Saying Goodnight, Dick

As each of us weaves the unique tapestry of our lives, we imbed the colors and threads of special people we come to admire - making our fabric stronger and more vibrant. Often these are people who make a difference in many ways, people who think beyond convention, people whose native curiosity and imagination sparks new awareness and perspective.

Thirty years ago, I became Dick Frech's work mate and friend at KTWO-TV in Casper, Wyoming. In the many years since, he has been my pen pal, teacher, student, psychologist, humorist, historian, debate opponent - and most cherished, my unwavering friend. Via phone, mail, e-mail, and in person, we have discussed, pondered, considered, laughed and cried over, agreed on and debated every topic imaginable. No issue was ever out of bounds and -- for Dick, it seemed - nothing was ever totally unknown.

Over the years I became aware - and now in reflection I can see even more clearly -- that Dick made me a better person through his unfailing insistence that our discussions and correspondence be based on facts, and that they be intellectually honest. His was a remarkable ability to force others to justify their opinions, to prove their assumptions, to see all sides of an issue -- and in so doing, those of us who knew him well discovered new illumination in the darkest corners of our lives.

Dick was not only an accomplished philosopher and analyst of the human condition; he was a "doer." He talked the talk, but he also walked the walk, getting important things done. His unselfish involvement in life and society and the investment of his energies and compassion toward the betterment of those about him elevated us all. Even as those who knew him well now grieve Dick's passing, we find our lives richer and more vibrant having known him.

For three decades, Dick Frech's challenges, observations, unending communication of obscure facts, his robust humor, great sense of humanity and intense love of his fellow man cast fascinating shadows and rays of brilliance across the landscapes of my mind. Because his gifts are woven so ingeniously in the fabric of my life, as they are in the lives of many people, his magical powers will always be with us.

Dick, we never thanked you enough. But then, we never could. Goodnight, Dick, wherever you are.

Don Hardy

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