Richard "Rick" Mendoza Guzman was born in Phoenix, AZ on February 6, 1947, to Steve Guzman and Maria Mendoza Romero. He was the youngest of six children. Rick was raised in Phoenix and graduated from Phoenix Union High School. He attended Phoenix Community College majoring in Sociology. He later attended UND and received a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. He also attended the University of MN and received a Master's Degree in Social Work. Rick also served in the USAF.

As a Social Worker Rick worked in Child Welfare for 40 plus years. He worked for Rolette County Social Services, Williams County Social Services, Stutsman County Social Services and Grand Forks County Social Services. He also was a group facilitator for CVIC with their domestic violence offender program.  After his retirement in 2015, he relocated to AZ to be closer to his elderly brother who he was the legal Guardian for until his passing in 2019. During the last four years of his life Rick worked as an adjunct instructor and teaching assistant in the Sociology Department at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. He so enjoyed his role of being a teacher and his interactions with the students.

Rick was an intelligent, caring, kind and thoughtful man. He adored his pup, Sidney, who was with him for 16 years. He could often be seen driving around Grand Forks with Sidney on his lap.  He enjoyed attending classic car shows, auto racing, baseball, football, and boxing. He took a great deal of pride in maintaining his physical fitness and enjoyed spending time at the gym. Rick also enjoyed attending plays and musicals. He was a lifelong learner and was especially knowledgeable on anything to do with World War II.

Rick passed away after a brief illness in Chandler, AZ on July 20, 2022.

Rick is survived by Shari Fiedler, his wife of 23 years; his son, Justin Guzman; grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, brothers Antonio Rivera, Frank Guzman, Robert Guzman; sisters Nellie Chavez (Gomez) and Tommie Marones; and by his beloved pup, Sidney.

His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure. He is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. Until we meet again.

Memorial Liturgy: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 20th, 2022 in St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.
Family Greeting: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Thursday.
Military Honors: Accorded by members of the American Legion post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the Grand Forks Air Force Base Honor Guard.