Monday, June 04, 2007

Godspeed, Richard...

The saying that the good die young held true this weekend with the sudden death of Richard Rodger. Richard was one of the first people I met when we moved up here. He gave my hubby his first Yukon job as a guide for Bonnet Plume Outfitters. He quickly became a treasured friend.

You couldn't help but like Richard. He was happy, outgoing and just an all round nice guy. He had a special ability to make whoever he was talking to feel like they were the only person in the room and that he truly cared about you were saying--even when you were so drunk you weren't making any damn sense! His positive attitude was contagious. No matter what life threw at him, Richard never showed any anger or bitterness. He just kept going with his silly little smile and that goofy giggle.

What I'd give to hear that giggle on my voice mail one more time demanding I bake him more cookies. The man loved his cookies and I enjoyed baking them for him. I even bought a special cookbook of nothing but cookie recipes just so Richard would have more options than plain ol' chocolate chip. I may never bake cookies without tears again.

At some point there will be comfort in the fact that Richard died doing what he loved best, flying, and where he loved to be. Right now there is only a deep sense of loss and pain. I'm glad I got to know you, Richard. I'm sorry there aren't going to be many more years of silly stories, cookies and late night bonfires. Godspeed, my friend. You'll be missed.

6 comments:

Khady Lynn said...

Tamralyn,

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. How very sad. Maybe you could bake cookies with tears, AND smiles, knowing he is looking down wondering what KIND it will be this time. :-)

Hugs and soft woos to you,

Holly

Phred said...

{{{Hugs}}} of Sympathy & Comfort to Tamara, Stuart, and Richard's Family & Friends.

May wonderful Memories of a Treasured Friend begin to fill the emptiness in your hearts.

Fly High, Richard ... Stretch your Angel Wings.

/s/ (sad) Phred from Ohio

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. These kind of friends are rare and oh so special. My condolences to you and Stuart and Richards family and friends.
~Bobbie

Anonymous said...

Wow, I can't believe this happened. I met Richard in January when he and Cam (owner of Black Sheep) came to see me about getting a small website designed. They were extremely great guys to deal with and obviously had a fantastic relationship, almost like father and son. Richard was funny, honest, trustworthy and most of all, real. I always looked forward to our meetings. I'll sorely miss him and his passion for life and grand adventures.

Jack & Moo said...

Richard sounds like the kind of person who will never leave his friends, so don't be surprised if you feel him nearby when you bake cookies.
Sympathy to his family, you & Stuart, and all his friends.
Woos,
Pat, Star & Sherms

Carol said...

Dear TamaraLyn and Stuart, please give our sincere sympathy to Richard's mom and sister. I recall how friendly he was as he met us around one of your famous campfires. He will be missed but he did leave behind some great memories that you will treasure and share. love you and thinking of you, Mom