In the fall of 1965 Richard became my first friend in Houston. He lived a few blocks over in our neighborhood. Richard had many likeable qualities which attracted many. He and I worked together at Weingarten's, double dated often, made sure that we were part of the party scene in high school, bought our clothes at Norton Ditto, Rodney's and Sakowitz. Without fail we wore monogramed shirts.
Richard was an integral part of our close knit group: Jack Thompson, Mike Busby, Randy Battarbee, Dwayne Wells, Pete Mommsen, Mike Trapolino and yours truly. Interestingly, Richard, Jack, Mike and I were known to skip school frequently with a case or two beer as we headed to Surfside or Galveston during our senior year!
During his freshman year of college, Richard chose to enlist in the Marine Corp instead of being drafted. He served our country proudly for at least 20 years. He was honorably discharged as a Master Sgt. raising a family of six children with his wife by his side in Virginia.
Years later,1998 or 1999, Richard and I resumed our valued friendship long distance eventually going on fishing and hunting trips with the "friends forever" group. Travels to Florida and Texas. Understated we relived all the fun, experiences and sorrow together.
Tomorrow, 3-12-2015, it will be 9 years since Richard passed. I was honored to take part in his services in Fredricksburg,Va. Prior to his passing Jack and I both individually said "our goodbyes" to our friend over the phone. Soon thereafter, Jack and I met in Virginia to say our final farewell. He will be forever remembered!
Bill McLeod
In the fall of 1965 Richard became my first friend in Houston. He lived a few blocks over in our neighborhood. Richard had many likeable qualities which attracted many. He and I worked together at Weingarten's, double dated often, made sure that we were part of the party scene in high school, bought our clothes at Norton Ditto, Rodney's and Sakowitz. Without fail we wore monogramed shirts.
Richard was an integral part of our close knit group: Jack Thompson, Mike Busby, Randy Battarbee, Dwayne Wells, Pete Mommsen, Mike Trapolino and yours truly. Interestingly, Richard, Jack, Mike and I were known to skip school frequently with a case or two beer as we headed to Surfside or Galveston during our senior year!
During his freshman year of college, Richard chose to enlist in the Marine Corp instead of being drafted. He served our country proudly for at least 20 years. He was honorably discharged as a Master Sgt. raising a family of six children with his wife by his side in Virginia.
Years later,1998 or 1999, Richard and I resumed our valued friendship long distance eventually going on fishing and hunting trips with the "friends forever" group. Travels to Florida and Texas. Understated we relived all the fun, experiences and sorrow together.
Tomorrow, 3-12-2015, it will be 9 years since Richard passed. I was honored to take part in his services in Fredricksburg,Va. Prior to his passing Jack and I both individually said "our goodbyes" to our friend over the phone. Soon thereafter, Jack and I met in Virginia to say our final farewell. He will be forever remembered!