Bill Richards: a community servant is honored
by Rhonda Dedyne
When Bill Richards walked into his surprise open house last Saturday, I happened to be standing by the meeting room doorway at Agro-Culture Liquid engaged in conversation with Guven Witteveen. It’s a safe bet that Bill knew something was afoot – a full parking lot and commotion in the Liquid foyer no doubt tipped him off. Still, it was obvious he was totally surprised by the number of people who were standing and applauding in the room when he entered.
As the bankcard commercial slogan goes, the look on Bill’s face was “priceless.”
Guven’s photos, video and commentary of the event that are part of this week’s St. Johns Indy capture the emotions of Bill and his many admirers more accurately than words can portray. Still, a writer must write – which means I’d like to offer a few additional comments about a true community servant whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with and writing about for so many years.
Actually, to be honest, this is the first time I’ve ever written about Bill himself. The story ideas he would contact me about always centered on programs or initiatives and the people who were participating and learning new skills. In St. Johns, that meant a visit to whatever Community Resource Volunteers office Bill was occupying at the time. Usually the visits involved talking with and taking photos of young people who were immersed in projects and activities, quite often hands-on lessons that made science come alive. They were having fun learning – as simple as that.
Bill Richards accepts the 2000 CAPIT Unity Award for his work on behalf of CRV Blue Bus and the successful passage of county-wide millage that resulted in the formation of the Clinton Area Transit System CATS while Ron Huard and Ben Munger look on.
Those vivid memories from times past flashed in my mind during a presentation of cards and letters from fifth-grade students to their mentor and friend. The comments of this current generation of Bill’s science kids truly demonstrated that the students are still having fun learning – and so is their teacher.
The same spirit was evident in a tribute given by individuals who have an equally special place in Bill’s heart and soul – the fine individuals from Peckham Inc. It’s safe to say that the non-profit organization which today is one of the largest vocational community rehabilitation programs in Michigan would not exist without Bill’s passion for all people – no one has limitations in Bill’s world where anything isn’t just possible, it’s doable. There were more than a few teary eyes – and even more smiles – when they displayed their gift: a pair of large, framed photo montages showing Bill with Peckham students, workers, staff and volunteers.
As Guven noted in his commentary, it’s entirely possible that Bill has touched the lives of 6 million people – at least – through his many and varied interactions: CRV, Peckham, Clinton Transit and its forerunner the CRV Blue Bus fleet, Michigan Ski for Light, Higgins Lake retreats, Clinton County Arts Council, Kiwanis and Rotary International, St. Johns Public School Board of Education, St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce Bill Patton Award winner, CAPIT Unity Award. The list goes on and on – and, thankfully, it’s still growing.
It’s impossible to know what future lives remain to be touched by Bill – through all of us – in new programs, community service projects and educational opportunities.
Thanks, Mr. Richards.