Richard such an adventurer. Always looking for fun things to do whether planning a scavenger hut or an unforgettable outing with the grandchildren you had a way of making life memorable. We miss you dearly and think often our times together. Thank you for all of those wonderful memories and for showing our boys what being a , creative, caring, curious, engaged, and effective man is.

Dearest Ann,
I’d like to think that both Dave and Rich are together and watching over us. Dave’s there 10 years now.
As Ever-
Marilyn Daly

Thinking of you today uncle Rich. I miss your laugh, your stories and your easy smile  I’ll always have my joyful memories of you in my heart. Lots of love, Anna

As I remember Dad, I think about all the ways he lives on in my life - all the ways I am my father's daughter and all the ways my life is brighter because he was my father. I love adventure, I love my family, I love food, I send people articles, I find myself channeling him in many different ways and most importantly I care deeply - all of which he embodied for me.
I miss him alot and find myself asking what he would do when I am stumped (of course that is only after many emotional gymnastics of my own).

Love you Dad!
Elizabeth

Happy Birthday, Dad! Whenever something good happens to me or my family, I still instinctively reach for the phone - thinking Dad is going to love hearing this. I want you to know I still feel that loving support even if you aren't here. With love, Brac

Dear Dad,
I still miss you every single day. I can feel you and that helps sometimes. I just skied in Vail and missed you so much there. I skied your favorite runs, thinking of you the whole time. Love and miss you more than you can imagine. Will be celebrating your birthday tonight with Mom and David here in Darien. Loving you (as you used to say to me), Catherine

Dear, dear Ann and kids….

Even though today is a special day, Jerry and I think of Richie every day. We miss everything about him…his laugh, his kindness and thoughtfulness, his incredible intellect, his generosity …what a great friend Richie was. We are thinking of all of you who he loved so much. Our hearts hurt for you but we feel so enriched by the friendship that Richie gave us. We send you all so much love….linda and jerry

I have so many great memories. Rich was always willing to discuss politics, sports or family. With the weather changing in New England, thoughts of winter sports and my NE Patriots would be top on the list for our phone calls. The memory never fades. I miss him greatly.

Aunty Ann and family,
On Richie's heavenly birthday it rushes back so many memories of what a great human and friend he was. Visits from you and him were priceless when I was a child, as I grew into an adult and was able to visit you both in CA and CO those trips are forever sealed in my heart. He truly was an amazing husband, dad, friend, and one-of-a-kind. My prayer is that today and each day you will cherish every moment God gave you with Richie.
All my love and hugs,
Ann

To Ann and the Selph clan,
Since Rich's birthday falls six days after mine, I'm always reminded of what a great friend he was to me. I'm especially grateful this year for the warm friendship of Ann and the Selphs for the Gandt family. Our thanks and wishes for a wonderful holiday season. 

Thinking of dad on his birthday. He loved his birthdays so much. I miss his wise counsel, his steady demeanor, the twinkle in his eye when he was enjoying himself with family and friends, his booming laughter, his hugs, his ever present support and belief in me, his delight upon discovering something new or figuring something out. I think of dad and still miss him every single day - and I’m grateful for the 48 years I had with him.

Dear Ann and family,
It's hard to believe it's been a year since our wonderful friend Rich left us, but he will never be forgotten and "forever missed" by all who had the privilege to know him. He remains in our hearts always.

This past summer I had the privilege of hosting Lucas, Rich's grandson and mine, for a week of historical explorations in the Boston area. Lucas is a chip off the ol' block of his "Captain". I was amazed on how Rich and Ann (and his parents) influenced Lucas to be so inquisitive and interested in all things Americana.
Site after historic site, Lucas asked excellent questions of the staff as he exchanged his knowledge of various aspects of the founding of this great nation. It was on the USS Consititution I overheard him asking the crew the relevance of the many nautical items that were on display.
With Rich's and his dad's influence, Lucas has gained a love of sailing and has won many awards for his ability and sportsmanship. I could see so much of Rich in Lucas in that wonderful week in August.
Often, legacy is spoken about in terms of a fond remembrance of character and a life of good deeds. As I observe our gandson's spirit of adventure and unique curiosity about life, I thank Rich for providing the foundation and influence for making this possible. I miss you my good friend Rich. Rest assured your spirit lives on in all of us.
Fondest memories, Ed

We are all thinking of you today, Annie. He is as it says, Forever Missed. All love to you and the family, hope you are settling in - we miss you too! Marcy & David

Rich, you’ve left a hole in the life of so many of us. I miss the ultimate prankster’s belly laugh. I know that you are weaving your prankster craft amongst those in the hereafter while hiding a gotcha smile. Semper Fi, Bro.

