Frederick Leonard John Townend's Obituary
Rick Townend, age 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026.
He was born on November 26, 1940, in London, England, within the sound of the Bow Bells of St. Mary-le-Bow Church—making him, by tradition, a true Cockney. Rick grew up in London during World War II and recalled having to take shelter during the bombing raids.
In his early years, his family later moved to the Isle of Wight, off the southern coast of England, where he grew up playing rugby, swimming, and perfecting what would become his lifelong art of mischief.
Rick met Kay, the love of his life, in Edinburgh, Scotland and they were married on June 7, 1965. Shortly after, they moved to Manchester, where Rick began his career in sales and where they started their family.
Not only was Rick our hero—he was a hero in the truest sense of the word. One day, while waiting for an appointment, he passed the time fishing along the River Tyne. In a moment that defined his courage and selflessness, he saw a mother and her two children in distress in the water. Without hesitation, Rick dove into the river to rescue all three, pulling them to safety. One of the children had sunk beneath the surface and Rick brought him back to life. For this extraordinary act of bravery, Rick was awarded the British Empire Medal by the Queen of England—an honor that reflected the character that defined his life.
While living in Manchester, Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he ran his own auto repair business, demonstrating the independence and work ethic that would shape much of his life. During this time, the family kept a caravan in Scotland near Oban, where they spent many summers and holidays together. Rick cherished those moments, teaching Terry and Andrew how to fish in the lochs and creating memories that would last a lifetime.
In 1975, Rick began working in the North Sea oil industry with his best friend Joe Charles. Starting as a sandblaster, he and Joe would often fall asleep back-to-back after long, grueling shifts. In 1977, as he worked his way up, he moved the family to Stavanger, Norway, and they enjoyed three wonderful years there before ultimately relocating to Houston, Texas for a project in the Gulf of America. When that project was completed, it became clear to the family that there was no going back and that Texas was home.
Rick and Kay became naturalized American citizens on June 30, 2000, a moment of immense pride for him. Over the years, Rick held several roles and business ventures, eventually founding a fabrication business with his son, Andrew, which grew into a successful industrial fall protection company. He retired in 2008 after a successful and storied 40+ year career.
Rick loved his sons dearly and when both attended Texas A&M beginning in 1983, he became a devoted Aggie. His pride only grew as three of his grandchildren also went on to graduate from Texas A&M.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent many weekends at his bay house on Oyster Creek. Rick loved being on the water and seemed to always have a boat, no matter where he lived. He also had a passion for cooking and grilling and was especially known for his Indian curry, as well as frying turkeys each Thanksgiving for his employees to take home—small but meaningful acts that reflected his generosity and appreciation for those around him.
Rick is preceded in death by his mother, Alice Murray, and his sister, Pam Fisher.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Kay; his son Terry and his wife, Jacque, and their children, Samuel and Mitchell; his son Andrew and his wife, Susanna, and their children, Shannon and Anna; and his sister, Jeannette.
A private service and interment will be held at Klein Memorial Cemetery. A Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held at a later date, where all friends and loved ones will be welcome to gather, share stories and laughter, and remember the many tales that made Rick so unforgettable.
In lieu of customary remembrances and with gratitude from the family, memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Texas A&M Foundation or Klein Trinity Lutheran Church. Please indicate: In memorial of Rick Townend.
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