It was tough to witness Richard’s failing health these past few years. He was someone who’s outer nature was always moving, always heading toward the next adventure, not being able to do that, had to have been difficult.
Whether it was dancing---oh how he and Lorraine loved their dancing! ---or camping, boating, skiing, riding his motorcycle, Richard squeezed all that he could out of every moment.
He had that twinkle in his eye that suggested a mischievous side, a plan of action, a new adventure to embark upon, Richard was ready.
There may have been times when Richard began to lose heart, but it didn’t last. Why? Because Richard was always renewing---when sick Lorraine couldn’t keep him in bed because he wanted to check on his properties or tinker with his van or make one more trip to the casino---Richard always had places to go and people to see. As a matter of fact, just a few weeks before he died, as Lorraine was heading to work, he called out, “I want to come and help you, I want to volunteer.” His body was failing him, but his spirit was strong—he did not lose heart.
Richard made friends wherever he went---there is the story of the epic bus trip to Tennessee with the dance group. It began with Richard sharing his beloved strawberry pies with everyone and was topped off by, after he missed the tour bus departure to Pigeon Forge, Richard hitch-hiking to Pigeon Forge where, after he and the driver shared a great breakfast and became fast friends, he miraculously found the group and joined the tour as if nothing at all had gone array!
That was Richard, from his BOLO tie, boots, various and sundry reading glasses strung around his neck ,to that twinkle in his eye, Richard loved meeting people, trying new things, having a good time. Richard loved. And it showed.
Now if there is one thing, I can’t stand is a funeral homily that makes the deceased sound flawless. Richard had flaws. We all have flaws. But it was really difficult to stay mad at Richard. Because he was too funny, too quick with a laugh, too fast to lend a helping hand to stay mad.
As we hear in our readings today, anyone who hears Jesus’ word and believes in the One who sent him has eternal life, and does not come under judgement, but passes seamlessly from death to life.
Richard wasn’t a church goer, he wasn’t a man who spoke about his faith but let me tell you, he was a man who lived it.
You had to pay attention to see it, but it was there—once a panhandler asked Richard for money, and without missing a beat, Richard told the man he was working this side of the street, so the man needed to get off his turf. Richard then laughed that laugh of his and helped the man out. Richard normalized the situation, engaged the man in conversation and then offered him a helping hand. The last time I checked, that behavior fell under the category of respecting the dignity of every human being. Of loving your neighbor as yourself. As doing what it is Jesus would do.
Once, about 6 years ago there was a priest and a deacon who always enjoyed seeing Richard. When Diocesan Convention was scheduled for Niagara Falls that year, Richard made a date with this couple to take them to the casino because he was fairly appalled that neither of them had ever been in one. Sure enough, Lorraine, Pete, Richard and I snuck out of convention and much to the chagrin of the Bishop, went across the street to play the slots. Richard took us under his wing showing us the ropes. It’s one of my fondest memories---not because I finally set foot in a casino, not because Pete actually won some money, no it’s one of my fondest memories because of Richard (and Lorraine’s) kindness and their delight in sharing with us something that brought them great joy.
My friends, that’s love. Sharing joy with others, bringing joy to others, wanting joy for others. That’s love.
I didn’t spend a lot of time with Richard, but whenever I did, I felt better for having done it, because when I spent time with him, I felt alive, I felt enthusiastic, I felt love.
I consider it one of the great honors of my priesthood that on the morning of his death I was able to offer him the prayers and the anointing of the church, sending him on his way to the fullness of life eternal.
I don’t know if you’ve ever seen the drawing of Jesus laughing. I have it on my fridge at home…Jesus has his head thrown back and he’s laughing a deep belly laugh, face full of delight. I have no doubt that when Richard took his final breaths early in the morning on October 15th, both he and Jesus threw their heads back, laughing as they reminisced about an earthly life well-lived, now finished.
After the slight momentary affliction of illness and death, Richard entered the immeasurable, never ending, always glimmering glory of God, accompanied by all the saints in light.
Rest in peace Richard. Rest in Light, Rest in Laughter, Rest in love.
You’ve earned it.
Amen.