Rich was not only a long-time friend, he was my best friend. When I think of him, which I often do, I remember his (formerly) bushy red hair, his infectious laugh, his keen intellect, generosity, sense of humor, kindness, sense of adventure, and his devotion to his family. I treasured our times together, skiing at Vail, meeting for lunch, attending lectures at the Commonwealth Club, sitting together at the Fromm Institute trying to stuff new information into our already crowded brains, and so many others. Linda and I smile as I remember all the clippings he used to cut out and send us from his various newspapers and magazines, later transformed into e-mails that arrived at sometimes very late or early hours. We miss all of these things but most of all we will miss his enthusiasm for life, the warmpth of his hugs and the smile on his face. Richie made our lives better and we will be eternally grateful that we knew him. RIP Captain. Life goes on without your physical presence but you will always be my check-pilot.

With Memorial Day approaching, I thought of Rich. His son, David, is married to my niece, Christine.

We both learned to fly in Florida. Rich as a Marine in the 60's. I as an aerospace engineer in the 70's.

Rich flew for Pan Am in the 60's. I liked that airline. I was just a kid in the 60's when I flew from Boston to Ireland on Pan Am. During the flight, the crew invited me into the cockpit. Different age back then! I'd like to think that Rich was part of the flight crew, but who knows? Nevertheless, Rich chose well and that experience inspired me to became an aerospace engineer.

In 2014, my wife Elsa and I sailed around Africa, docking in Tenerife in the Canary Islands toward the end. Tenerife was the scene of the worst aviation disaster in history when two 747s collided on a foggy runway killing 583. I emailed Rich about Tenerife. He responded that he represented the Airline Pilots Association as accident investigator for the Tenerife collision. Recommendations of Rich and team resulted in a new Cockpit Resource Management protocol where the crew could question the Captain without fear of reprisal. This translated into vast improvements in aviation safety.

Final Chapter

I spent six days last December in Kaiser Santa Clara Hospital, about 45 miles down the street from Rich in SF. I flew into a cytokine storm and was going down with a severe case of Covid-19. By Christmas Day, my immune system calmed down and my prognosis improved.

Rich and I had drifted apart, so I decided to reach out to him with an email. I sent my email at 12:36 AM on Christmas Day. I received a gracious reply at 9:00 AM Dec 25! That just made my day as Clint Eastwood would say!

...and then he's gone. Godspeed Rich!

-Bill Preetz

Dear Ann,

We were shocked and saddened to learn of Rich’s death. We adored him.

It’s been hard for us to know what to write. We’ve been thinking about Rich and recalling his friendship to us and our family—from Pelham antics with Neil to his unexpected appearance at Nancy and Neil’s wedding; from Guana Island, where he credited Laura with bringing survival food (i.e. a Snickers bar) on a hike "just in case" it was needed (it wasn't) to our first Thanksgiving as a married couple in Colorado, where we were exempted from cooking because we were newcomers; from the reunion celebration in Connecticut in August 2019 to his droll annual holiday letter….
 
We could list so many more instances where Rich showed kindness, loyalty, and good humor. We will miss him.

Please know that we are here for you whenever you might wish to talk or write. We hope you find peace and solace in the days ahead.

