Richard Crail
If you're lucky,
within your lifetime you encounter a few people who will leave a lasting
impression with you. For me, Richard was one of these people.
A couple of years ago,
a mutual friend gave me Rich's email address. Knowing the two
of us shared a huge passion for Robin's music, he felt we'd have a lot
to talk about. We did.
I found out Rich had
been involved in a very serious accident a number of years ago, and although
many things attributed to the recovery of his spirit, one vital element
was his love of music. Robin's music in particular. In it,
Rich found something that inspired him to keep going and never give up.
I was fortunate enough
to meet Richard when I was in California two years ago attending my first
Trower show. I remember looking around the room before the
show, which I knew Richard was also attending, catching a stranger's eye,
and before either of us spoke, we seemed to recognize each other.
During our greeting I was immediately taken with his warmth and enthusiasm
(which was displayed by his Mom and sister as well). I found Rich to be
a
truly genuine and amazing person.
Richard had been friends
with the Trowers for a number of years and had attended many shows but,
I think the simple fact that we were both so excited at being there and
seeing Robin that weekend, made us feel we had even more in common and
added to the bond we had already made. It was a memorable night.
When I returned
home, we continued to communicated back and forth via email for a while,
during which time Rich said he wanted to send me something. A short
time later I received a beautiful framed ticket from a 1976 Trower Winterland
show! For some reason he wanted me to have this personal treasure
of his. I was honoured. Richard was beyond generous.
Over the last year I hadn't
talked with Rich as much as I had wished, but stayed in touch through one
of our mutual friends. Over the last month or so, Richard was experiencing
a medical problem and had to go into the hospital. When I found this
out, and received the number to Richard's room, I phoned him immediately.
We had a great talk, and seemed to easily pick up from where we'd last
left off. Richard was finally discharged after a lengthier time than
anticipated, but now had unfortunately developed pneumonia.
We wrote a couple of times
while he was home trying to recuperate, and I was looking forward to talking
with him again. This was not to be. Richard had to be rushed to the
hospital and
unfortunately passed away several
days later.
My most sincere
and heart-felt condolences go out to Richard's mom Joy, his sister Shannon,
his niece Jessica, his family and his friends.
Even though Richard and
I didn't know each other extremely well, I will miss him.
I'd also like to say
that during our conversations, he always expressed great affection and
gratitude towards those special people outside his immediate family who
gave him such love and support over the years. Bill, Kate, Robin and Andrea,
your gift of love was very
special to him.
Richard's strength and attitude
towards life
is an inspiration to all who
were touched by him.
