Photo
Share
Richard Daniel Jarvis

Richard Daniel Jarvis

August 28th, 1954 - December 1st, 2021

Biography


If you are reading this, I am either extremely ill or I have passed and gone to see my Maker at last. Do not be sad, but celebrate, for I have lived a long life and God has blessed me well and beyond all my expectations.” – Family letter from Rick Jarvis, April 4th, 2020, age 65.


Richard Jarvis passed away December 1st, 2021, after a brief illness. He fought many days to recover enough to transport to a place he could get to see his children, the delight of his life. By God’s tender mercy, he was able to have a last goodbye face to face with them. Only after God answered this prayer, did He take Rick home. Unexpectantly to his family and friends, but on time for God. Rick was preceded in death by his father, William D. (Barbara) Jarvis, stepfather AJ Briley and father-in-law Richard Waldrop and survived by his wife, Alysa Jarvis, mother Nanette Briley, his mother-in-law Alona Waldrop, brother Steve (Traci) Jarvis, sister-in-law Michelle (Rick) Waldrop-Kelly, his 4 children: Tabitha (Kevin) Compton, Jake (Lauren) Jarvis, Daniel Jarvis, Hannah Jarvis, and his grandchildren: Jordan and Isabelle Bauer, Christian and Autumn Thompson, and Zach Jarvis, his nieces/nephews: Crystal, Chasity, Andy, Jordan, Ali, Weatherby, Jerry, Meghan, Karen, and Taylor. His Georgia roots gave him a bounty of Aunts, Uncles, and cousins, who poured into his life as much love as any extended family could. Over the years, they would have big family reunions surrounded by family, food, and especially boiled peanuts. His work family, John Culpepper, Debi Debo-Wynne, Brian Swartz, and Stephen Rodriquez were loved just as dearly.


Rick was born in Moultrie, Georgia August 28, 1954. When his family moved to Houston, Texas, he was three years old. He grew up in Galena Park, graduated from Galena Park High School, and went to the University of Houston graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture. He spent time living in Westbury, in South Houston, and Fort Bend County. In 1976, he joined Architect David Red as a principal to form Building Services Associates which now is known as BSA-Architects, Inc. Rick’s strong work ethic and commitment to excellence succeeded in building the firm to what it is today. Rick became a trusted advisor and mentor to his professional colleagues. He made a mark on the local landscape by designing beautiful homes in the West University and River Oaks areas of Houston, Subways, 7-11s, and Shipley’s, before moving on to the medical field designing and becoming a premier expert in high-tech imaging centers, medical facilities, and other notable buildings. All of these, he pointed out to car riders as he whizzed along at frightening speed. He readily admitted that his early adult life was a struggle, and he made a few tragic mistakes with his young family. He was able to right the course of his ship by making Jesus Christ the Lord of his life. He was a man that knew he was sinful and flawed but strove to be a better man with the help of Christ. He gave loud emotion as much as any hot-blooded redneck Texan and did not mind a vigorous family debate.


Rick felt an intimacy with God, which he transcribed in his family letter:


HE has blessed my life in so many ways I can hardly remember all the things HE has done AND I am probably not aware of many things HE did that I did not realize were guided by HIS HAND, many of which involved miracles and healings that could not be explained by man.”


He tells the family of the miracles of God’s Sovereignty in saving him from an early teenage death, in helping him recover from a car accident, plus the miracle of healing his daughter Hannah from a life of hydrocephalus. He felt God use him at 17 to save 7 children from a burning fire. He was like Moses going to investigate that burning bush! Fire changed the course of his life when he spent 9 months recovering from a severe partial body burn under the care of Dr. Red Duke. He said God sent him in a new direction. He especially mentions the friends brought early to him, such as his mentor the late David Red, his lifelong friend the late Frank Ray Botello (they are together again), his partner who he loved as a brother John E. Culpepper (he made sure he put the “E” knowing John’s dislike of it!) God stretched Rick in his spiritual maturity, putting on his heart to sincerely express thankfulness for the marriage to the late Jeneane Stanford, who provided love, support, and stability when he needed it, (mother of Tabitha and Jake). Rick reflects on his second chance to learn about being a Godly husband. He was the string to Alysa’s kite which he loved. He knew that a helpmate is God’s gift and a precious ruby. He found an iron sharpener in Alysa’s knowledge of the Word. He enjoyed those long and boisterous conversations on the deeper meaning of life. He was the vinegar and her the oil, or vice versa, but together a beautiful mixed-up vinaigrette. Rick was so proud of his wife and children, watching them take on life’s challenges with hard work and being successful. He was an emotionally connected father, crying at his failed attempt to make a birthday cheesecake, his lengthy personal notes in birthday cards (one card note too short was promptly thrown back as “not finished, Dad”). For missed memories with the kids, he would profusely apologize, often made right with something over the top or unique, even if years later. He loved to cheer them on when they asked for some special present, like Skydiving or scuba certification. He was a huge participant in the family's practical jokes, horror movies, and their love of pets (all kinds). He helped at Little League, Trail Life, Vacation Bible School stage decorations, and school project designs. He made a tradition with Father/Daughter dances and early morning coffee chats. He loved passing on his passion for art through his grandchildren always encouraging them and introducing them to the beauty of art in every way.  


