Charles Alvin "Rick" Bolig Jr., 81, of Santa Fe, NM, passed over the rainbow unexpectedly Sept. 11, 2024.

He was born Oct. 20, 1942, to the late Charles Alvin "Butch" Bolig and Mary A. (Beaver) Bolig, and raised in Selinsgrove, Pa.

After graduating from Selinsgrove Area High School, Rick's college education took a detour to serve a four-year enlistment in the US Air Force. He served in various locations including the Azores Islands and Florida. Returning to Selinsgrove, he attended and graduated high in his class at Susquehanna University. He went onto Arizona State University to complete his PhD in physics. In his 40 year career he worked for General Atomic, University of California and the Los Alamos Labs. Former co-workers from Los Alamos said his work was indispensable. Rick did not talk much about his work, but he did receive a letter of appreciation from Ronald Reagan.

On Nov. 11, 1971, Rick married the former Mary Nell Fredrickson of Mesa, Ariz. Their union produced two children, Kennes Marie and Charles Frederick. After the end of their union, Rick married Leslie G. Harris of San Diego, Calif. They had three children, Elizabeth Kimberly, Christopher James and Justin Lee.

Rick's career in physics had him moving from Arizona, New York, California and finally to New Mexico, where Rick and Leslie made their home in the desert outside Santa Fe. Rick made many friends during his career and in his retirement. He loved to travel and visit friends and family driving coast to coast many times. Rick's dogs Maya and later Xena were his faithful travel and daily walking companions. Rick traveled to visit family often in Selinsgrove and was a regular at BJ's restaurant with a golden lab side kick.

Rick is survived by his wife, Leslie; daughter, Kennes (Dominic) Apadaca; sons, Charlie, Christopher (Lily Tromblay) and Justin (Kelly); three grandchildren, Dante Apodaca, Mary Elizabeth Apodaca and Sonny Ray Bolig; also siblings, Jon (Kay) Bolig, Susan (Ken) Gift, Thomas (Jin Hee) Bolig and Michael (Susan) Bolig. He had numerous nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his special daughter, Lizzy Kim.

A celebration of life was held at Rick and Leslie's home on Sept. 15, attended by family, former co-workers and friends. A short video on YouTube, labeled as "Rick Bolig's Celebration of Life FINAL" is available to the public to view.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to: Casa Angelica, 5629 Isleta Blvd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105.