I met Rich at Bearpath as a participant on the Handicap Committee. Funny how you just click with some people. He and I saw eye to eye immediately. He was a purest and passionate about the game of golf. Not only that, but a mentor and friend. He was always so nice. I wish I could have known him longer, but so glad I had the honor to know him as I did. My heart goes out to his closest friends and family who must truly feel the loss of a great and wonderful guy.
It would be true to say that Rich and I were each other's first friends. We grew up together in Parsippany NJ. When Ann, Barb and Rich moved into Rutgers Village in the late 1960's, Rich, Barb, and I became fast friends. We did everything together. Rich and I were in many of the same classes, with the same teachers. We would do projects and reports together. We would go to the movies, local events, and other activities, together. We even shared sicknesses, as we had the chicken pox together! Rich set the bar for future friends, and a high bar, it was! Rest easy now, Rich.
I am so sad to hear this news. Although I am no longer living in Minnesota, I have very fond memories of Rich coaching my son Ryan in E.P. baseball.
Each Spring, that I found out Rich was going to be Ryan's coach, I knew he and his teammates were going to have a great season!!
Rich was the kind of coach that brought out the best in the boys, by this, I mean , teamwork, integrity, maturity and respect. Yes, base ball skills showed definite improvement but the life skills were so much more important.
In his patient , quieter manner Richt taught the boys to be respectful of themselves and others.
My son is what one would call " spirited" . I clearly remember one game when Ryan was between bases and in what I think is known as a" pickle" , Ryan began to taunt the other team ( much to the delight of his 6th or 7th grade team), Rich quietly pulled him off the field and calmly told him" Ryan you are better than that". Ryan got a l great lesson in sportsmanship that day, one that he has never forgotten.
You see, Rich was like that, fairness and respect were the qualities he taught the boys about the game and more importantly, about life. Rich was a mentor to my son and many other E.P. boys.
I always admired and respect the love and respect and strong sense of family between Rich, Susan, Connor and Kellen.
We had some good times watching in the stands Susan.
Susan, my prayers and my heart go out to you and your sons.
It’s not likely someone so highly regarded and loved by so many will ever be forgotten! I trust all the beautiful memories of your life together will carry you through this difficult time. My deepest sympathy and love to you all.
A friend who influenced more people than humanly possible. A great boss, mentor, positive thinker, friend, father, husband (and golf partner ... trust me), and just about any other descriptor imaginable. From carving pumpkins on Halloween to helping someone going through tough times to sharing funny stories over a beer or three with a group of friends, there was no one greater than Rich.
We’ll miss you, and look forward to the day we meet again up high.
Jeff + Cindy + Madeleine
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