“Note to all my children: My one wish is that you all stay close to each other throughout life. Be there for each other in good times and bad. Know that when you are together, I will be there with you in spirit and know that I am loving you from afar.”- Dad


A huge part of Rick’s life was his hobbies and charities. He supported the Fort Bend Art Center, Trail Life, Second Mile, LifeHouse of Houston, Counseling Connections for Change, and to whomever he felt God lead.  He achieved the status of a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, serving as judge on the School Art Committee and the AG Mechanics committee for many years. He had immense talent in architectural design, but also in any media he set his focus. From sketches on his children’s lunch sacks to cartoon posters for the Little League team he coached, to sandcastle competitions, to digital media, to sculpting, to his newest hobby - photography. He was the consummate artist! He also loved going to Goodwill to find just the perfect thing for himself, family, or friends. With his silent auction wins, he created many memories for family and friends, such as a grand week at the beautiful 30A and his most recent fur-baby from an auction – Lacy. He never was stingy when he could bring in happy times for those around him. He often said he could never outgive God! He played Santa in costume and spirit over many years. He loved to gather up “good finds” whether at a store or on the roadside. His mind was always dreaming of giving things “a little paint” and a new life. He never met a stranger and instantly made a spot in his huge heart for every person he met and could never enter a room without making friends. He had a larger-than-life personality. He especially found joy in setting up a home on the Texas Bay at Seadrift. He found that the solitude of COVID life was bearable with the sound of the water and tug of a fishing pole.


Rick was always at the ready to be put in service and give generously. He will be greatly missed by everyone, his family, friends, and community. He leaves shoes too big and unique to fill. However, his quirky humor and generous heart lives on in his children and grandchildren.


Visitation for Rick’s Houston family and friends will be at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas 77023, Thursday, December 9th starting 4pm to 5pm for Family and 5pm until 9pm for everyone. There will be a Visitation in Ruston, Louisiana on Saturday, December 11 at Owens Funeral Home 2300 W. California, Ruston, Louisiana at 10:00 AM prior to the 2pm Graveside remembrance at the Bienville Campground Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life Event on January 8, 2022 in the Houston area. Details will be updated on his Memorial Keeper website once finalized.


In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor Rick’s love of giving and art by asking for donations in his name to Fort Bend Art Center (https://artleaguefortbend.org) or consider sending a plant to the family that could be planted at his Seadrift home in remembrance of him.


This tribute cannot fully encapsulate all his accomplishments, loves, and interests so please bookmark this Memorial Keeper website: https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/RichardDanielJarvis/. . All Event details will be shared and updated on his Memorial Keeper website. On the Keeper website, be sure to read and see more of Rick’s life. Add your own memories of how you knew Rick and his impacts on your life so that we can always remember the wonderful man of Rick Jarvis. 


 


 

Read More 

Family

About

Name Richard Daniel Jarvis
Date of Birth August 28th, 1954
Date of Death December 1st, 2021
Home Town Moultrie, GA, US 
Other City Missouri City, TX, US 
Interests Family, Drawing, Painting, Sculpting, Fishing, Finding a great BARGAIN, GIVING, FAITH, Designing
Favourite Saying You can't out give God. It is in God's Hands. Where is my phone!!! That is MY dog.
In Memoriam Donation Art League Fort Bend
Family

Family

Significant OtherAlysa Denise Jarvis
SiblingsSteve Jarvis
ParentsNanette Jane Briley, William "Bill" Jarvis
ChildrenDaniel Richard Jarvis, Hannah Bailey Jarvis, Richard "Jake" Jarvis, Tabitha Jeneane Compton
Milestone

Milestones

1972 - 1976 University of Houston, Bachelor of Architecture
1976 - 2021 Principal/CEO, BSA-Architects, Inc.

Error

photo
Characters: 6000

Sign in to Keeper:

photo
Characters: 6000

Send as Guest:

Tributes



Flag Post

published a comment .

Read More 

Flag Post
A

Alysa Jarvis published a tribute .

