I think one of Dick’s best qualities was his optimism.  He almost always found the good in every situation and person he met.  He met each day with “This is the day that the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24) - borrowing, from his favorite pastor, Dr. James D. Kennedy of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, who supposedly began each service in a similar fashion.  Thinking about negativities in the past was not an option for Dick, and he would say, “That is why they make the rearview window small, and the windshield big.” When contemplating the negativities in other people, he along with Daina would say “We are all a bunch of characters!” And was his way of putting everyone on equal footing! On this the second anniversary of his passing, he is never forgotten and always loved! 

I don’t know what I enjoyed doing better with you.  Camping with  Jan and Daina in the motorhome in the Rocky  mountains. Or riding our Harley’s  up into the Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise and back home again. Or your picking me up in Alaska when I was single !!

These are all fabulous times that I still treasure in my heart, and I will always love you.💞

I had no idea my friend passed away and feel bad I did not stay closer in touch. My heart goes out to you Jan. All my best wishes to the family

 Love Kent

My first memory of Dick was when he came to Cleveland to meet Jan’s parents (my parents!). Jan was 21 at the time, and Dick was 38, so a 17 year difference in age!  I’ll never forget sitting around the living room, and my parents trying to take this all in!  Along with the short courtship, and the age difference, Jan would become the step mom to 3 children!  As Dick would say, “No one thought it would last!” But Glory to God, they were happily married, best friends and sweethearts, for 56 years! 

Sight seeing during the balloon fiesta.

I am so sorry for the loss of your dad and grandpa. He was one of the great men in my life. He was like my brother. He loved taking care of me and taking me on all of their vacations for six years while I was single. I will never forget his kindness and his faith.

July 2023 with Jan and sister, Nancy and husband, Mark. Went to the top of Pikes Peak!

Bud & Herk '46 Yearbook — with Roy "Bud" Sherrett & Richard "Herk" Yost