Condolences for
Richard D. Price

To my friend,
In all my years teaching I wanted to share that you were one of my favorite parts. As your co-teacher for four years I knew you professionally. It was by teaching with you that I came to know you personally. First I'd like to say thank you, for always being you. I laugh when I write this because you never faltered from who you were, what you believed and what you wanted to do. I must admit, at times this was very challenging for me. I wondered to myself "how are you going to make it through the year with this guy?" lol Determined I watched and learned and recognized the personal side of you was in every thing that you did from teaching the kids about Origami, native Americans, how steel is made and used, to Doo-Wop music. You brought all of your life experiences into the classroom for them to share with you, to explore with you, to learn from you. We went to so many places and adventures through your pictures and those of your sons explorations. The kids really enjoyed that. So did I. As the years rolled by I looked to you for advice both professionally and personally. I still don't understand the stock market till this day despite all your talks. I wanted to thank you again for your advice, your support through so many experiences that I thought were so overwhelming, you were my calm. You quietly nudged me on and made me feel better. Thank you for the laughs and we did indeed have many of them, almost feeling like a married couple you sometimes going over board and me reeling you in, "muskrat", or for the endless cups of midday coffees that you would get me and Laurie and then of course our mental health breaks. Thank you for your generosity towards the kids every new year and Christmas and for quietly symbolically adopting that little girl in Shanes class or buying the neighbor next to school his flower garden. Lastly, thank you for being there for me when I got married, when my mom had cancer and I missed all those days and the following year when I became pregnant. You always took care of me. When I was transferred I knew I'd miss you and you said to me, "your going to be fine." So when I would visit I'd stop by our old classroom and chat with you. I will miss your funny stories but most of all you. You were one of a kind Rich Price and you will not be forgotten, may you rest in peace.
Your Friend, Erika

For my brother...Richard

I carry your heart with me,
I carry it in my heart.
E.E. Cummings

Until we meet again.

Elaine