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1950-2012. Richard "Rick" Anthony Soileau, 62, of Baltimore, MD, died December 19, 2012, of complications from treatments for Merkel cell cancer. Prior to moving to Baltimore in June 2012, Mr. Soileau made his home in Cleveland, OH and Baton Rouge, LA, and he was raised in Ville Platte, LA. Mr. Soileau graduated from Ville Platte High School, where he lettered in football and basketball. He later graduated from the University of New Orleans with a degree in economics. A Vietnam-era veteran, Mr. Soileau served in the Navy, first in Guam as a disc jockey for U.S. Armed Forces Radio, and later in Edzell, Scotland. He spent much of his career in sales and management positions in the heavy equipment industry; during the 1990's, he owned and operated several retail stores in Baton Rouge. At 6'5" tall, Mr. Soileau was a larger than life man with a great sense of humor. He delighted in cheering for the LSU Tigers, the New Orleans Saints and the Cleveland Indians. Mr. Soileau was an outstanding cook, specializing in Cajun cuisine. He loved vegetable and flower gardening, music, traveling, museums, performing arts, movies and entertaining. Mr. Soileau was an avid reader and writer, having completed a novel as well as writing a blog about his life, family, battle with cancer, and politics. An active member of AA, Mr. Soileau was known for lending a helping hand or listening ear to those in need. His greatest passion was his family, whom he loved and enjoyed immensely. Mr. Soileau is survived by his wife, Deidre Flagg Soileau of Baltimore, MD; daughter Elizabeth Soileau Acton, her husband Rev. Andy Acton, and granddaughter Katherine Richard Acton (4), all of Lilburn, GA; brother Clany Soileau and his wife Norma Soileau, of Springfield, KY; sister Sheila Kelly of Baton Rouge, LA; former wife Anne Smith Soileau of Lilburn, GA; step-daughter Alicia Kundtz of Cleveland Heights, OH; step-son Nathan Kundtz, his wife Vanessa Kundtz, and step-granddaughter Evelyn Minnette Kundtz (1), all of Seattle, WA; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and close friends. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on December 29, 2012 at the First Unitarian Church in Shaker Heights, OH, with a reception following in the church's Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.
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Deidre, I am so very sorry for your great loss. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. May happy memories of Rick sustain you during this difficult time.
Lynn Kerr
December 31, 2012
Elizabeth and Anne, I was so saddened to read of Rick's passing. He was a wonderful Sunday School teacher -- made us think. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam Kennon Bordelon
December 27, 2012
I am very sorry for the loss of this special man. Only met him a few times and read some of his entries on line, but appreciated his thoughts and outlook on life. I pray for you all to find comfort and peace.
Roger Kundtz
December 25, 2012
Dear Family, I remember Richard being a unique person. I went to school with him in Ville Platte until 1964, I remember that they lived in the country and was fournate to spend the night one time.His family was like the Walton's, a rare breed, may all that miss him rest in the blessed hope of reuniting all together again forever in the presence of our Lord Jesus
Paul Vidrine
December 24, 2012
Deidre,I am so sorry for your loss. I know that you have many wonderful memories to bring you peace and comfort at this time. Keeping you and your family in our prayers, Linda Daly and Family
Linda Daly
December 24, 2012
Rick and his lovely wife prepared a wonderful New Orleans dinner for my family some years ago. He was a delightful man and a wonderful cook.
Jack Ulman
December 24, 2012
So very sorry for your loss! Although I never knew Rick, I share family members and followed his fight with cancer. May the Lord bless his family and friends and keep them in his peace!
Susan Belt
December 23, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, we understand how hard it is to lose a love one at this time of year.
Jennifer Wright
December 23, 2012
To all the family members we would like to extend how sorry we are to hear of Richard's passing. I was one of his class mates in Vilee Platte, LA. He is resting now and in no more pain. God Bless you all.
Robert Aroin
December 23, 2012
Deidre, I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you and Rick's family. Cindy David
December 23, 2012
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