Indeed this is sad news, Karlis.  Rick was one of the pioneers in  the 
field.  The world of historical archaeology was made much richer  by his 
presence and is lessened by his passing. 
 
Mike Polk   
 
 
In a message dated 8/22/2012 9:57:44 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

Hello  everyone,
It is with a very heavy heart that I must pass on the news that  my dear old
friend, Rick Sprague, passed away on Monday, 20 August, at the  age of 79.
As most of you know, Rick was active in historical archaeology  during his
long and distinguished career and also a vital participant in  the Society
for Historical Archaeology. He was a mentor to many who have  since gone on
to work in archaeology and material culture research. I am  thankful that I
can count myself among these individuals. I owe much to  Rick and cherish
his friendship which spans four decades. We had many a  good time together
and I will very much miss not being able to have a beer  and a good laugh
with him once again. Maybe in the next world.
For those  of you who can make it, an informal celebration of Rick's life
will be held  at 11 a.m. Friday, 24 August, at the Unitarian Church in
Moscow, Idaho. A  potluck reception will immediately follow services
downstairs at the  Unitarian Church and everyone is welcome.

For a full obituary and to  make on-line condolences please  see:
http://shortsfuneralchapel.com/archives/1087

In lieu of  flowers, contributions can be made to:

The Roderick Sprague  Endowment,Department of Sociology & Anthropology, c/o
University of  Idaho Foundation, Inc., PO Box 443147 Moscow, ID 83844-3147  
*
www.uidaho.edu/class/socanthro*  <http://www.uidaho.edu/class/socanthro>,

or

The Roderick  & Linda F. Sprague Research Library, c/o Fort Walla Walla
Museum, 755  Myra Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362-8035, *
www.fortwallawallamuseum.org/*  <http://www.fortwallawallamuseum.org/>.

Karlis