Subject: My feelings about Rich
Date: Sun, 23 Sep 2001 15:47:26 -0700
Dear Karen,

I can’t begin to describe how sad, deeply sad, and sorry I’ve been since 11th September with, at first, the fear that you and Zachary had lost Rich and now the unbearable truth of it. I can only know how I’ve felt over these days I cannot even comprehend your hurt.

Mike Westlake forwarded your request for our memories and feelings about Rich. It was something I've wanted to do (if that’s the right phrase) during the last 12 days but I was afraid that it may be the wrong time - that it may not help you but cause more distress. I thank you for allowing us to express our feelings about Rich to you and Zachary.

Before I continue I want you to know that I’m saying these things not because of what happened to Rich but because they are, quite simply, the truth.

We had many great times with Rich. Great times in the office (and that’s unusual, believe me) and on those nights out after work. We had a laugh and joke, some very funny moments, but also did serious work. Because of Rich I believe our team achieved a lot and could have achieved a lot more - he inspired us.

Rich was one of those very rare people who instantly gained your respect and admiration - and kept it - through his natural ability at his job and his extraordinary humanity. He was surely our boss but there was no doubt he was also a friend. He was a boss who you were happy to have there. You could never feel disappointed that it wasn’t you or someone else in charge when you had Rich in charge. You just accepted that Rich had that indefinable and innate ability and quality to be there, as your boss, and you were very happy and relieved that he was.

Please give Zachary a big hug from me and tell him that his father was a very special guy who touched the lives of many people and made their lives better for having known him.

We loved him.

And now our hearts are broken.

But we have special memories of him.

And we thank him for that.

All my love,

Tim

"There are places I'll remember

All my life, though some have changed

Some forever, not for better

Some have gone and some remain

All these places had their moments

With lovers and friends, I still can recall

Some are dead and some are living

In my life, I've loved them all"