After 30+ years of short, in-passing conversations I still knew little about Dick apart from folk music and the events we attended. I knew well his struggles to sing the many songs he knew so well. His determination to play the guitar and other instruments I see now after his passing as a kind of bravery, for he knew his limitations.

All of us who have used our time and talents to express ourselves through the music must work through our limitations, and we hope for acceptance. In later years, and just last October at our pre-getaway party, I had come to accept Dick's expression through the music, and I saw, after many years of effort, improvement.

I hope someone can say that about me after I have passed on.
And I hope, having known Dick, I can turn a kinder, more accepting ear to those who strive to let the music play through them.

Chance Shiver