SYLMAR : Search for Disabled Man Continues

The search for a developmentally disabled man with the mental capacity of a 7-year-old continued Friday--more than three weeks after he wandered away from the Sylmar group home in which he was living.

Rick Funk left the group home he shares with other developmentally disabled adults two days before Christmas. Since he left, Funk has been spotted in several areas around Sylmar and as far west as Woodland Hills, but, according to Los Angeles Police Lt. Joseph Garcia, “there has been no luck in turning these sightings into leads.”

The last reported sighting of Funk was Jan. 8 at the Woodland Hills Ralphs market at DeSoto Avenue and Ventura Boulevard.

Funk’s mother, Barbara Weir of Tarzana, described her 44-year-old son--his brown hair turning gray at the temples--as having the mind and personality of a 7-year-old.

“Is he eating? Is he sleeping?” Weir wondered aloud at a news conference Friday.

“He has been used and abused his whole life. He doesn’t deserve whatever may be happening to him out there,” she said, tears in her eyes.

Weir, sickened by worry, said she fears that Funk, who has been sexually abused in the past, is easy prey. Officials from the Tierra del Sol Foundation, which operates the group home in which Funk was living, also fear that he

could be easily victimized or exploited. They described Funk as friendly and trusting.

Funk has disappeared from his home in the past, but not for more than a night at a time. He has a girlfriend named Maria who, care-givers say, is “a wreck.”

Other residents at Funk’s home are reportedly worried most that he is lonely and unable to find anyone to talk to.

They have spent their spare time since Funk’s disappearance walking his favorite malls and parks, passing out flyers and talking to all who will listen.

Evaun Stevenson, a recreation therapist at the group home, said she has a gut feeling that Funk’s disappearance is just a matter of someone’s good intentions gone awry.

“I think someone may have taken him in and be taking care of this poor lost man, unaware that there are people out here who want to take care of him and are responsible for providing for his care,” Stevenson said.

Steve Miller, executive director of Tierra del Sol, said he wants to make sure that there is no fear of reprisal on the part of Funk or anyone helping him. “He is an adult, and can do what he wants,” Miller said of Funk. “A lot of people are just worried about him and want to know that he is OK.”

“We will assist Rick with whatever living situation or day program he wants,” said Diane Chicko of the North Los Angeles County Regional Center, which funds Funk’s home and others like it.

“If he left because he was unhappy, he should know that we will work with him to find the happiest living situation for him.”