Richard Nathan

Richard Linden Nathan, Jr., "Rick," of Show Low, died peacefully with his loved ones by his side on Thursday, May 16 at the family ranch. Rick was born December 4, 1961 in Trenton, New Jersey to Richard Linden Nathan, Sr. and Joan Newman Nathan.

Rick spent his early childhood in Robbinsville and some time in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, where his hero and father was a specialist in the Army. The family settled in the rural New Jersey area of Allentown. It was there on their family ranch that he developed his love for Appaloosa and paint horses. One of Rick's favorite childhood memories was one Christmas when his parents gave him a black and white paint pony that he named Billy. That love for horses remained in his heart throughout his life. It was September of that year that Rick gained his lifelong friend and little sister, Linda.

He excelled in school as a good student and athlete. Rick was editor of the Allentown High School newspaper, quarterback his junior and senior years and captain of the track team where he was a hurdler and sprinter. He was elected president of his senior class. One of his favorite memories was attending the Joe Namath football camp. It was soon after that when he went to work at The Messenger Press. Rick sold his first newspaper ad while he was still in high school.

When Rick was in his early teens, he would work with his father on weekends, holidays, and summers in the family construction business. That business specialized in high tower construction and restoration of historic buildings, especially those with high spires like church steeples and mansions. Their work on famous landmarks can be found up and down the eastern U.S. Rick was always a student of history and thrived when he was immersed in it.

After high school, Rick graduated from Rider University (formerly Rider College) in Lawrenceville. Although he aspired to be a lawyer, businessman or writer, his love always was working with his father. After college he joined his father full-time as his partner when they formed RJL Contracting. They sold that company in 2003. Rick also obtained his New Jersey real estate license and was successful selling many homes and properties throughout New Jersey.

With his love for horses, Rick decided he wanted to be a horse trainer for standard-bred race horses. He joined a stable that trained race horses for a local track in Freehold, N.J. He enjoyed it so much that he purchased his own racehorse, "Mountain Plato," which was trained under the name of his family's stable.

In 2006 Rick moved to Arizona and joined the family at their ranch. He fell in love with the state and its history, especially learning about John Wayne, his favorite actor. He also loved visiting Southwestern landmarks and collecting artifacts and memorabilia.

After a short retirement, Rick joined the team at Western Drug in Springerville as the sporting goods manager. He thrived in that environment and helped build their firearm sales to among the highest in the state.

It was in December of 2014 he found his home with the White Mountain Publishing family, first as a sales representative and then as the general manager in August of 2021. He remained in that role until days before his passing. Rick loved this job and felt close to his work family there. He would want us to make sure that his customers know about the latest special section; it's never too late to get your ad in.

Anyone that knew Rick Nathan knew his love for his family, his country, and his friends. He also was an active investor in the stock market, another of his favorite topics of discussion along with politics and NFL football. His love of U.S. history was unrivaled, as was his love for old westerns in film and television.

Rick is survived by his mother, Joan, and his sister, Linda, and his horse, Buster. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Linden Nathan, Sr.

Services will be held Wednesday, May 29 at 10 a.m. at Owens Livingston Mortuary, 320 N. 9th Street, Show Low, Arizona. To send condolences please visit owenslivingstonmortuary.com.

For those unable to attend, there will be a livestream of the service at facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560184732507.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society.