Thanks to Rick and Patti Stamper for their contributions to the community over the years.
I have had many long talks with Rick Stamper while waiting for our turn to play pickleball. He has been a spokesman and advocate for playing the sport in Sabal Springs from day one. His ability to negotiate resulted in the tennis and pickleball players sharing the courts in the spring of 2022.
Shortly after that, folks started asking him to run for the board of directors, which prompted me to help with his campaign. That’s when I found out what a true community man he was. It’s difficult to say where the court renovation would be today if not for the tireless persistence of Rick. Being elected twice shows that more residents than just the pickleball players have appreciated Rick’s dedication to Sabal Springs. Rick pushed to have the lake maintenance addressed when residents brought it to his attention. He has given tech support to those of us in the SunShine Singles as well as helping quite a few residents with the Xfinity transition. Rick also brought attention to air quality issues for people suffering from allergies and asthma. He has always been accessible to everyone. When anyone had a question, Rick would do his best to find an answer. He continues to work with the Lakehouse Restaurant management on ways to improve their fare. He has always put residents’ well-being first to improve our community. In fact, he puts our priorities above his own health, going so far as to be wheeled into one board meeting to make the tennis and pickleball court renovation presentation the day after major surgery.
Sadly, the time has come for Rick to step down and focus on his health. He and his wife Patti are looking forward to free time with their precious pup, Libby, and enjoying family time with their five children and 10 grandchildren. Rick hopes to get back to playing golf and pickleball soon.
Working for 769 homeowners isn’t an easy job and sometimes may seem “thankless.” In my many conversations with Rick he says he is grateful for all the support he has had from the community. I wish to express the appreciation of Sabal Springs’ residents for all his honesty and creative problem-solving while serving on the board and wish him a speedy recovery and continued prosperity.
