Rich B... RIP

“I only communicated with Rich through TT and some emails. I was in awe of him, he was tough and he was positive throughout all kinds of hardship.

He was an inspiration, a model and a hero to me in my own tough times - which paled in comparison to his. His resilience was monumental.

Thanks for letting us know M Silver.”

“The family and friends of RichB are in our prayers.”

“ENS here.

I am truly saddened by the news of Rich's passing and truly grateful and humbled to have known and walked with him. I don't need to say what a strong hiker he was, how much he loved the outdoors, treasured camaraderie or what a joy he was to be around. We all know. He was everyone's friend. Even when he couldn't talk anymore, he said so much with a small glance and smile. He spoke volumes when he stood upon vistas appreciating it all. I know I treasure every footstep I shared with him and I remember them all. I never wanted this moment to come, but I am glad he is at peace.

Rich, you are the man. You always will be!”

“I would love to be part of the Rich hike too. Something to do with the Pinchot seems perfect.”

“peace bro”

“Thanks MSilver...! Thanks ENS...I would love a copy of that picture.

Darn when will the tears stop?”

“Thanks MSilver. It's a wonderful obit.”

“Wow, I am bereft. Rich was an incredible person, an inspiration, and once I asked if he could write a book about his life. He never answered that question, but I have gear that he made specially for me. There didn't seem to be anything he couldn't do. He even tried to teach my daughters how to fish in the creek. He took us blueberry picking at his secret patch in the state game lands. I now work as a nurse with a lot of chronically ill people and I have never met anyone with his drive and determination. I think he earned his angel wings before he even went to heaven.






i”

“I'm having trouble posting a trip, trips page keeps saying I'm trying to access a private trip and it won't post the trip.

Anyways, I was thinking Pinchot Trail, May 20-22, 2011.”

“More info about the trail:

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/hiking/pinchot.aspx

http://www.pahikes.com/trails/pinchot-trail/181-pinchot-trail-hiking-the-south-loop

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/lackawanna/index.htm”

“RIP Rich. You will be missed.”

“I met Rich back in Sept 2001 on the Black Forest Trail in PA (a TT Trip). Surprised and pleased to discover that our homes were only a few miles apart in Scranton, PA, we exchanged phone numbers and email addresses. From then on, no more than a month would go by without he and I going on a hike and/or a backpacking trip together somewhere. Rich always seemed to like local hiking the most, and in our proverbial own back yard he would take us to places unfamiliar to me, often along obscure trails or through bushwhacks he knew intimately from hiking in the area since he was a kid. Because he was so familiar with the nearby forests, he would often show me secret places and curious things in the woods you’d never know existed.

Rich was an avid cyclist, and a fly fisherman par excellence. He was also somewhat of a gearhead, and hand-made a lot of his stuff; on hikes it was not unusual for him to pull something out of his pack to show that he recently fabricated. Characteristically, he’d often give hiking friends something to keep that he made.

From the start of my friendship with him, Rich was open about his disease, and spoke realistically about the fact that his life would be shortened. Until then however, his utter refusal to let his misfortune get the upper hand extended his years and made him an inspiration to many, myself included. When the inevitable loomed closer and his health began to decline rapidly, he made it very clear that he was ready to go, and in fact looked forward to being free from that which was trying to kill him. He was not afraid to die, and knew where he'd be on the other side.

All the wonderful things that have been said about Rich in these posts are true. I can summarize by saying he was the kind of best friend everyone should have. Those of us privileged to have known him are Rich-er for his presence in our lives, and deeply saddened by his exit. Personally, my heart is heavy with the loss. I will miss him immensely.”

“MSilver: Thank you for sharing :-) Did you meet by chance those years ago? I think not...true friends are gifts from heaven!
last edited: 12/22/10 9:11:25 AM”

“Yeah, it makes ya wonder.”

“Here’s an album of pictures I put together from hikes with Rich. Looking at them and remembering those good times brings for me both smiles and tears ...but helpful in dealing with my grief. Maybe they will help you too?

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/579344385FELQQK”

“Can't see them at work, but I will look tonight at home.

M Silver, I pray that some day you will come out on the other side of your grief and your heart will not be so heavy. I am sure he treasured your friendship and was grateful that you were part of his life.”

“Thank-you MSilver.”

“Great pics.

Where is Rattlesnake Creek? Looks like a beautiful place.”

“Nice tribute M Silver, peace be with you and the family. Rich was fortunate to have a friend like you too.”

“I attended the private memorial service this morning. In keeping with Rich's outlook on life, death, and his attitude toward his illness, it was mostly a positive celebration of his life and his legacy, and the liberation from all the troubles associated with his illness. Still, I am saddened by his exit because there's now an empty spot in my life that Rich filled for the last 9 years.

--------------------------------------------
jmitch,

Rattlesnake Creek is the southeast inlet to Nesbitt Reservoir. The waterfall is only a mile or so in from PA 502 on an old railroad grade where it crosses just upstream from the creek’s terminus into the reservoir. It was one of Rich's favorite places, a delightful stop near the start or end of hikes in the area.

I'm good for the Pinchot Trail hike in May. Keep me/us posted.”

“I'll try to get it posted, if it will let me. I'll also post something on Backpacker.com.

I need to check out Rattlesnake Falls sometime. PA has so many hidden, special places.

I remember Rich once took me to the summit of Bald Mtn and pinnacle in Lackawanna County. Wow. Surely one of the best views in the state.”

“I was looking through my webshots pics and found a few I liked, but then I went to Richs and found more I liked better. He was good about getting himself into his albums.

MSilver, you are very photogenic, and one of his favorite camera targets.




last edited: 12/23/10 4:37:10 PM”

“Great pictures, what a tribute, rip Rich.”

“I have had the honor of hiking and friending this man. I was #&%!$ing about the terrain and he Statred to tell me about his journey of bouts with Doc and procedures. I was amazed. He is truly a hero in my book! He is RIP! Yo bear!”

“

One of my fav shots
The Gentlemen of TT
last edited: 12/28/10 4:08:58 PM”

“Never had a chance to meet him, always wanted to. May he rest easy.”

“For sure BackSlacker they are the best!”

“I woke up today and something tugged in my heart. This has been the longest month :-(

The tears aren't flowing as much as they before but the space is still empty where you were.”

“Hard to believe it's been a year...”

“OMG it has been a year.. :(
I just pulled out the homemade ornament he made for me one year. god i miss him on TT...”

“Amen. A great guy.”

“I miss him too!”