I’ve been struggling with what to write for a few days now. Normally words don’t escape me so easily but this time is an exception. You see, I lost someone close to me to murder.
Ricky Martin Lathlin worked as a roofer here in Winnipeg. Not only was he a co-worker, he was a friend. It sounds like an old cliche but Rick was very much the person who would do anything for anyone. He was a source of comfort and inspiration for everyone who knew him. Battling his own personal demons, Rick always had time for others as he truly possessed a heart of gold. Everyone in his neighbourhood loved and respected him, even the children. This is where Rick excelled – his interaction with children. Whenever I dropped Rick at home after a day’s work all of the neighbourhood kids would run up to the truck to greet him. I can’t count the number of times we arrived at Rick’s home on a Friday evening and he would jump out of the truck and buy ice cream for all of the kids present. This is but one small example of the kind of person he was – there are many more.
And this is how Rick died – putting others before him. Last weekend, Rick was visiting a friends house enjoying a few drinks after a long week of work. Suddenly and without warning all hell broke loose. A group of people (as large as 10 by some estimates) smashed the front window of the home he was visiting. The attackers then barged in through the unlocked front door. The son of the person Rick was visiting met the intruders at the front door only to be physically assaulted. This is where Rick jumped in. Pulling his friends son out of harms way Rick interjected himself into the situation and was fatally assaulted with a meat cleaver as a result. The attackers fled but the damage was done. By the time emergency services arrived it was too late. The blood loss suffered by Ricky was too much to overcome and he passed away.
It seems as if each time I pick up the paper or turn on the radio or television I hear about a stabbing or shooting. But this is the first time it involved someone I knew and cared about.
Ricky was far too good of a person to die this way.
originally published at riteturnonly.com 24 April 2010
About Len
Sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your friend. he die a hero. I hope the police catch the vile people who value life so little.
Len, I echo Roy’s thoughts and send my condolences to you and to all of Rick’s family and friends.
I read this post earlier today and felt your pain, but didn’t comment. I came back after thinking about what you said and want you to know that you have made a victim of crime, that we only read about in the news, a real person to me. Too often those victims have no voice, but you have given Ricky one with this post.
I am sure that Ricky Martin Lathlin, your friend, would have appreciated your strong friendship and support for him. He is a hero to those that count.
Thanks for the thoughts everyone. Ricky was a selfless person who died a true hero.
Hey I missed this the first time. What a tragic story!
He was a good man RC.
I knew some of the demons Rick battled ( friend from his wild youth), and I miss him. He wasn’t always a good man, but he was ALWAYS the best of friends. I wish he was around longer as the man I always knew he was, my condolences to all the friends I never met… my heart is always with the family.
Thanks for your thoughts Kitty.
Hey Len you were one of his best friends and writting this just brought tears to my eyes thanks for writting this…. I miss him so much after all we have done and the fights we been through he was still there for me and alot of others he never held a grudge against noone……Miss you too len hope things are going good for you take care…
Hi Cassandra. I often think of Rick.
Hope all is well with you.