Richard was a coal miner for 34 years. He was a husband, a father, and a grandfather, a fur baby dad, a brother, a son-in-law, and a brother-in-law who loved fiercely. Those that he loved knew it because he made sure to tell them every single day, and every move he made reflected that love. He loved taking care of those that he loved, volunteering in his community, and providing meals for friends, family, and those in need. He cooked and volunteered through his church, giving of himself to benefit others. His wife was often referred to as his biggest blessing, although if you ask her, she felt the same way about him. The couple was married just 5 short months after their very first meeting and shared 39 years of the best years of their lives. Shortly after their commitment to each other, both of them, along with their son, made the commitment to be organ donors and were advocates for every person they knew to also become donors. Not only did Richard volunteer during his life on Earth, but he also gave the ultimate gift of organ donation, thinking this was his last chance to do for others, but he was unaware that his family and friends have now formed a scholarship in his memory.