With deep sympathy and much love,

J.J. and Laura Austrian

Ann , sending my Deepest Sympathy to you and your family I will keep you in my prayers you have a beautiful family I enjoy your beautiful tribute to
Your wonderful husband prayers for all of you Love Judy

Dear Ann, Elizabeth and family,

we, Elisabeth (daughter of Debora) and  Natalie (Elisabeth's friend) from Austria, met Richard during our trip in the States in 2014. Although we only spend a few days at Ann and Richard's place in San Francisco, we will never forget this great time. When we had arrived in the city, we suddenly found ourselfs lost (wrong address). One call and Richard picked us up immediately. We were quite impressed that he knew the way home so well without navigation. He told us, that as a pilot, he has the map inside his head. :)
You (Ann) and Richard were great hosts!!  When we had dinner together, Richard showed his great sence of humor and it was so nice to see how lovingly he was with his wife.
We remember that Richard loved doing research. ;) Bevore we left, he organized a carpool for us so we could travel further down the coast to LA, wich made our trip even more adventurous.  And we will never forget how caring Richard was, as he also made sure that the guy who picked us up was "okay" by checking him and his drivers license. ;)

Send you heartfelt condulences,
Elisabeth und Natalie

It has been a month since Rich's accident, and 10 days since his passing. I wake every day mourning his loss, thinking of young he was, how much his sweet Ann will miss him, his Christmas cards full of hope for the next page of his adventure.  Our visits in Mountain Haus, or Scott, or Lombard, meant so much to me. His wise council when we were on the Board together. He was a good and caring friend, and I am so so sorry that he is not here to enjoy his next adventure.

Reposted from my Caring Bridge note:

"My heart breaks for Rich, for Ann, for all of his loving family. He was so young and so alive and had so much to look forward to, I am just so so sorry. Years of Christmas cards with his very dry, rye sense of humor will be sorely missed. He always had that twinkle in his eye when he would laugh at the paradoxes of life. He was always so proud of his children, telling stories of skiing from the small haus in Austria to get food with each of you, sharing stories of Thanksgivings and Christmas's with everyone assembled, and then each of you finishing your educations, traveling the world, launching your careers. He loved all of you so very much. And then his Ann....tales of meeting in Manhattan, the courtship, and a life of skiing, boating, flying, traveling, cooking, sitting on the couch watching the fireplace and holding hands as a little pup would make Ann's purse shake. Climbing the hill in Alta Plaza park with his weights, sailing his boat out of Sausalito, heading down to SFO for another transpacific flight, studying up for which BMW to buy and why, driving his Gold Wing with the gang along Mountain Cliffs. Never complaining after a fall on the ski hill. Always enjoying a meal out. Always seeing the glass as more than half full. And looking forward to moving to Connecticut with his Ann to be with kids and family. A big life full of adventures. Ended too soon. He will be so missed."

He did so much, lived so much. His stories of Berlin, Pan Am, sailing from San Francisco to Santa Barbara and the mishaps encountered, sailing in Denmark, misadventures with fellow Pan Am pilots, his kids, his grandkids, and always always having a story that came back to sweet Ann. The last 747 flight into the old Hong Kong airport. I still am dumbstruck that they took the motorcycle to Alaska, all kinds of weather, and Poo their pup riding along for the adventure.

They do not make them like Rich. What a loss. Hugs to Ann and all the family. He loved you so.

Dear Annie and all Rich's family, we are devastated by this loss. Rich was truly one of a kind, honest, caring, funny, a real joy to be around. We feel so fortunate to have been able to share these years with you both. He will be much missed. Our hearts go out to you. Much love, Marcy & David

I’m going to miss Uncle Rich so much. My heart is broken thinking that I didn’t get to see him one last time. I’ve got his big whole body laugh ringing in my brain. His joy was contagious and I always felt extra clever if something I said made him roar with laughter. He gave me unconditional love and support throughout my entire life. He demonstrated genuine engagement in such a wide range of topics, I loved talking with him. I’ll miss his bear hugs, his stories, his adventurous spirit, and his love. I’m so grateful to have an uncle like Rich 

We feel blessed that we were part of Richard and Ann's lives in Vail. Both were always so kind, friendly and wonderful to be with. Enjoyed when Cathrine came with family, and being with Elizabeth, Brac and David.

So saddened by Richard's death. Was far too soon. We send prayers, love and peace to Ann and family.

