Richard Lyle Vail, II passed away after a 15 month treatment for pancreatic cancer. He was born on November 18, 1951 in New Orleans, LA. and passed away March 11, 2012 in Flagstaff, AZ. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Sharon Vail and his daughter, Phoebe; his sons, Richard and William and his granddaughter, Mercedes. He is also survived by his parents, Richard and Armande Vail; his sister, Sheila Vail and his sister and brother-in-law, Kimble Vail Van Londen and Martin Van Londen. He was a 1972 graduate of University of Arizona, where he majored in English and Psychology. He taught for 22 years at Page High School in Page, AZ., where he served as the English department chair. Widely-read and a talented guitarist, Rick's passion for teaching and his love and devotion to his family will be his legacy.

Published in the Arizona Daily Star on Mar. 22, 2012