Richard wrote this for a class assignment. I have kept it and carried it from work place to work place on an Apple clipboard. I brought it home after my last job move to preserve it. I now keep it on my desk in my home office.

Richard always told people that I “saved him.” The thing is – we saved each other. We grew up together and created – not a perfect life, but a really good life.

I’m proud of Richard and all that he accomplished in his short life on earth. His impact as teacher, school leader, coach, and friend is far-reaching. He is a true family man – loving “his girls” and his Gigi.

Richard, you wrote “friend for life.” I am going to add “and beyond.”