On Thursday. November 30, 1989, Richard was killed at 5:30 a.m. while on his way to work at the age of 21. He was meeting some friends at the doughnut shop before starting work at Hutton House. The driver who struck him was charged with impaired driving causing death.

This, however, is not a story about how Richard died, but rather, how he lived. Richard had overcome incredible odds in his life and always seemed to do it with a smile and a great sense of humour.

You see, Richard's obstacles in life were numerous, As a very young child, he was severely burned over his entire body when playIng with matches with his siblings. He also had frequent grand mal seizures that were never under control during his youth- He lived most of his early years after the fire at C.P.R.I. with virtually no family involvement.

Most peop1e would be bitter about life being so unfair, but not Richard. He fought back with determination, strength and a smile- He learned what was necessary to live in his own apartment, to keep a job and had many friends. C.P.R.I. staff never saw independence as a possibility, but Richard achieved it.

Those of us from Alice Saddy who knew Richard can remember that sense of humour when he got us with another good joke. We wish he could have been with us longer.

Trust Fund

A trust fund was established through donations in Richard's name and each year at Christmas, contributions are made to the Angel Tree Fund operated by Salvation Army, assisting other children who have obstacles in their life.