Dear Ann, Elizabeth, Brac, Cathrine and David,
I'm so sorry to hear about Richard's passing!
Even if it is a long time ago, that I met him, I lively remember him, when you all lived in Kirchberg on the Katzenbichl! As a friend and schoolmate of Elizabeth, I often enjoyed his and your hospitality and always felt special in the house of the Pilot.
With heartfelt condolences,
Debora alias Deffi aus Tirol

Rich and I became good pals in Berlin in our early Pan Am days. With our homes a couple blocks apart in Dahlem, our families bonded and our kids grew up together. Though Rich was six days younger than I, I always regarded him as my more worldly and wiser brother.  He was a guy to admire: intellectually curious, athletic, whip smart, maddeningly analytical, great company in the cockpit, at the bar, on the slopes. But Rich’s finest role was as patriarch to the lively, bustling Selph clan whom he loved and who loved him immensely. To Ann and the Selph kids and grandkids, please know that you are in our hearts and thoughts at this sad time. 

I've known Rich since he married my favorite cousin, Ann. The following reflects my beliefs he was a rare and fine person;

RICH SELPH
A foe-­‐girt land,and a Captain true
  Out on the American plain -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐
High overhead his Country’s flags flew,
  But the foes were many and friends few:
  Who shall guard those flags from stain?
  And calm ‘mid confusion Rich’s voice rang clear,
         “Adsum, -­‐-­‐-­‐ I’m here!”

Today, Heaven send, that when our hearts are
dismayed,
  And in the dark days yet in store, -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐
With foemen gathering; and faith betrayed,
  Our Country calls for a strong man’s aid
  As she never called before, -­‐-­‐-­‐
  We pray a voice like Rich’s may make answer
  clear,
  Banishing panic, and calming fear,
         “Adsum, -­‐-­‐-­‐ I’m here!”

Robert A. Williams

Thank you Richie, for living life to the fullest, being a loving husband, father, friend. We shall miss you as a classmate of a wonderful group-the high school class of 57.

My heart broke upon hearing the news of the Captain's passing. I first met Richie when Catherine and I lived next door to each other in the Presidio. At this time, we were new to motherhood and we leaned on each other for support and friendship. I always loved when Richie and Ann would come to visit Catherine and her family. I enjoyed Richie's generous spirit and his wonderful sense of humor. Upon moving to Mill Valley, I was always overjoyed to run into Richie and Ann at the kids' school or on the sidelines of a sporting event. Always curious, ever so kind, and willing to laugh and smile, Richie filled his space and those around him with joy. What an honor to have known him. I send my sincerest condolences to the entire Selph family and hope you find comfort in your favorite memories and the blessing that was Richie.

This is such terribly sad news. I send my condolences to Ann and the Selph family. Rich was a treasured neighbor. He was always so pleasant, kind, helpful and supportive. We have lost a much loved member of our community. I take solace in knowing that he lived such a full and wonderful life, and that his family brought him so much happiness.
Rest in peace, Rich.
Tessa

I met Rich when I attended my niece’s wedding in Lake Como, Christine and David’s marriage. Rich was an instantaneous likable guy. He was so warm and friendly. My brother, Ed, Christine’s father, and I brought our mom to the wedding so she could see her only granddaughter get married. At the time, mom was 88 years young. Rich got such a kick out of her. He said she was such a trooper because no matter where we went, we had to climb hilly streets to get there and she kept right up with everyone. One night we all sat on the porch of the Inn we were staying at until well after midnight just talking away.  Mom and Rich hit it off for sure.

I had the opportunity to see Rich again for special occasions in Connecticut, his grandchildren’s christenings. Each time I saw him, he held out his arms in such a warm welcome. He would tell stories and had such an easy laughter. He got a kick out of stories I would tell about growing up with Ed as my brother. 

I have to honestly say that Christine picked the best father-in-law ever. Not to mention beautiful Ann as her mother-in-law and the rest of the Selph family.  All the grandchildren should go outside tonight, pick the brightest star and know the star is their grandfather shining down on them.

Ann, John and I have you in our thoughts. My mom sends her love and condolences. Christine and David, our love goes out to you. Our hearts ache for your loss. Rich will be missed. RIP Rich. 

