From time to time Rich and I would hang out after school. This was during seventh and eight grades at Louis Barrett Elementary. What I remember best about Rich was his laughter...when he laughed it was an event unto itself...explosive and contagious! I also recall the time we had a very lively discussion with his dad who took the position nobody would remember Elvis Presley after five years. Of course, we took the position that Elvis, and rock and roll were here to stay!
After graduation from Carlmont and a few years at CSM Rich and I went to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. It was kinda of a fluke that I went as Rich talked me into riding with him to SLO as he was going to take an entrance exam - so since I was there I took it also. A few weeks later I was notified of acceptance! Rich and I became roommates and joined the same fraternity. While I knew Rich in High School, we became very close friends in college. After a year of college Rich joined the National Guard. His dream was to become a pilot for United Airlines and drive a yellow Corvette. He did become a pilot but was killed in an airplane accident flying for a small charter airline. Him getting me to go down to Cal Poly was one of the best things to happen to me - led to so many great things. I think of Rich often - Jim Phillips
I guess, relatively speaking, I only knew Rich for a short time but it seems like a long time do to the events that he crammed into each day. Everything he did or undertook was with a great deal of passion. He had an endless amount of energy and inquisitiveness. He was smart and good with his hands. The last time I saw him was 1963 and I returned to Belmont. He took me for a ride in his 55 Chevy, which was a testiment to his working with his hands. It had a 283/301 ci eng. and he took me for the ride of my life down Ralston Ave. It wasn't until the late 60's that I learned of his passing. I still enjoy the Denver sandwichs that he introduced to me. Thanks for the memories! Ron Gildersleeve
Richard Pecar
From time to time Rich and I would hang out after school. This was during seventh and eight grades at Louis Barrett Elementary. What I remember best about Rich was his laughter...when he laughed it was an event unto itself...explosive and contagious! I also recall the time we had a very lively discussion with his dad who took the position nobody would remember Elvis Presley after five years. Of course, we took the position that Elvis, and rock and roll were here to stay!
Jim Phillips
After graduation from Carlmont and a few years at CSM Rich and I went to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. It was kinda of a fluke that I went as Rich talked me into riding with him to SLO as he was going to take an entrance exam - so since I was there I took it also. A few weeks later I was notified of acceptance! Rich and I became roommates and joined the same fraternity. While I knew Rich in High School, we became very close friends in college. After a year of college Rich joined the National Guard. His dream was to become a pilot for United Airlines and drive a yellow Corvette. He did become a pilot but was killed in an airplane accident flying for a small charter airline. Him getting me to go down to Cal Poly was one of the best things to happen to me - led to so many great things. I think of Rich often - Jim Phillips
Ronald Gildersleeve
I guess, relatively speaking, I only knew Rich for a short time but it seems like a long time do to the events that he crammed into each day. Everything he did or undertook was with a great deal of passion. He had an endless amount of energy and inquisitiveness. He was smart and good with his hands. The last time I saw him was 1963 and I returned to Belmont. He took me for a ride in his 55 Chevy, which was a testiment to his working with his hands. It had a 283/301 ci eng. and he took me for the ride of my life down Ralston Ave. It wasn't until the late 60's that I learned of his passing. I still enjoy the Denver sandwichs that he introduced to me. Thanks for the memories! Ron Gildersleeve