Surf Legend and Promoter Rich Salick Dies at 62

Image by Chris Brewer

The surfing community lost a legend. Richard Salick died early Monday morning following emergency surgery at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Salick, an East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame inductee, is best known for organizing and hosting the largest charitable surfing event in the world – the National Kidney Foundation Pro Am Surf Festival in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

According to Florida Today,

the National Kidney Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Hutchinson had the following to say about Salick:

“He was the heart and soul of the National Kidney Foundation. He personified who we are and what we do.” “He was all about being there for patients, getting them the right care that they needed — and he did that for over 30 years. He would run all over the state in his car, in Jacksonville and Fort Myers, meeting with volunteers.”

Richard always exemplified what it is to be charitable and loving. With a packed schedule and an impossible “To-Do” list, Richard would always take the time to talk to anyone and everyone along the way. His genuine smile and upbeat attitude no matter what the circumstances were unforgettable. Although plagued with debilitating health problems for the last few decades, Salick managed to hide his pain and suffering from everyone who crossed his path. His concern was always for others, never himself.

Salick was a world-class surfer who battled kidney disease, cancer and heart disease for decades. He received kidney transplants from Phil in 1974; his older brother, Channing, in 1986; and his younger brother, Wilson Shymanski, in 1999. Channing Salick passed away in 2008. Shymanksi died in May.

Rich is survived by brothers Phil Salick and Rosser Shymanski, sister Joanie Shymanski Mills, son Philip Salick, ex-wife Michele Brenner Salick, stepson David Morgan, brother-in-law Tony Mills and nephew Brandon Mills.

With a heavy heart, we bid farewell to a great man whose legacy will live on forever. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Salick family.

Richard touched so many lives on so many level and he will continue to do so in spirit.

Walker Dawson

July 3, 2012

image – Chris Brewer