Dear Ann, Brac, David, Catherine, Elizabeth and Grandchildren. Cate and I were shocked and dismayed to hear of Rich passing. A hugh loss. So many treasured memories and here are a few:

Dear Rich. Having you as a true friend was a great blessing. When I think of you I will probably start with a tear which will be followed by a smile and a feeling of joy as I reflect on so very many great memories starting with Pan Am. Flying with you, a true professional, in the Pacific, Europe and South America was a great experience- plus a lot of fun. I will never, ever forget your laugh and thoughtful conversations about everything. After you left Berlin, Cate and I will always remember your staying with us in Menlo Park while looking for a place to live in San Francisco ( guess Ann and the kids were still skiing in Austria!). At the end of our Pan Am career I flew my last flight on the L-1011-500 with you to Germany. Following that we started our United career where you were a highly regarded Captain and Check Pilot. Pilots coming out of training getting their line experience and check with you were most fortunate. They flew with "the best of the best". Then living near you in San Francisco, skiing in vail and flying into Kai Tac Airport were just a few more treasures. 

An especially wonderful memory was watching you interact with Ben. He responded to your loving care and patience in a way that was inspiring to see.  You had a gift of joy and which made everyone want to be in your company.
Your love for your family will sustain them as they try to carry on.

My dear friend, now that you have taken your last flight up I know I will "see you later on". God speed my friend. You have a great Co-Pilot now.

Sam McWillia,ms

It was our good fortune to have enjoyed two great get togethers with Ann and Rich in 2019--one in San Francisco and the other in Greensburg.
Rich was a gracious host and tour guide during our visit to California in July and the ideal guest when they came to Indiana the following September.
A wonderful conversationalist with great stories to tell, he was also an engaged listener who seemed truly interested in what others had to say.
His love for Ann and their family was so evident, not only in his demeanor, but in those highly anticipated holiday missives. Christmas will not be the same without them.
We're thinking of you all at this very sad time and sending our heartfelt condolences.
Love,
Sandi and John

More than fifty years ago, we met Ann and Richard in the Kings Bay Condominiums laundry room in Freeport, Grand Bahama where we were all new residents. Little did we know that we would become lifelong friends sharing fun, travel, many family occasions, happy hour in the Bahamas, and later dinners, parties and bridge walks in San Francisco where we once again all lived.

Richard was a very impressive man throughout his life. His skills in the air, on the water, on the mountain, at the dinner table or just chatting by the pool were always evident. On our first boating trip to the Abacos, Richard was the designated navigator on our boat. I was very apprehensive about being out in the ocean out of the sight of land in a small boat for a few hours for the first time in my life. Before we left, Ann told me that Richard could navigate by the stars if he had to!  Richard sensed I was nervous and about twenty miles out after looking at the chart, he said, Joyce, In about half a mile you will see three large rocks on the left. This was before GPS, fancy boating instruments, cell phones etc. All we had was a compass, Seabee radio and the chart that Richard was marking as we traveled. When I saw those rocks, I was relieved to know that we had an outstanding navigator and would get to Abaco. I was also more than impressed!

Years later, on our sailing trip in the Kingdom of Tonga, Richard once again demonstrated his fantastic skills this time as chief captain on our chartered boat. He made it look so easy and immediately found the time and channel to daily communicate and share information with other boaters in this very remote location. One day we all realized that we were running out of ice and had no way to get any as the policy was no further provisioning once you left the dock. At the same time, my husband realized the promised windsurfers were not on board. Captain Selph calmly radioed the charter company to ask for the windsurfers and very casually suggested to bring along some ice since they had to come. Hours later, we had both and Rich was our hero!

On that same trip we visited a very primitive school on the island of Hunga.
Richard who naturally had researched all things trip related had brought along a small keyboard for me to play if we could get the kids to sing. Tongans are known for their perfect pitch and wow-- they loved the keyboard and did they ever sing! Richard also drew a picture of a 747 on their blackboard and told them how he flew it and that their whole village could fit in the plane and where would they want to go.  The excited children who barely spoke English asked him to take them to Disneyland. We will never forget this day.

Richard's creativity knew no bounds. We all know how fantastic his annual Christmas letters were but he also wrote poetry and yes, read his poems about us out loud at our momentous birthday parties. He loved to tease but his thoughtful humor and way with words made it so much fun. After we moved to Florida, Richard showed new creativity when he and Ann called us on our birthdays to sing to us. Yes, he was not only a writer, but a pretty good singer as well!

