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DUNLAP -- Rick M. Dunlap, a uniquely positive, energetic and courageous man, lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at the age of 60. Never one without the other, lovingly side-by-side, Rick and his beloved wife, best friend and soul mate, Debbie (always "Deb" to Rick) were married for 40 years while finding inspiration in each other in a rare and beautiful relationship. Born in Seattle, WA, his family moved to Albuquerque when Rick was an infant. He loved to work and started doing so at the age of 14. With Rick's entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to own their own business, Rick and Debbie started Merit Insulation, Inc. in 1983 with a dream, willingness to work hard, competitive spirit, and a small loan only adequate for one pick-up truck and one employee. Rising to work early each morning and returning late at night, Rick built Merit Insulation into the largest mechanical insulation company in New Mexico. Generous to a fault, Rick treated his employees as family and was proud of how many families the business was able to support. Rick frequently remarked, "Life is good," always living each day to its fullest while never complaining. No matter how he felt he showed a spirit for life, caring and love, of strength and commitment mixed with a wonderful sense of humor, a great laugh and a warm smile. In addition to loving to build the business, his other passions included reading, traveling, gardening, gourmet cooking, home improvement projects, volunteering, and golfing at the Albuquerque Country Club and Pendaries Village. Rick served as the President of many construction related organizations and was currently a Board Member for the Western Insulation Contractors Association and a Trustee for the Mechanical Contractors Workers Compensation Fund. Other survivors include his treasured daughters, Dana Schaefer of Albuquerque, and Kim Milliman and her husband, Robert of Houston, Texas. He loved and doted upon his grandchildren, Savannah Schaefer and Mason Milliman. Other survivors include in-laws, Larry and Nedra Gordon of Albuquerque, who thought of Rick as "one of their own sons"; brothers-in-law, Gary Gordon and wife Terri and their children, Celine and Bryce, of Albuquerque and Kent Gordon and wife, Elli and their daughter, Bianca, of Santa Rosa, CA; brother, Les Riedel and wife, Nancy of Seattle, WA; sisters, Debbi Barnes and husband, Bill of Sacramento, CA and Cathi Judkins and husband, Lee of Newton Grove, NC. Debbie expresses her loving appreciation to the scores of friends who have supported her during the recent difficult months. Celebration of a Wonderful, Optimistic, and Generous Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the UNM Cancer Center Development Office, MSC07 4025, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 (hope@salud.unm.edu) or to the Nancy Floyd Haworth Foundation, 7410 Montgomery NE, Suite 204, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Please visit the online guestbook for Rick at www.RememberTheirStory.com. FRENCH 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333
        Published on: Sun November 14, 2010