I just learned today that my oldest friend died Thursday in Dusseldorf, Germany. I've known Richard since middle school. I know he put up with huge amounts of derision from the casual cruelty that passed for coolness among adolescents. As I recall, most of us could've been the target for similar barbs, but for some reason Richard was singled out all too often to be the class pinata. He was a very loving person, a devoted friend and enthusiastic father to two small children. Richard's first marriage, to Japanese woman, ended in divorce, but a few years ago he met Lily, when he was stationed in Bulgaria with the Commerce Department. He wanted very much to have a family and had far too little time to enjoy them. I believe his posting in Dusseldorf was to be his last in the Foreign Service, and he was looking forward to the next phase of his life.
Bob Roseth
4 comments:
Bob,
Thank you for sharing the sad news about Richard. We communicated briefly after the reunion, when he was kind enough to send me a video he had made. I remember him from several classes....a quiet yet friendly classmate. I remember you too!
Take care,
Maxine Levine Souza
I know that Bob is the close friend from old days of Richard.
I knew his obituary in community Kobe.
http://www.jcckobe.org/Richard_Kanter.html
When I think of left Lilia and two small children, a heart aches.
I thank for what was able to share time same as Richard.
Arigto Syonara Richard.
Masako Wada
A very good guy
I spent a lot of time with Richard at the reunion and was very sad to hear of his passing.
I read your comments, Bob and I actually was friendly with Richard in high school as well.
Thanks for your comments.
Beth Mayer Levin
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