Richard has left us far too soon but he has left us with so many beautiful memories, way too many to recap. He was a most insightful and incredibly talented man in so many areas who not only loved his family deeply but was a true friend to us and so many others. We are better for having known him.  He ended his last email to us with "Miss you guys. love you."
Well, Rich...We miss and love you too. We love all the Selphs.

Joyce and Dave Powell

Dear Ann -

Just a few of our fondest memories of Rich:
- visiting Angel Island for the first time with you and Rich
- listening to him read “‘‘twas the night before Christmas” to the grandkids
- eating extra special beef wellington with you and Rich at Maybecks
- walking Pooh and Bella in Vail with you and Rich.

He will be missed-
Evelyn and Manfred

Thanks to an invitation from our good friend Phil Weinstein, yesterday Jim Tantillo, Phil and I (Art Urbin) spent a glorious day on SF bay in rememberance of our leader, Captain Rich. We have great memories of the wonderful partnership he created on Queen Ann. I'm remembering all the wonderful memories I have because of that time together and the skills we acquired about boating and relationships which continue to endure to this day. I am grateful to Rich for those memories. Sending much love and support to Anne and the family during this difficult time.
Art Urbin and Sue Salvesen

Dear family and friends.

What comes to my mind are thoughts about first meeting Rich over a decade ago in Lake Como, Italy. In a little town of Cernobbio, we all gathered to celebrate the wedding of Christine and David. It was a splendid week of joy and yes, parties. Rich was no novice to selecting the finest Italian wines. My immediate thought back then and now is how fortunate we all were to enjoy each other's company during a wonderful week in September. I got to know Rich well and admired his grace and ability to listen. He took the time to make you feel that what you had to say was important to him.

Through the years, I noticed how our grandchildren admired him as well. His soft spoken nature and patience were wonderful attributes. He would patiently wait for them after swimming, gymnastics, soccer practice or countless birthday parties. Rich would never complain. He fixed broken toys, mended hurt feelings and was the go to person when attention was needed.

I consider Rich to be the foundation of a great family. He was built strong and could weather any storm. I will miss Rich greatly. His smile, his laugh and his friendship. He taught me much over the years. It is my belief he has prepared us well to weather this particular storm. He has left us his strength and influenced us all in a very positive way. I am forever thankful for the time we spent together, a true and unique gift indeed. Judy and I will never forget the good fortune of calling him our "Captain".

Sending lots of love to the Selph family! I am so sorry to hear about uncle Richie's passing. I will miss him. He was always there for me for the big moments and I will always cherish his ability to stay connected to me even though we live miles apart. He was an involved uncle and I will always remember him taking the time to care for me. Opening his home when I needed a place to stay for months on end. I will miss his big belly laugh, his thoughtfully crafted lymerics, his dry witty sense of humor, his birthday songs left on my voicemail, and most importantly I will just miss him! I hope you are off to new adventures Uncle Richie, fly high captain.

Dear Ann & family, we are so saddened by the news of Rich's passing. We were encouraged by news of Rich's progress against dire odds. Wonderful that you could all be with him till his last breath. Nothing is more important than family and the love they express. Our beautiful memoirs of Rich go back to the Berlin days where our families often came together and our kids were all active in sports and school. Frequent were our ski trips to Kitzbuhel & Kirchberg where we shared not only skiing but meals, beer and gluewein. May Rich rest in peace; he is in our prayers as are you Ann and all the family !
Bob & Hansi Rigney

Dear Ann
I meant to include David,too, in our prayers. We know how much he was looking forward to having you move near him and his family.
Love, Cate

Dearest Ann,
I am in shock with you. I just received this from Catherine and I can’t begin to imagine how heartbroken all of you are. We just talked last week about all of your plans for this next year. Rich was so full of life and such a joy. This is too much to take in right now. We are praying so hard for you and Catherine and Brac and Elizabeth And all the precious grandchildren.
Please know how much we love you and that we will be there with you in any need at any time
Big hugs and kisses Cate

