Rick Waymire, co-owner of Glendale's Waymire Studio for the Performing Arts, has died following a long-term illness. He was 64.
His passing was announced by wife and studio co-owner Linda, who said, "Rick slipped away peacefully and my mind knows he's in a better place. I'm trying to get my heart to catch up."
The husband-and-wife team started the venue (located at 6404 West Pinnacle Peak Road) for acting instruction in 2004. Formerly called Matlin Studio, the space has offered adult- and kid-level performing arts classes, ranging from traditional techniques to improvisational methods.
In April 2010, the Waymires opened a secondary studio at 236 North Fraser Drive in Mesa.
A memorial for Rick Waymire is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to noon today at Regency Mortuary, 9850 West Thunderbird Road. Go to www.waymirestudio.com.