This what I wrote to read at Rich's memorial service. I am sure it didn't go exactly this way, but ... for the record:
I have only known Richard about three years. I feel as if I knew him well, although most of our interaction was written correspondence until about a year ago.
We became closer in the past year - and I came to love him - and not just for himself. You see, to get Rich, you have to understand his unwavering love and dedication for his daughter, for his partner, for the rest of his family, and for his friends.
Rich was one of those rare friends with whom you could disagree, and yet both walk away with your love and esteem for one another intact and with food for thought, better for having known one another and - well - "for having found a friend where you didn't expect one."
I could go on about Rich's generosity of spirit and his love for his fellow man - indeed all creatures - but the memory that will stay with me always is that I once asked a favor of him in particular to reach out to a friend of mine who needed Rich's counsel. Rich did not hesitate.
That alone tells me the kind of man he was - one who would concern himself with the well being of a stranger because someone asked it of him.
There is a verse the Quakers like that I feel speaks to Rich's life:
You have been shown what is good.
But what is required of you?
You should act justly
You should love mercy and
You should walk humbly.
--Micah 6:8
Rich was a good man and he will always be missed.
That said, though, his life - altogether too short - stands on its own as a testament about how we all should try to live.
