Richard S. Whitman

Richard “Rick or Ricky” Sylvester Whitman, 42, of Hazen, ND passed away at Sakakawea Medical Center, Hazen at 9:55 AM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 surrounded by the family that loved him. He fought a long battle with cancer, a battle he fought until the very end. A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 AM CT on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 (Rick’s birthday) at Hazen City Hall.

Rick was born to on June 18, 1982 to Kathy (Brown) and Edward Whitman. He became a big brother on October 15, 1985 when his sister, Amber was born. When he was younger he enjoyed going camping, fishing and spending time at the family cabin with his father in Wyoming. He enjoyed writing poetry, playing video games, listening to music and hanging out with his friends, who he would do anything for. He loved helping friends, family and anyone that needed it. Rick helped teach disabled kids to ride horse at Therapeutic Riding in Beach, ND and during his last years, he was a mentor for troubled, young men, helping them to get back on the right path in life.

Rick was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in 2012 which led to the removal of his leg in 2013. He quickly adapted to life with a prosthetic. Ten years later, Rick’s cancer returned in his lungs and over the course of three years, spread throughout his body. Despite all of this, as well as being away from his family, he never lost hope and never stopped helping others. Rick continued to mentor at Unity Village through the pain and sickness until the day he was able to return home. He selflessly gave his time to help these young men, lent an ear, talked them down when they got angry, showed them better ways to handle things without judgement and for that he was highly respected and loved by fellow mentors, mentees and staff members alike. He touched so many people and changed so very many lives.

Rick had a unique gift of humor and would brighten up any room he entered and would leave with friends and strangers laughing until they cried. His quick wit and infectious personality brought comfort and joy, even in the most difficult circumstances. Rick always knew how to make people laugh and always told the most outrageous stories, like “camel hunting in Wisconsin”, “a six-foot man in a bee suit” and “a panda with a tool box”. He’d always get a twinkle in his eye as bright as the sun when he “stretched” the truth.

After spending 13 years away, Rick was blessed to come home to his family that loved him on April 17. They spent the next 13 days playing video games, virtual reality games and Cards against Humanity (Rick’s first time playing) and everyone laughed so hard. This was a joyous time for Rick as he was finally home with his mother, sister, niece and his two closest friends, as well as being able to connect with his three children. This led to the biggest smile on Rick’s face as he found out he was a grandpa. He continued to mentor via emails from home. He was so happy to be home, even if it was for a short time.

Rick will forever be remembered for his resilience, strength, fearlessness, humor and unwavering commitment to those around him. He was a father, son, brother, uncle, friend, mentor and all around great human being. Rick left way too soon but he always said God had a plan for him. He was so greatly loved and will be deeply missed and never forgotten. His wings were ready but our hearts were not.

Rick is survived by his grandfather, Peter Brown; his mother, Kathy Whitman; one sister, Amber (Colter Langord) Whitman; one niece, Cayenne Price; his three children, Alexander Jones, Kylee Phelps and Ricky Whitman.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Edie Brown; grandparents, Richard and Ida Whitman; and his father, Edward Whitman.

Arrangements conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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