Dear Rick (and Dirk, Brandy, Cindy and family),
You were on my calendar to phone you today at 2pm. I did not call and I feel horrible for that, even though now I know you were not there to take my call.
You were a giant among men, larger than life, and with a heart as big as I have ever known.
I met you 20 years ago when I took a job I know you felt you deserved, and indeed you did. Instead, you were made to work for me and yet you were the most gracious, supportive and kind person I could have ever hoped to work with. Very quickly we became friends and far more than colleagues. We shared our personal joys and sorrows and remained good friends throughout these past 20 years even though we mostly lived hundreds of miles away in distance.
You introduced me to Dirk and were so proud of him. The three of us enjoyed some great fun together. And you told me how equally proud you were of your daughter, Brandy.
When you became very ill, you never faltered. You remained a rock of strength, optimism and goodwill to all. I can only hope to be half the man you were when you faced the longest of odds and prospects for improved health were slight, if any.
It was heartwarming to hear your happiness when we spoke during you and your family’s relatively recent vacation in Indian Rocks Beach. While I was inquiring about you and your health, you were more interested to know about how I and my family were doing.
We had many victories together and so many laughs - you were the greatest of friends. I’m so grateful you shared my life and I I’m a better person for knowing you.
Thank you for your friendship and love. The world is a much smaller place now and I will never, ever forget the world as it was when you were in it.
Goodnight my friend.
I would be grateful to hear from anyone in the family who would care to contact me. If there is anything I can ever do, ever do, to help, you can count on me just as I could always count on Rick.
Bill Wright
443-909-6935.
