It is with great sadness that the family of John Carl “JC” Rieck, of Enumclaw, WA, announces his passing on April 29, 2019 at the age of 72 years.
JC will be lovingly remembered and missed by his children, Charlie Lenier and Rose (Tyler) Lust; his brother, Roy Dana Rieck and partner Jamie Doyle; and his sister, Margo Dills. JC will be fondly remembered by many, including his pride and joy, his two granddaughters and “his girls,” Avery and Marin Lust; his chosen family, Diane Lenier and Carol Braaten; and by numerous nieces and nephews, family members and many friends; and his much-loved dog, Woodrow.
JC was a remarkably gifted musician. In high school, he founded the band The Ivy Three followed by The Artesians, which played extensively throughout the Pacific Northwest. Shortly after high school, he joined The Kingsmen, famous for their song “Louie Louie”, and toured the country. This was followed by a stint playing with the Johnny Tillotson/Fats Domino Review in Las Vegas. Returning to the Pacific Northwest he played in one of Seattle’s premier rhythm and blues bands, Cinnamon Soul. In the early 1970s, he formed Lance Romance, a longtime favorite in the Pacific and Inland Northwest. They toured from LA to Alaska to North Dakota, sharing the bill with many notable bands from Asleep At The Wheel to Ike and Tina Turner. Lance Romance was a labor of love, releasing a 45 and one full LP, and enjoyed several reunion shows over the years. He was passionate about music his entire life, and was a musician’s musician. He shared his gift with others, influencing and helping countless musicians over the years.
JC’s family would like to thank all of the family, friends, and neighbors for their support over the past few months. He so appreciated and loved catching up with the many musicians and friends that stopped by to visit him in his last few months. A special thank you to MultiCare Hospice staff and nurses; your care was immeasurable and we are forever grateful.
A celebration in memory of JC will be held at the VFW Post 1949 in Enumclaw, WA (44426 244th Ave SE) on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 11 .M.. Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of JC, please make them to The Humane Society of the United States at www.humanesociety.org or 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20037
