I am saddened to hear of Richard's passing. We had some good times together, playing Mendez trumpet trios for contests. His family have my sincere condolences.
Rest in peace Richard. You were a good friend. I continue to be impressed with Richard's abilities in the musical sphere. He played drums in a Dekalb rock and roll band. His playing was really impressive. He never bragged about his talent, but his talent was always there or everyone to enjoy. My condolenses also to his mother and father with whom I had developed a friendship over the years.
I had little contact with Richard until second semester sophomore year--Katy Wright's History class. Ms. Wright was in the process of kicking Richard out of class for sleeping and it woke me up. I had the window seat in front of Katy's desk. Richard was complaining that I was asleep but she wasn't kicking me out. Ms. Wright told Richard that when he had my grades in her class, he could sleep. Some days later, Richard stopped me and asked me what my grades were--my passport to sleep. I told him that I hadn't missed any questions that year. After that, Richard never failed to greet me pleasantly up until we graduated. He had a signature smile to go with an inate positive nature or outlook. He was one of the good guys.
I learned so much at DHS--from Richard--it was how to smile--a lesson I never mastered to his level. Thank you, Richard.
Probably my best day was taking my wife and daughter to Katy's house during one of our Christmas visits to Dixon. She treated my girls like royalty--gave them the tour of her studio (water color paintings of Gran Maris).
Victor Bowman
I am saddened to hear of Richard's passing. We had some good times together, playing Mendez trumpet trios for contests. His family have my sincere condolences.
Mike Wadsworth
Rest in peace Richard. You were a good friend. I continue to be impressed with Richard's abilities in the musical sphere. He played drums in a Dekalb rock and roll band. His playing was really impressive. He never bragged about his talent, but his talent was always there or everyone to enjoy. My condolenses also to his mother and father with whom I had developed a friendship over the years.
Mike Julian (Julian)
I had little contact with Richard until second semester sophomore year--Katy Wright's History class. Ms. Wright was in the process of kicking Richard out of class for sleeping and it woke me up. I had the window seat in front of Katy's desk. Richard was complaining that I was asleep but she wasn't kicking me out. Ms. Wright told Richard that when he had my grades in her class, he could sleep. Some days later, Richard stopped me and asked me what my grades were--my passport to sleep. I told him that I hadn't missed any questions that year. After that, Richard never failed to greet me pleasantly up until we graduated. He had a signature smile to go with an inate positive nature or outlook. He was one of the good guys.
I learned so much at DHS--from Richard--it was how to smile--a lesson I never mastered to his level. Thank you, Richard.
Probably my best day was taking my wife and daughter to Katy's house during one of our Christmas visits to Dixon. She treated my girls like royalty--gave them the tour of her studio (water color paintings of Gran Maris).