Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Dick was a very kind man proud of his German heritage and exceptionally skilled in everything thing he endeavored to do. Like so many men born before the great depression he was fated to be just the right age to serve his country during World War II. He, like so many of the men I had the honor of knowing rarely talked about his service during the war. It always amazed me that within the space taken by 6 desks sat a group of men that risked their lives to free nations as they fought in great battles like the Battle of the Bulge and Iwo Jima. They served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines in the European and Asian Theaters. I say all this to honor Dick and all of the men I worked with that served our nation.
What a stroke of great fortune I had to have known Dick and so many from this generation that did their best to pass on all they learned in an effort to teach and mentor and yes Dick I know it was very, very tough with me. In everyone’s life they can look back and know absolutely in their heart that if they had not known and been mentored by very special people, their lives would not have been the same. To me Dick was one of these very special people in my life that I owe so much to. I will never be able to thank him enough. To Dick, Rose and family I send you the undying love and appreciation from my family and me for all you have done and the lifelong friendship you have given. We offer our hope that in this very trying time you are able to experience peace in your life.
I had the great fortune and honor of knowing Dick and as mentioned to him years ago I will raise a glass of beer in his memory. Yes Dick, it will be some week beer like Cream Ale not the good German beer, you know I never liked that stuff.
