(08/28/14) Richard E. \\\"Rick\\\" Trahan, 65, of Warwick, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 21, 2014.
Rick was a man of integrity, honesty, and loyalty. He loved life and cherished his family and friends. He was looking forward to retiring this year so he could spend time with them all, travel, and spoil his grandchildren. He was a dreamer, an accomplished artist, a creative spirit, and a lover of peace and personal freedoms.
He was the beloved husband of Cornelia (Waldman) Trahan and devoted father to his five children: Christopher Trahan, Sarah DeMelo, Elizabeth Bain, Matthew Trahan, Kathleen Trahan, and 16 grandchildren. He is also survived by his twin brother, Ronald Trahan and sister, Janet Debroisse.
Rick was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island on September 19, 1948 to Edward and Alice Trahan and raised in a close knit French Canadian family. He graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1966. He honorably served his country in the Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon. He volunteered to transport a medical team to a local village, piloting a small boat to the shore of Song Ong Doc village during a cholera outbreak.
Upon returning home, he continued his education, receiving a degree in business from Johnson and Wales University. At the same time his work as a graphic arts professional began. He was involved in the commercial art and photography industries for just over 40 years. In 1984, he was one of the original founders of Blazing Graphics, Cranston, Rhode Island. He was a lifelong lover of the arts, an avid photographer, and a designer working in digital / mixed media.
We miss you immensely Rick, Papa, Pépé.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Committal Service with Military Honors at Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery Chapel, South County Trail, Exeter, Rhode Island on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment. (Please gather at the Administration Building parking lot as you enter the cemetery at 9:45 a.m. to be escorted in procession to the chapel). For additional information and condolences, please visit www.henault-gallogly.com.
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