Ricardo “Ricky” E. Hernandez, Jr.

Ricardo “Ricky” E. Hernandez, Jr.

May 3, 1988 – March 31, 2021

Survived by parents, Ricardo and Debra; sister, Nicole Meyer (Phil); grandparents, Abelardo Hernandez (Dolores); grandmother, Joan Tebbe; niece and nephews: Lydia, Andrew, and James; aunts and uncles: Abelardo Hernandez Jr., Toni Hernandez and Brian Miner, Denise Claypool, Jeff Ernst; many dear friends; and beloved pet bird, Buttercup.

Ricky was an innately gifted and practiced musician and a gentle, loving soul. He left behind a legacy of kindness and a love for his family. This love was felt, not only from his gentle, heartfelt hugs and tender affection, but also through his humble ability to listen, accept and embrace everything about those dear to him. His heart of gold extended to the tiny, furry, and feathered as well, and he never missed an opportunity to advocate for them, an endearing quality that’s inspired countless smiles.

Ricky’s depth and sensitivity permeated his entire being; his melody, that of profound beauty and exquisite imagination. This wonderfully thoughtful disposition made him uniquely capable of loving unselfishly, purely, and honestly—a rare kind of love that leaves a lasting impression on those lucky enough to experience it.

If musical chords could be imagined as our interests throughout life, Ricky’s were varied, fascinating, and wholly original. Intelligent and curious, his agile mind was always in motion. Whether he was working on new music, discussing his latest philosophical musings, or playing the part of a critic for a favorite film, book, or soundtrack, he could wax poetic about anything art, offering insight, playful rhetoric, a sweet smile and a shy laugh.

He is now one with the universe. Please take time to see him in the moon and feel him in the wind, hear him in songs, and smell him in the flowers. He will be there so we may still enjoy his beautiful spirit.

Ricky, your song is forever held in our hearts. We are all more beautiful for knowing and loving you. You are loved. You are cherished. You will be missed.

I have heard what the talkers were talking, the talk of the beginning and the end,

But I do not talk of the beginning or the end.

There was never any more inception than there is now,

Nor any more youth or age than there is now,

And will never be any more perfection than there is now,

Nor any more heaven or hell than there is now.

Urge and urge and urge,

Always the procreant urge of the world.

-Walt Whitman, Song of Myself

A celebration of life will take place on a date yet to be determined.   Memorials may be directed to Nebraska Wildlife Rehab: nebraskawildliferehab.org.