Rich, we both started out in our aviation careers as Marcads in the Corps. You went on to become a pilot extraordinaire at Pan Am and United. You had a lifetime of challenges and fun. With Ann and the kids by your side, you lived in many places. To name a few: there was the Bahamas, Berlin, Kirchberg, Vail, and San Fran. Besides flying we shared basketball, skiing, sailing, laughing, eating, and downing a few suds topped libations. As a prankster, there was none better. I will always remember that belly laugh. At the top of your life's pyramid, you were the consummate family man. Rich, old friend, you will leave a big void not only for Ann and the family but for all of us that have known and loved you as a friend. I had hoped to share many more years with you but it was not to be. Jane the Dane joins me in saying Farewell. I'll see you on the other side. God bless you. Rest in Peace. Denny x. Semper Fi. Ooorah!

To Ann and all the Selph Family

All the Merchants send our love to all of you. We all have such wonderful memories of Rich. He was always that big ,strong , smart guy that flew big planes and lived upstairs with his lovely Ann and all the kids. What a beautiful, rich life he created and shared with so many. His light will shine.
Love, Pat

I'm so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. My parents have owned the condo next door to Rich & Ann's exquisitely decorated retreat in the heart of Vail since the early 70's. I always loved catching up with Rich (and lovely Ann) every year at the owners meetings. Rich always looked SO ALIVE and full of life returning from a day on the slopes! The adventure seemed to fuel him! What a treasure to have known him. My love to you all. Christie (Sievers) Spencer & family

Richie was one of a kind. I enjoyed his kind eyes and kind voice. Visits in San Fran and skiing in Vale. I always admired he and Ann’s relationship they were always like a young couple in love. They gave me hope that it did exist. I know he loved with his whole being, he didn’t know a stranger and would give you his last dollar. His family was his life and Ann was the love of his life. I was blessed to call him my life long friend. He brought so much joy and love to all. Fly high Richie you will be missed and I will see you again one day. Love you all Selph family. Aunty Ann I hope to see you when you are up for a visit. Love always your namesake.

I remember how kind Rich and Ann were when Abby made a recon visit to Berlin to find an apartment and how welcome you both were when we made the move. Great to know another Marine was taking care of us. Semper Fi. The Selph family has my deepest and most sincere condolences. Peace be with you.

Dear David, Catherine, Brac, and Elizabeth,

It is with the heaviest of hearts to hear of your Dad’s accident and subsequent passing. The most special of humans I have known in my life, the biggest heart, a sense of humor like no other, and a man who I looked up to for so many reasons. A lifetime of memories with your father brings such a big smile to my face and a warmth in my heart. So many special images and stories, and a few I share now, and many more later. 

When I was in high school I took a career placement test that said based on my skills, passion, and desires, that I should consider being an airline pilot. I was tasked with interviewing one as part of the class and of course reached out to your father. We played phone tag for a bit, and then one day at SFO before flying to Asia he graciously called me from a pay phone to help me understand the industry, the training, the lifestyle, the intense time on, the solid time off, and all that a pilot life entails. Our discussion fascinated me, specifically about how planes actually fly. Flight of something so large was hard for me to fathom, even though I had flown many times. I would ask a pretty detailed question and I could hear him on the other end reaching into his pocket to add another quarter in order to answer. His passion for flight really captured my imagination. After over an hour and him emptying his pockets of all spare change we concluded the conversation, and I was motivated to learn more about how planes fly. Ironically, this would lead me to my engineering studies and eventual engineering career. To this day, it is pretty special to think about how your father and several dollars in change impacted my life’s trajectory. Hopefully over the years, when I would fly down to the Bay and have dinner with your folks, I returned the favor by explaining how the latest technology would change their lives for better or worse. In a sense he was now interviewing me now, and I also kept in mind how much he had to do with the knowledge I was sharing with him. The circle of life was complete.

