rick was one of the kindest most good-hearted people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.”

Blakeley said family was always foremost for Rakes.

“While his work was important, his family and grandchildren took top priority in his everyday life,” Blakeley said. “He was definitely the proud father and grandfather and he loved to talk about his grandsons.”

Employees at the newspaper remember Rakes as someone who understood their problems and did something about them.

“You knew you were going to get an answer from Rick,” said reporter Ken Hart. “He was a great guy.”

Rakes was also an avid baseball memorabilia collector. His office at the newspaper was like a shrine to the sport he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Meredith, daughters Nicole Wilson and Tracie Runyon, and three grandsons, Kaleb Wilson and Dawson and Tanner Runyon.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Westmoreland Baptist Church. The family will receive friends after 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.