May 15, 2006 

Comments

Sharon: Nancy and I am deeply sorry for your loss. We can't imagine what you are going through. Rick taught us all a lot. I understand we will have an excellent memorial service for him on June 9 at the Landstuhl Chapel. You are in all thoughts and prayers.

Not an hour goes by without thinking of all of you Dear Sharon! My heart is sad and crying. I hope he is at peace. And also you,ALL. It saddens my heart to know that I was not able to go, although I know military funerals, this I know will be very special. I made the decision that I will go at a lated date to visit with you, most likely in august or Sept, but now without talking with you first. Rick is laughing at us, he knows that he is at peace, more than we ever could achieve on this earth. MY LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!

Sharon, I am writing this at work. With the kids all around me, I have to keep it together. Our hearts go out to you. Just imagine that we are there to give you a big hug. A donation will be made to the hospice in Rick's name. You are always in our prayers. Ciao and love, James & Nadis

))) hug’s((( Sharon and Connie...I never doubted that you would walk through all of this with dignity and grace. Something that you taught us all…Looking forward to seeing you at the end of July or early August. Till then, all of our love, Janet and Michael

Sharon and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you today. Through Rick I was shown a new way of life and a new happiness. He was the one who told me what it was like and how i could have a life likes his full of peace and serenity. All I had to do is follow some suggestions and remember one more thing he didn't know shit!!! His way of not getting put on a petistal. I sit here sadden by all our loss. But I can still see is smiling face saying "so boy you have a plan tell it to me i need a good laugh." He has touched so many people through out the world and he will continue to do so one day at a time. As Rick would say let go let god, but for the grace of god, first thing first, think think think, Easy Does It....BUT DO IT!!!!! SHaron you and RIck introduced me to a god that I never knew. I haven't always done this deal in the best way possible but I have learned alot along the way and your message has touched many. Just last night I sat in a new Meeting here in the azores where they are just starting up AA and its on fire. I found myself being thankful for the foundation the V-group of Germany provided us all. I am helping the natives here on the island spread the message the man with the funny hat gave to me so freely years ago........ Sharon I love you and you will remain in my prayers..... And Rick I will look for you on the golf course (of course I will be looking for you in your normal spot deep in the rough!!) With love and Service George

Sharon and family, As I write this I am trying not to get emotional again ever since the night Connie called me with the news of Rick’s passing, it seems that every time I see a green van, a man with a funny hat, a golf club… etc. I think of my dear friend Rick... I will make it through the day, I will stay in today... minute by minute... I am a card carrying member of a support group like no other group in the world, a group of men and women that my friend turned me onto many years ago... My friend, my hero, a man that had the balls to tell me what I didn't want to hear many years ago, a man that sluffed it off by saying; “Mik it was God working through me” that day back in Aug 99... I know that today!!! You know Sharon; Denise and I still haven't been back to marriage counseling after I tried to get her some marriage counseling that day... A man that was so important to so many of us, I can only say for myself in my little slice of life he was a man that knew what it meant to be behind enemy lines, an enemy that he knew well, an enemy only few have been given a second chance to combat, he showed me how to live that life here on God's green Earth through the 12 steps of AA, he walked the walk and talked the talk.... He is in that Place beyond my wildest dreams.... Rick I will miss you and I know your sitting watching over us today. Thank you for showing me the way... I will continue to do what you so humbly did here in this world, I will continue to give it away, I want to keep it! Walk in Peace my friend. V/r Mik

There are so many stories but my favorite is the night Rick and I played golf- one of many. He forgot that toay was their wedding anniversary. Sharon was in the USA in Cambridge. We were in Germany. He realizes on about the 5th hole that he is heading for deep kimchi. I asked him if he wanted to quit and go order flowers. Rick declines and plays on. And he is hitting the ball a ton and straight. No slices. We finish nine and again, I suggest that we head to the internet. Rick says, "Nah, it is a beautiful evening. Let's play 3 more holes. So we finish about 7:30 and head home. Then, he realizes that his computer has taken a leave of absence, so we head to my house. And our computer has been disconnected from the net. So we head to my office at school after stopping for dinner at the drivethru......By this time it is about 9 pm, and he is sweating it because it is 3 PM in Massachusetts.....We go on the net, get 3 telephone numbers for local flower shops in Cambridge. He calls the first number. Busy. He sweating a bit more. Calls the 2nd one and they only have the flowers that Sharon does not like. Now it is 930. Call number 3. Bingo. He sweet talks the lady who answers the phone who happens to know the address where Harold, Sharon's dad, lives. She has the flowers of choice and promises that the flowers will be delivered as soon as possible. Rick came across sometimes like a hayseed. He missed very little. I shall miss our laughing, his math on the golf course, his honesty and concern, and his heart. I was lucky to have him as a friend. Deb and I send our condolences and love, David

Dear Sharon, I wish I could be there and be part of Rick's funeral services. Mike and I will send a donation and we will always have you and rick in our hearts. I am flying to Germany to meet my daughter and grandson in July, and that would not be possible if it weren't for you guys. I am going to tell my daughter about Rick and I will tell her about my life beyond my wildest imagination. Love, Gerdy

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