Story Title: The Lollyberger Police
By: Sally Burch
Rich was one of those people who came into my life at just the right time. I needed laughter again…the kind that makes your stomach hurt. Rich did that so easily. I have known and loved Nancy since we were about 10 yrs.old. When she told me about this great guy she was seeing, I was a bit skeptical about how he would fit into our longtime friendship. He was a perfect fit! It wasn’t long before I felt I had known him my entire life. Best of all, he was a wonderful companion and husband to Nancy. She deserved that so much.
Rich asked me once early on if I collected Lollyberger like Nancy did. Once I figured out he was referring to Longaberger baskets, I started to laugh. He stayed very serious and told me under no circumstances should I ever use a Lollyberger for anything other than what it was intended for…such as using a salt and pepper basket to hold guest soaps. He told me that the “Lollyberger Police” would be there to arrest me in short time. He kept that serious face until I was laughing so hard I cried. Only then, did he laugh with me.
That is just one of many hilarious stories I have about Rich. He was fun to play cards with and funny to listen to. I have never met anyone else like him, and I am sure there will never be another Rich. I will miss his great sense of humor along with the hospitality he always showed when we visited. There were big hugs for me when I was coming and going. It is always nice to feel like someone is really happy to see you.
I didn’t get to spend nearly enough time with Rich, but I am so grateful for the years I got to know him. He was truly a dear friend, and I will think of him often. I will miss him more than I can express.
You were the best, my friend!
Love, Sally
Beth says
I was so sorry to learn of my uncle Rich’s passing, I just know that his suffering had ended. I was so glad to get to see him recently when we all went to lunch. I always felt a connection with our love for horses.
Michelle Hendricks says
I teach Special Ed at LC. Mr. Richey started every one of my days with a smile. I was pregnant last year, and he teased me every day about going to Qdoba, telling me we’d have to go to Moe’s, so he could show me how much better it was than Qdoba. I had to leave in February, due to complications. Thankfully, I was able to make it into school in May, with my new son. Mr. Richey lit up when he saw us- he literally had tears in his eyes, as he told me he was getting nervous he wasn’t going to get to meet the little guy. He was wonderful to my family, whenever they came to visit. He called my 3 year old “Rocky” from the first time he met him- my son had been in a car accident and looked like he’d been in the ring! I miss Rich each time I walk in the building- I think of the smile, and I know I’ll always be thankful I was able to know him, even if only for a few short years.
Lisa Dovey says
I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Mr. Richey was one of the most courageous determined people I have met in my career as a dietitian at the VA. I have worked with veterans for over 30 years so I have met a few over the years. I enjoyed working with Mr. Richey and had hoped that he would be able to beat his disease. Early on he seemed to be doing so well but it became obvious that the AML was taking its toll. Yet as he continued to battle he maintained his sense of humor and determination. I cannot imagine the huge hole that is left for all of you right now as he was larger than life. He will be missed in our clinic and our lives. I echo the sentiments of the VA Hematology clinic message-he was our Hero and made us feel better when we thought we were there to do that for him My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I was honored to have participated in some way in his care over the past year.
Lisa
Maggie Johnson says
I was so sorry to read of Rich’s passing. Though I haven’t seen Rich in many years, I still think of him every time I see or hear anything about Paula Deen. He always talked about her restaurant in Savannah and how beautiful a city Savannah was. I had the opportunity to visit Savannah last summer and it was all he said it would be!
Rich was so caring and helpful to the students at LC. And his sense of humor was the greatest! He made coming to work every day a joy. He would have us all laughing in the Media Center.
Nancy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Maggie Johnson
Former IA at Lawrence Central Media Center
Susan Williamson says
Nancy, I am so sorry. I never had the pleasure of meeting Rich, but I can tell from the pic that he loved to have fun and loved life. I know you have lots of friends for support right now, but I just want you to know you are in my thoughts too.