It has taken me a whole year to leave this tribute... I was not ready to let him go...

Some of you know our story, working together on many projects and becoming close friends over time. He was always there when I needed him, greeting the dogs at the door in the morning with much enthusiasm for the day ahead, bringing us doughnut holes on Wednesdays and having coffee at the kitchen island. (I only found out much later that he did not really drink coffee!) I remember from those early days how he was always planning something – a trip, a party, a kind act to support somebody in his life. Always full of energy, caring for others and making the most of any opportunity that life presented him with.

And after life brought us together, I got to experience his love, caring, and sense of adventure. He truly brightened every day of our short time together – from making me coffee in the morning, hiding my clothes while I was in the shower, picking flowers for me in the back forty, taking me on surprise dinner dates, and everything in between. He made even the smallest things complete. He was my best friend and we could sit and talk for hours about any topic under the sun. And we laughed a lot! 

Rich has had his challenges in life, some of which affected his health and personal relationships. But he was driven by his love for life and the people that came across his path. I feel privileged and am very thankful to have shared a tiny sliver of Rich’s life. I miss him every day, wishing we had more time together, but I know that he is at peace and I will carry our love and memories in my heart forever.

I love you sweetheart!

I have known Rich around 55 years. My first introduction was when his family moved in next door when Rich was just a punk kid. He, Ronnie, Angie and Don Don were standing between our homes in Palos Verdes throwing rocks at our house. I was thinking "you've got to be kidding me!" as they ran away. This phase didn't last and our families soon had an open door policy. Richard and I did so many things together I don't know where to start... a partial list is countless surf sessions, multiple trips to Mexico, truck races at the Coliseum, 4th of July birthday parties and BBQs, adventures in the red/white VW van (ie. fire extinguishers used to hose down partiers in Isla Vista during fiesta time), sleep overs and fun times at "Hotel Hope Ranch", kayaking in Alemeda Bay, Rich living on our couch for months right after I got married, Rich's first bachelor party and wedding, Ronnie's wedding, Don Don's wedding, Angie's wedding, taco Tuesday's at Red Onion, construction at Doll and Pop's, Rich naming our first cat "Psycho Kitty or P.K.", lots of fireworks and bombs and lots of parties, horse shoes and fun, laying laminate floors at my mother-in-law's home, and countless phone calls with laughs and tears. With myself and many others, Rich was like the "brother from another mother"... such a good friend. I truly miss him... but not as much as his family and Petro do... I grieve for you and with you!  Much love, Karl R. Bingemann

Rich was my best friend, husband and my soul mate during our time together. I fell in love with him because he made me laugh, had a deep, emotional and tender side and had a definite spirit for adventure. Angela, I am forever grateful for Rich bringing me in to be part of your family; besides my own, since Rich and I parted, your family's deep connection and love has remained in my heart and will be there forever! Sending healing prayers and love to you, your Mom and Dad, Petro and the rest of the Cook family. May Rich Rest in Peace

Being Rich's sister has been an interesting ride. We had great fun and we also had great challenges. The memories of Rich I will carry with me are those which are positive, fun and full of adventure. Rich was a daredevil, a thrill seeker, and had a high tolerance for stress in his earlier years. I learned from him to take great risks in order to have great adventures. We hiked, biked, motorcycled, road tripped, explored, partied and got into our fair share of trouble. In our 40's and beyond, I was less adventurous and more risk-averse, but Rich still managed to get me out for some really fun and somewhat risky activities.

One of my favorite memories is of a hike we took in Rattlesnake Canyon in Santa Barbara. It was a really hot day so we jumped in the creek. Rich turned away from me for a minute, and when he turned back, he opened his mouth and a frog jumped out! It made me scream and then laugh! That's what most of my life was like with him. There were constant surprises, mostly good and funny.

One of the best years of my life was the year Rich lived with me in Chico while he got sober and I got ready to open a retail business. We worked hard together to rehab a storefront in downtown that would become my place of business. The only things I contracted out were refinishing the hardwood floors and having signage painted. Rich and I did everything else ourselves. It was a great learning experience for me and I will always deeply appreciate him for all of the hours he poured into my venture. That year was healing for both of us as individuals and for our sibling relationship.

Since Rich has been gone, I've found myself on several occasions reaching for the phone to ask him a construction or equipment question. Not having my advisor as I landscape my front and back yards by myself has been a challenge and is when I find myself missing him most. He was always there to support and encourage me with home or business projects. I miss that very much.

I'm grateful that Rich is no longer suffering, but I miss him terribly. I miss his prankster nature, his smile and laugh, and his care as my oldest brother. I think of him many times each day and choose to remember him with love and fondness. I take comfort in believing that he is reunited in the great beyond with my two other brothers and that they're getting into all kinds of good trouble.

Love you, brother. Rest in Peace.