Richard Scott Gazalski II

“Richard Scott Gazalski II — known to most as Rick, and to his favorites simply as Dad and “Prampa” — passed away on May 1, 2026, at the age of 59. He was born October 24, 1966, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and grew up in Henryetta, Oklahoma, where he spent most of his life.

Rick was an avid outdoorsman who felt most at home under an open sky — camping, hiking, and finding reasons to be somewhere outside. He was passionate about martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and lifting weights — not so much for show, but because protecting the people he loved was something he took seriously. But of all the roles he held in his life, being “Prampa” to his granddaughter Lauren may have been his proudest. He had a way of making ordinary moments feel like an adventure, even when — especially when — it involved a little mischief along the way.

To know Rick was to experience him. Loud, stubborn, passionate, and completely unapologetic. He was boisterous, theatrical, and perpetually in the middle of some kind of shenanigans. He had a sense of humor he was enormously proud of, whether or not everyone fully understood it, and he never missed a chance to make a moment a little bigger, a little funnier, or a little more memorable.

Beneath that tough, macho exterior was a man who loved deeply — usually through actions more than words. He loved Jesus and shared his faith in his own way, and he treasured the many conversations he had about God and the Bible. In recent years he became a devoted movie buff, held strong opinions about good bluegrass and classic ’80s rock, and never once turned down something sweet. Cake, pie, ice cream — he was always in.

Rick is survived by his mother, Shirley Gazalski of Henryetta, Oklahoma; his son, Donavon Gazalski of Henryetta, Oklahoma; his daughter, Rebecca LaValley of Jenks, Oklahoma; his granddaughter, Lauren LaValley of Jenks, Oklahoma; and his godparents, Pat and Tony Garrison of Bixby, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Scott Gazalski I.

Keeping true to Rick’s wishes, there will be no formal service. A private memorial gathering will be held in the coming weeks for those closest to him — something simple, real, and (in true Rick fashion) entirely on his own terms.

He leaves behind stories that will be told for years, laughter that will echo longer than expected, and a presence that will be sincerely missed and not easily forgotten — which is exactly how he would have wanted it.”

Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Simplicity Burial & Oklahoma Cremation Centers. Friends and family may leave condolences and kind words of comfort at https://www.simplicityburialcremation.com