Memories of Rich

    I had the privilege of working with Rich. He was a social worker in my unit. Rich was a person that you could know for only 5 minutes and feel that he was a friend and someone who wanted the best for you. He fought hard for patients and their needs. 

    I remember he had some fantastic outfits. I loved looking at his socks. He liked fun socks like me. My unit got into eating Hi-Chews. Rich bought some interesting flavors for us to try. I'm going to miss getting into his cupboard and finding a new, random flavor to try.

    One day in treatment team, we were talking with a patient we have had several times. I can't go into what this patient was like, his diagnosis, etc. I can't remember what he said (even if I did, I wouldn't be able to share), but Rich responded with, "Well, it sucks to be you." It was so funny (don't worry, the patient did not take offense)! I remember thinking it was a good thing none of our director/managers were in the room with us.

    I'm going to miss talking about movies and TV shows with him. He was always up for talking and quoting them. He would always quote Easy A and Mean Girls with Colin (another social worker). He also enjoyed live theater. We would share the shows we had seen and what ones were good. He once went to a concert of Bernadette Peters with the Utah Symphony. He was so excited to share how fun and amazing it was. His excitement was contagious.

    We went to a birthday party for Rylee (a night tech on the unit). The day shift that were going decided to wear funny T-shirts. He came in a tank top that said: "Save the Chubby Unicorn". It was aqua blue. It had a rhino under a rainbow. He loved that shirt. 

    We often would b.s. about work. As I would look and apply for other jobs, he would always tell me that if he were stuck at ORMC, I had to be stuck with him. This was all said lovingly and jokingly. There were a few applications he offered to be a reference for me, which I appreciate.

    We are going to miss you Rich. Thanks for being not just a co-worker, but also a friend.