Just thinking on some things that go along with Richard's words of having lived a good long life. Richard's early life and throughout he enjoyed painting. He said he painted almost every building in Marion. Not failing to mention all the many houses he painted as well. I use to be amazed how he walked around on stilts to reach those high places. He had even painted the SIH Cancer Institute building near Carterville. Where he had chemo in the past and radiation most recent. He certainly had talent painting even on canvas which several friends and family have one or more of his paintings, He even painted wonderfully on other items such as shovels, rocks, and hand saws.
Younger years Richard enjoyed fishing some of you may know or want to know his secret to catching fish was spitting on the worm. He would say doing that would bring a good catch. Which could be refuted when seeing his stringer empty while his fishing buddy who didn't spit well his stringer was full. Thinking about that brings a smile as fishing season will be here soon.
Richard also had a time of hunting days with his little bird dog Gypsy she sure could point. Squirrels was another thing he'd hunt and one time he brought home some baby ones which are hard to keep.
Richard had horse riding days too . He went on long rides him and other riders came upon a hole once which appeared to have a big cat living down inside once they realized it they didn't hang around long.
Playing music was a highlight of his life too. Many evenings were spent at his brother's house next door meeting in the garage. Later on that love for playing the guitar became even greater aa his wife Gayle enjoyed singing. Him and his friends would travel playing hymns for Churches.
Richard loved mowing with his tractor he'd call it which was a lawn mower tractor. He loved piddling in the yard and doing some gardening.
These last months of his life as I thought on the things he really liked best I asked him what was his favorite. Some of you may guess - well I asked was it horses? hunting? fishing? playing music?, etc; However the best times of his later life became love and interest in old cars and fixing them up not forgetting all the car shows too. He and his wife Gayle would drive around looking for a gem which would be an old car hidden way back in someone's yard. Some of you have seen his collection and some have admired. While some of you enjoyed spending time with him in his garage.

Now coming to the final days of a life well lived. In years past he was also a good cook. Which paid off as to being a good husband to his wife he began doing all the cooking as she became unable. I'm sure many could testify Richard could cook up good tasting meals as well as many of the women folk in his family or even his Church. As caregivers to him in his final days my sister Rachette and I would often find him reprimanding our cooking skills comparing it to his own. Even if we followed his directions to a T it just sometimes wouldn't hold up to his. When we would add some final touches of our own he would realize our cooking is actually fine. Lots of times however due to radiation etc he had a loss of appetite and taste. It was so nice when he had his taste buds back in working order,-- he will be missed.
For those of you who know Christ also know Richard has just fallen asleep having a blessed release. Safe in the arms of Jesus having no more struggles- worries- or fears. And the day shall come when Jesus shall wipe away all tears. May we find comfort knowing Richard lived a good long life.