One of Rick’s last wishes was to breed his dog, Lacy. His wish came true on November 13, 2023. Two puppies were stillborn. Since all dogs go to heaven, Rick has two puppies of his own.

Read More 

  

photo
Characters: 6000
photo
Characters: 6000
Flag Post
M

Martinien Betwa published a tribute .

Rest in peace my brother and Courage to the family

Read More 

 1 


Flag Post
T

Terry Scott published a comment .

Rick, you were one of a kind and will be missed

Read More 

photo
Characters: 6000
photo
Characters: 6000
Flag Post
A

Alona Michelle Waldrop-Kelly published a tribute .

The "Ricks" chatting down at 30A

Read More 

  

photo
Characters: 6000
photo
Characters: 6000
Flag Post
M

Michelle Waldrop-Kelly published a tribute .

Our Grand week at 30A! What a gift! Cousins on the couch, Rick drawing on the ipad.

Read More 

  

photo
Characters: 6000
photo
Characters: 6000
Flag Post
M

Marchita Priest published a tribute .

I miss that voice! I miss those conversations about art, books and the student art auctions. Wonderful friend to talk to and share a laugh. He and my husband talked about their Galena Park connections. Our wonderful Santa blessing.

Read More 

 1 


Flag Post
L

Laney Sims published a comment .

A good friend and Brother.

Read More 

photo
Characters: 6000
photo
Characters: 6000
Flag Post
M

Michelle Waldrop-Kelly published a tribute .

We will see you again, brother in Christ!

Read More 

 1 


Flag Post
S

Steven Keffeler published a comment .

Anyone who had the privilege to work with Rick knew he was a general contractor in an architects body. His artistic ability combined with his knowledge of construction details and sequencing were extraordinary. We had allot of fun working together. He designed our home and we worked side by side building and competing in the AIA sandcastles competitions. A great friend and colleague. You are missed! God Bless!

Read More 

photo
Characters: 6000
photo
Characters: 6000
Flag Post
L

Laura Schmidt published a tribute .

Rick was a joyful soul. He was always up, always giving, always engaging. He was a good architect, artist and most of all a great and dear friend. I am grateful for the time we worked together. It was alot of fun. Condolences to the family, Rick will be missed by many.

Read More 

 1 


Flag Post
M

Melody published a comment .

With great sorrow I received notice of your beloved's passing. You fought for him, Alyssa, and not in vain. Love is bolstered in it all, as I've walked this path several times. 1Thrs.4:13-18.
Deepest sympathy and admiration for his life lived for Christ and love of his family.
Love to you in Christ always.

Read More 

photo
Characters: 6000
photo
Characters: 6000
Flag Post
K

Kathy Golden published a tribute .

Our wonderful, creative brother in Christ, you will be greatly missed. We continue to pray for your family in their loss.

Read More 

 3 


Flag Post
S

Stephanie Price published a comment .

Love this

Read More 


Flag Post
K

Kimberly Keller published a comment .

We continue to pray for your family in their loss! Ron Keller and family

Read More 


Flag Post
T

Tom Forney published a comment .

Rick:
Your big heart, large personality and tremendous talent will be sorely missed. You were a one and only!

Read More 

photo
Characters: 6000
photo
Characters: 6000
Flag Post
D

Debra Jones published a tribute .

Tom and I were sad to hear about Rick passing away. We enjoyed our time spent with your family when you were in our Sunday school class.

Read More 

  

photo
Characters: 6000
photo
Characters: 6000
Flag Post
D

Dennis Compton published a tribute .

Rick was so generous and encouraging with my kids when helping them explore their creative side. When Justin was making cardboard boats to see how they would float, he gave him a book on boat designs and drafting.

For Grace, he always encouraged her art - whether it was her painting, jewelry making, resins, knitting crocheting, whatever. He always encouraged it. I envisioned Rick helping her make connections in the art community.

Read More 

  

photo
Characters: 6000
photo
Characters: 6000
Flag Post
L

Logan Vits published a tribute .

Rick was an encouragement professionally in architecture and personally in faith and art. He is missed.

Read More 

  

photo
Characters: 6000
photo
Characters: 6000

Houston Visitation

December 9th, 2021 at 5:00pm
Forest Lawndale Cemetery
Houston,
Event Details & RSVP

Louisiana Viewing and Burial Services

December 11th, 2021 at 11:00am
Owens Funeral Home
Ruston,
Event Details & RSVP

Celebration of Life Event - Second Baptist Church (Woodway)

January 8th, 2022 at 10:30hr
Second Baptist Church - Woodway
Houston,
Event Details & RSVP

Keepers

Send a Tribute