Rick graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1974. He began his career in fashion at Harold's, in Norman, OK, then Nieman Marcus, in Dallas, TX, where he became the company's youngest ever vice president. In 1985, he moved to New York, NY, where he held, consecutively, several executive positions: senior vice president at Bergdorf Goodman, corporate president for retail and retail development for Calvin Klein, and president of Isaac Mizrahi.
He was the rare human with a great deal to brag about who never bothered to brag. In 2010, Rick settled in Hudson, NY, where he devoted his energy and expertise to public service. In 2011, he was appointed to the city's Historic Preservation Commission.
He chaired the commission from 2013 until 2015, when he became a member of the Common Council, the city's legislative body. In 2017, he was elected mayor of Hudson, an office he held for one term. He currently served on the Columbia County Industrial Development Agency and was vice chair of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation.
Rick was predeceased by his father, Harry Rector; his mother, Jeane Brannen; his stepfather, Basil Brannen; and his beloved dog, Lucy. He is survived by his three sisters: Susan Rector Scarberry, of Orange Park, FL; Roslyn Wilken, of Enid, OK; and Marilyn Rector Pearce, of Cape Canaveral, FL; nieces and nephews; and a community that mourns his loss. A celebration of his life will be held at Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Str.