In Loving Memory of

Rick Casteel

August 22, 1963 - March 22, 2013

Beloved Son, Brother, Uncle & Friend….. Richard (Rick) Craig Casteel, age 49, passed away on March 22, 2013 in Mill Valley, CA of natural causes. Born Aug. 22, 1963, the youngest of five children, he was the "funny bone" of the family. A quick wit and quirky sense of humor endeared him to all who knew him. Rick grew up in Tustin, CA and attended Los Cerritos Elementary School, Hewes Int. School and Foothill High School before moving to Ohio in 1978 where he attended and graduated from Mayfield High School. After graduating from high school he returned to California to attend Art Center College of Design in Pasadena where he received a degree in Advertising and Graphic Design. He went on to work for major advertising agencies in both Chicago and San Francisco. Rick called Mill Valley "home" for the past 10 years. He loved the natural beauty of the area and the small town feel. Rick was a very creative person and was happy to live among so many talented friends and artists in the community. He supported and regularly devoted his time and talents to local artists and community events. He was a positive force in trying to make the world a better place. He was a gifted musician, author, and photographer. He played guitar for the local band PlumBob which he deeply enjoyed not only as creative expression but also in the camaraderie and friendship that he shared with the other band members. He enjoyed fishing and being out on the water. Rick was simple and uncomplicated. Contentment to him was a boat, a fishing pole and a beautiful day. Rick loved his family, and his presence was always the high point of any family gathering. If Rick was there, there was laughter, and a lot of it.
Rick was preceded in death by his father, Dr. James S. Casteel, MD. He is survived by his mother, Lorraine Casteel, living in Gilbert, AZ, brother Jim Casteel Jr. of Gilbert, AZ., brother Patrick Casteel (Amy) of Gilbert, AZ, brother Scott Casteel (Terri) of Fairfax, VA, and sister, Suzanne Wilson (Ed) of Houston TX. Rick is survived by and will be greatly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends scattered all across the country.
A formal memorial service celebrating Rick's life is planned for Sat. April 6th at 11:00am at Mariposa Gardens Chapel & Cemetery, 6747 East Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ 85206 followed by internment where Rick will be laid to rest next to his maternal Grandmother.
An informal West Coast gathering in Mill Valley for friends of Rick to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, April 7th @ 2:00 pm at Old Mill Park, Downtown Mill Valley (Downhill from the library. Group Picnic Area adjacent to the amphitheatre). All are welcome to attend and share their memories of Rick. Please check Rick's Facebook page for more detail.