Rick Aiken, who led the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia as executive director from 1989 to 2013, died Sunday. He was 77.
The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia said in a social media post that Aiken led a campaign for the shelter in 1998, where he built a modern shelter with all indoor kennels. He also transitioned the shelter to a no-kill facility that no longer euthanized due to space limitations. Aiken also established a low-cost spay and neuter center within the Humane Society. The center has spayed or neutered more than 90,000 pets in Georgia. Aiken retired from the position in 2013.
“Rick was a great man all around and one that I am proud to have known and worked with,” Bob Martin, Chief Administrative Officer for the Humane Society, said.
“Rick was an amazing man and more like a father than a boss," Jennifer Stillerman, volunteer, education, and outreach coordinator for the Humane Society, said. "He truly cared for every animal and he will be greatly missed."
"Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Rick, his legacy is still evident here at HSNEGA," Allison Mayfield, CEO of the human society said. "The foundation that he built is what has and will continue to carry us into the future."
Aiken was born in Timmonsville, South Carolina, but had lived in Hall County since 1983. He was known to many as an amazing man and lover of animals. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1972 with a degree in Wildlife Biology, which he used while working at several zoos throughout the southeast.
Aiken also served as senior district executive for the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
He was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan. Since 1984, Aiken had only missed one Georgia Bulldogs football game, including both home and away games. He was a member of the Gainesville First United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home. Rev. Mike Taylor will officiate. Interment will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until the funeral hour.
Aiken's full obituary can be viewed at this link.
