I had it in mind to compose some sonnet or poem or ode or song ...
but all I could hear was Rich's voice laughing at the melodrama

And so, I leave just this.

These pictures, these words, and half a lifetime of bittersweet memories
are all I have left of one of the most brilliant lives I've ever known.

My friend, my companion, my confidant and one of the people I've loved longest and best
I will always miss you Rich

 

Graduation from Harvard. Physicist, satirist and rated chess player.
A brilliant mind.

Bob and me (years ago!) and Rich - heading out to a mystery dinner theatre for my birthday - Rich's plan and idea

for me, this picture really speaks to the real Rich, and his insatiable curiosity ...
and the greatest tragedy was somewhere he lost that zest for life.

Rich and Dwayne, his life-partner of 5 years

wonder how long he worked on getting the right angle for this

Familiar and comfortable, safe and comforting ... hard to believe he's not here
It was hard to say goodbye, it was hard to go on, it will always be hard to not have him here.

Maine Coon cats Rhyme and Reason, Rich's last pair of cats.
The followed predecessors Tar and Feather.
Rich always had great pet names.


This is Five, Zero, Beth and Chaos - if you know, you know

I wish I had more pictures and thoughts to share, but, I don't. That's it, the song is over.

"Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
You fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way . . .
The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older,
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death . . .
The time is gone, the song is over,
Thought I'd something more to say."
Always.