Thaddeus Rice

Thaddeus Rice, age 45, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 4, 2018 in Nokomis, FL doing what he loved, paddling his Kruger Sea Wind canoe.  Thad was a kind and generous person who will be deeply missed by many. 

Thad was born July 12, 1972 in South Bend, IN to the late Debra and Garry Rice.  Thad is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Cripe, his brother Garry Rice, his aunt Paula Cripe, his uncle David Gohn, his great-aunts Alice Burlington and Juanita Searfoss, his cousins Ryan and Grant Pershing, several other cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.  He will also be missed by his beloved dog, Jake.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents Doris and Paul Goon.

Thad loved an adventure and being in nature.  He truly enjoyed Florida, especially the mangroves and the Everglades.  When he moved to Key Largo, Thad not only found his home, but a place to belong and paddle.  Thad worked at Florida Bay Outfitters where he enjoyed being a guide and making lasting friendships.  He took several courses in the Florida Master Naturalist Program and with the American Canoe Association.  He enjoyed taking courses and sharing his knowledge to help others enjoy nature and paddling.  

Thad was honored to be a part of WaterTribe, a group devoted to expedition-style adventure racing in small boats.  He started doing Watertribe challenges in Maryland with the Okoume Fest challenge on the Chesapeake Bay in 2013 and 2014.  He also enjoyed participating in the North Carolina Pamlico Challenge in 2013, 2015 and 2016.  His favorite was the Florida Everglades Challenge, an unsupported expedition style race over 300 nautical miles within 8 days that starts in Tampa Bay and ends in Key Largo.  He participated in the Everglades Challenge in 2013, 2015, and successfully completed the challenge in 2016.

In memory of Thad enjoy nature, watch a sunset or go for a paddle, or just keep doing what you love.

A celebration of Thad’s life will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Palmer-Guisinger Funeral Home, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46614 with a service followed by words of remembrance beginning at 4:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Thaddeus Rice may be donated to: 

Everglades Foundation

18001 Old Cutler Road, Suite 625

Palmetto Bay, FL 33157

305-251-0001

www.evergladesfoundation.org

If sending a check, please write "Thaddeus Rice memorial" in the check memo section.

If donating by phone, please ask for Gloria Calle and make donation in his name.

If donating by website, please use online form and select "in memory of..." then type in Thaddeus Rice.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.