For my father’s 50th surprise birthday party, I only have one special memory of that day I truly cherish. Friends and family from all over came to surprise my Dad and celebrate his big milestone. People brought nice bottles of wine, toys, even dancing girls, but it was Rich who I remember so fondly and have treasured this memory for all time. Your father waited for all the gifts to be opened and then in his amazing style, put on his glasses and got up in front of the crowd with several pieces of handwritten paper. He had thoughtfully written the most epic poem about not just my Dad, but of anyone I have ever heard. The time and effort it took him to have written such a literary work of art really made me realize how much he valued his friendship with my Dad and our family. He spoke of their time in Tonga together where one day my Dad took my Mom on the dingy from the sailboat to a remote island to celebrate their 25th anniversary. He poetically described great imagery of my father circling the sailboat on the way back as to inform the other couples of the triumphant experience. The poem was just magical and it brought the entire party to laughter and tears as only Rich could do to a group of people. As the young impressionable son of such a wonderful story, it impressed on me what a special time my parents had in Tonga with your parents celebrating their love of 25 years and also their friendship with life long friends we consider family. To this day, that poem is the greatest birthday gift I have ever known of and experienced. What a special friend Rich was to so many I am sure, who he touched in that manner.

When I fondly think of Rich, something always comes to my mind, and that is the famous and fabulous Selph Family Christmas Card. Every year, I wait in anticipation for this one card, above any other. The love for his beloved Ann and family is all over the card every year as with most. But his jokes, poking fun at himself and his age, his story telling, and even his specific word selection, is just all magical. I have spent Christmas away from my mailing address the last decade and every January I come home to a stack of mail that includes 30-50 xmas cards. I sort through them and find the one I can’t wait to read, and there it is every year. Pure comedy gold and pure joy for love of friends and family, how special! I have accomplished much in life, but one thing on my bucket list still to do, is to write a XMAS card half as good as only Rich could do.

Last year I sat alone on a beach on my island deep in my thoughts of life. I had decided to leave an unloving marriage after 24 years, was blind in one eye from head trauma, and just starting to accept my diagnosis of CTE. People talk about rock bottom and for all I feel a sadness. Out of the blue my phone rang and it was your folks calling. It brought a huge smile to my face as I knew at that moment in time, Ann and Richard Selph were two people who I could really hear from. For over an hour your parents listened compassionately with no judgement and just extreme love. They didn’t try to cheerlead or motivate me, they just listened and sat with my pain with me. Empathy is probably one of the hardest things to give in life, and both your folks were as kind and caring as could be. It melted my heart to know two people so loving, and at this moment as I write it still brings tears to my eyes. I only hope some day when I have a friend so in need, I too can show a compassion as your Dad and Mom did on that day. That phone call was my last time I spoke with your Dad, and it was the most loving of conversations and I will always have a special place in my heart for him.

As I reflect back on how much he touched my life, the lessons learned, the role modeling, and all the compassion and love he showed, I want you four to know, you are the luckiest of kids to have had him as your father touching your life all the time. My highest wishes for all of your hearts to find peace.

All my love,
Douglas

Talk about a fighter!! Rich lived 3 weeks after a horrendous accident that would have killed someone one-fourth his age. Nothing is more admirable.
I know him because he married Ann, my high school buddy. She was as
loving, courteous, and humorous then as she is today. They made a remarkable life together. Some small anecdotes about Rich's attention to detail deserve mention. When I visited San Francisco, he had a spreadsheet ready for me to check off the things I wanted to do. He had the plan ready. One of the funniest things he told me about was when Ann and he were responsible to take care of two cats. How to let them run about? Rich told me he tied them together and let them go. Brilliant solution.
His was a life well-lived...a model for all of us.

I just lost my only brother-in-law. Richard has been in my life since I was 14 years old. That's 54 years! I can't even express how much he will be missed. Throughout my life Rich provided me with solid advice on a array of difficult decisions I had to make. He always had my back. Where ever Rich and Ann lived I was always welcome to visit with open arms. And this welcoming didn't just extend to me but also to my children. Gracious, compassionate, loving and I have to add funny! He could make a board laugh with his wit! RIP my dear brother-in-law.

We are so extremely saddened by the tragic loss of Rich. Our sincere condolences go to Anne and their daughter Elizabeth, who I once met around 101 Lombard, and and all Rich and Anne's family. I was often touched by seeing Rich with his grandson, Benjamin with whom he seemed to have such a special bond. We are so sorry and share with all of you in mourning the loss of a wonderful person and neighbor.
Janet Beach and Ralph Keeney