Rich was a Latin class and Latin Club friend. He was smart,funny and kind. It was fun to see him again at the 50th reunion. Sorry to learn of his passing. Condolences to Bonnie and their extended family.
Rich was my junior prom date in the spring of 1965. We were in the same Latin class. Both of us were very shy and barely knew each other. The prom date did not go well. We went our separate ways until we reconnected 50 years later, thanks to a classmate friend. Holly sent me what he had posted on the 50th reunion site. His last sentence was, "I want to apologize to Bonnie West for being the worst prom date ever." That got my attention! After an exchange of many emails, phone calls and the necessary photos, Rich flew out from Raleigh, NC to San Clemente, CA on April 24, 2015. We married on 11/7/2015 in Raleigh. We had a love story of 10+ years Unfortunately, Rich became ill with congestive heart failure and COPD in our 4th year of marriage. It took all his strength to keep this from affecting our daily lives... and mine too. We were able to travel a little and enjoyed several jazz concerts in the SE region. Being part Gypsy, I convinced Rich to move to Sonoma County in Northern California in April 2025, where the weather was mild and the geography beautiful. Sadly, his rapidly declining health ended his life on 2/17/2026. He was my sweetheart and told me often that he was the luckiest man. He loved me deeply, called me his Bonnie lass. I will continue to love him forever 💔😢❤️🩹
Thank you, Bonnie, for posting this. Weren't you lucky to have those years with him. Oddly, while I knew you two were married, I had no idea of a 50-year interlude. Your pairing seemed so fitting as I imagined it going on from kids. So sorry for your loss, but making those last 10 more precious.
Rich was a gem among men! I know first hand what he meant to Bonnie. I happened to have forwarded the paragraph he wrote about his time at Edina and his apology to Bonnie for being the worst junior year prom date ever! This led to their correspondence and later marriage. I had the good fortune to witness their great love for each other at their wedding and at their various homes first in Raleigh, then in Southport and then in Weaverville, North Carolina near Asheville. Their time together was filled with great humor, kindness, love and great intellect. Losing Rich for Bonnie I know is an almost unbearable loss but she has great friendships and personal strength to see her through. My condolences to Bonnie and Rich's family! ❤️
Sherry Cooney (Battin)
Rich was a Latin class and Latin Club friend. He was smart,funny and kind. It was fun to see him again at the 50th reunion. Sorry to learn of his passing. Condolences to Bonnie and their extended family.Bonnie West (Reece)
Rich was my junior prom date in the spring of 1965. We were in the same Latin class. Both of us were very shy and barely knew each other. The prom date did not go well. We went our separate ways until we reconnected 50 years later, thanks to a classmate friend. Holly sent me what he had posted on the 50th reunion site. His last sentence was, "I want to apologize to Bonnie West for being the worst prom date ever." That got my attention! After an exchange of many emails, phone calls and the necessary photos, Rich flew out from Raleigh, NC to San Clemente, CA on April 24, 2015. We married on 11/7/2015 in Raleigh. We had a love story of 10+ years Unfortunately, Rich became ill with congestive heart failure and COPD in our 4th year of marriage. It took all his strength to keep this from affecting our daily lives... and mine too. We were able to travel a little and enjoyed several jazz concerts in the SE region. Being part Gypsy, I convinced Rich to move to Sonoma County in Northern California in April 2025, where the weather was mild and the geography beautiful. Sadly, his rapidly declining health ended his life on 2/17/2026. He was my sweetheart and told me often that he was the luckiest man. He loved me deeply, called me his Bonnie lass. I will continue to love him forever 💔😢❤️🩹
Jeanne Cook (Klainer)
Thank you, Bonnie, for posting this. Weren't you lucky to have those years with him. Oddly, while I knew you two were married, I had no idea of a 50-year interlude. Your pairing seemed so fitting as I imagined it going on from kids. So sorry for your loss, but making those last 10 more precious.
Holly Olson (Walker)
Rich was a gem among men! I know first hand what he meant to Bonnie. I happened to have forwarded the paragraph he wrote about his time at Edina and his apology to Bonnie for being the worst junior year prom date ever! This led to their correspondence and later marriage. I had the good fortune to witness their great love for each other at their wedding and at their various homes first in Raleigh, then in Southport and then in Weaverville, North Carolina near Asheville. Their time together was filled with great humor, kindness, love and great intellect. Losing Rich for Bonnie I know is an almost unbearable loss but she has great friendships and personal strength to see her through. My condolences to Bonnie and Rich's family! ❤️