Mr. Richard Michael Julian

1963. We were out in Rich's father's car and Rich was driving down a back alley, why we were in the alley escapes my memory. There were cars parked on both sides of the alley, leaving a finite space to fit through. Rich mashed the accelerator to the floor, scaring the bejesus out of all occupants. When we asked him why he did that, he replied
"I believe I'll do less damage if I sideswipe a car at high speed"
Inever forgot that event...never will!

I knew Rich through the Pacificaires Chorus, where he was a valued singer, a positive presence, quick to help, and clearly one of a kind! One of my strongest memories of him is from the Pacificaires' concert trip to France: we'd been wonderfully hosted by a choir there, and at the farewell party, Rich was moved to read aloud a poem he'd written about the friendships that had developed, and the human connections that can bridge the world. His sincerity and joy shone bright! We were honored to know him.

I only knew Rich for a short time but he was a good man of God and he blessed our church on his short visit. He also tried to make his brothers car fly. His response was hysterical. God Bless this Man.

A prayer for Richard, we love you

You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.

In the depth of your hopes and

A prayer for Richard, we love you

You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.

In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

~Kahlil Gibran~

Richard was a very intelligent man and truly devoted to family. For me, it was wonderful to chat with him about his years of growing up, experiences, and thoughts. My heart is heavy with his passing and my sympathies go to Janice, Chris, Aunt Mary, Joe, Eileen, and Cathy. One comforting thought is that he joins his brother Greg in heaven. Farewell and God bless you Richard until we meet again...

We are so sorry for the loss of your loved one. He knew the Lord as his personal Savior so we know he is in heaven. Our sympathies go out to you and your family at this time of sorrow.

I am so sorry for the loss of Richard. He will be remembered as a quirky, brilliant man who was loved my his family and friends. My sympahty is with Janice, Christian, Aunt Mary, Joe, Kathleen, Eileen and the many people whose lives he touched in his life here. We never know the number of our days, but Richard's passing reminds us to live one as if it were our last.

We love you, RIchard. Vaya con Dios!

May you rest in peace.