Obituary of Rick Jackson

Ricky Wayne Jackson passed away November 18^th, 2022.  He was 57 years old. 

Rick was born on November 9^th, 1965 in Cottage Grove, Oregon to Theral and Ottie Jackson.  A rambunctious child, Rick was always seeking adventure and attention.  With the addition to their family of his sister Karen, he found a bond that could never be broken.  Rick loved playing outdoors with his friends, doing those things that kids shouldn’t do but did anyway.  Whether rolling in barrels down the slopes of his parent’s property or climbing to the tops of the trees in windstorms, he was always pushing the limits of what he “should” do. 

The adventurous escapades of youth came to reveal a talent for bicycling, which would become a life-long passion.  Rick began his cycling career at local BMX tracks, where he became a nationally ranked rider.  He loved ramps (even built his own halfpipe) and perfecting flat-land (street style) stunts. He was even approached by MTV to coach and mentor a young person wanting to become a BMX rider for the show “MADE”. He transitioned to mountain biking in the 90’s and took up racing, downhill biking, dual slalom, dirt jumping and the occasional visit to skateparks to “throw down”.  His racing took him all across the west coast, culminating in a win in the dual slalom event at the 2008 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California.  He worked at Hutch’s Springfield Cyclery for nearly all of his adult life which kept him surrounded by bikes, parts, and similarly enthusiastic cyclists.  He rode the local trails and roads constantly with friends and was a strong advocate for growth of the network of riding options within the Eugene / Springfield area.  He loved introducing people to cycling.

Music was a huge inspiration for Rick.  He loved the feeling and emotion that he found there.  He was the drummer for 3 local bands: Crash Nasty, Two Minutes Hate, and Diegrinder.  He was an automobile enthusiast and loved modifying vehicles to improve the aesthetics or performance. Really anything with wheels or any extreme sport.  He was an adventurous cook and had a special affinity for hot sauces.

Rick was a rockstar, a cycling monster, an autophile and a chef.  He was also a son, a brother, a husband and a friend.  He was enthusiastic, driven, intense, passionate, hilarious, courageous and lived life to the fullest. 

Donations are being collected in Rick’s memory to benefit local cycling events and foundations.  A GoFundMe page has been set up for anyone who would like to contribute.  It can be found under Rick Jackson Memorial Cycling Fund or click the link here: https://gofund.me/6963e017

Services will be scheduled following the Holidays.