Richard Charles "Rick" Bellows

Richard “Rick” Charles Bellows passed away in the company of his family on the evening of Friday, May 27th, 2022 from heart complications related to Alzheimer’s. He was 69 years old.

Originally born in Minneapolis, MN on February 9th, 1953, Rick moved to Detroit Lakes, MN at the age of 6 and lived temporarily on a mink farm before his family relocated to a home in town for the rest of his childhood. He earned a double bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Concordia University before marrying Marilyn Schorn in Detroit, MI in May 1988. The pair soon moved to the warmer weather of Georgia where Rick graduated with his Juris Doctor degree from UGA in 1992 and welcomed his two sons Tim and Chris in 1994 and 1996, respectively.

After beginning his career as an insurance defense attorney, Rick switched to probate law and became well known around town as the Hall County conservator. During his 30+ years in Gainesville, he managed probate affairs and conservatorships for countless families, which in turn made him a familiar friendly face around the local courthouses and banks. Outside of work, Rick had a deep passion for reading, kayaking, animals, and especially soccer, which he coached for many years, refereed into his 60s, and watched regularly until the day he died.

No matter the situation, he was the first to step up and offer to help; whether it was volunteering in his children’s extracurriculars, taking recycled newspaper to the local Humane Society, or simply giving someone a ride home across town, Rick always put the needs of others before his own. He was an iconic presence in his neighborhood, known for long walks with his dog Sesi, waving to every car that passed, and collecting newspapers for elderly neighbors regardless of the weather or his own health. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons Tim (Abby) and Chris, and siblings Linda, Lee, Wendy, Steve, Kim, and Dan. He is predeceased by his mother Jackie, his father Richard, and his brother Tony.

A funeral service and reception for Rick will be held at Little & Davenport Funeral Home in Gainesville on Saturday, June 4th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, Rick’s family requests that you consider a donation to Alzheimer’s research at alzfdn.org/support-us/donate/ or to the Chattahoochee River Keepers at chattahoochee.org/donate to aid in their mission to preserve the local rivers and streams that he loved so dearly.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.

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