Richard "Rick" J. Norwood Sr., 53, departed this life on June 23, 2009, in Austin, Texas.

He was born in Schenectady, N.Y. on August 28, 1955.

Survived by: wife, Patrice Norwood of Charlotte, N.C.; son, RJ of Colonie, N.Y.; stepson, Wendell Richards of Los Angeles, Calif.; father and stepmother Robert and Shirley Norwood of Schenectady, N.Y.; 2 sisters, Debra Daum of Belleville, Ill., Robin Sickles; stepsister, Kathy Vega and stepbrother, Bobby Vega of Schenectady, N.Y.; 1 nephew, 3 nieces and 7 great-nieces and nephews. Rick was a master carpenter and owned his own construction business from 1983 to 2000, building custom homes. From 2000 to 2009, he worked in commercial construction. At the time of his death, he was a job superintendent for Wurzel Builders out of Austin, Texas.

He had his captain's license and ran Optimist Charters on Lake Ontario out of Oswego, N.Y., for several years.

In 1995, he and his wife relocated to North Carolina.

He loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman, hunting, fishing, golfing and shooting pool.

He was a great lover of dogs. His last dog was Lucky, whom he rescued from the animal shelter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to your local animal shelter.

Private service will be held for the family.