Friends of Richard McBride;
This is David writing on his behalf.
This is David writing on his behalf.
It is with great sadness that I must announce Richard passed away suddenly on Wednesday afternoon, at his home in Calgary, as he wished.
This was not ALS that got him! He beat that, at least… he passed quickly, likely from a heart attack.
He did not want anyone to be sad for him being gone; he wanted everyone to be happy for having known him, even from afar.
I for one, would not be the person I am without having met him, and will always treasure the times we had together – whether in a group at trivia nights, in clumps of people at his apartment for dinner & parties, and mostly for our time spent on the road, exploring strange new places, seeking out new things and new friends, and boldly going where no wheelchair has gone before!
He will be missed – his wit, his wisdom, his sense of humour – all words to be polite when I can’t write the real stuff here.
There will be a few informal gatherings in the near future – specifically, no funeral service – but will allow his friends a couple of opportunities to get together and toast his newest adventure.
More news to follow in the next few days, as certain things are decided & plans worked out.
Just remember, Richard was LIVING with ALS, and not DYING from it.
Your condolences are appreciated, and know that he cared about everyone who cared about him.
As for this Post's Title: he would have loved it!
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| Stirling Castle, Scotland, 2017 - A rare photo where I got a smile out of him! |
Definitely an A+ for the title. From California, I will definitely miss him.
ReplyDeleteHe really would have loved the title...
DeleteHe will be missed by many.
I am so very sad to hear this. I did not know Richard personally, but felt like I did as I have been following his blog for several years. I will miss his daily blogs and looked forward to reading each night before bed. To those who did know him I send my sincerest condolences.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteHe was a friend to all who knew him, physically and virtually.
We shared a somewhat off-kilter sense of humour, so I've tried to keep that alive in his absence.
That came as a hammer blow.
ReplyDeleteRichard, I will miss your daily posts which I never missed reading. You'll stay as an inspirational character, with a big heart and an unmatched sense of humour even in the face of utter adversity.
As David put it, you passed away, but unbeaten and undefeated by that ungodly ailment that had layed siege on you.
May your blog stay alive so that we can all hop by and read your posts again.
You won't be forgotten.
So long, Buddy... Be in peace, wherever you are now.
He never wanted to be anything more than "just a regular guy... with an expiry date. "
DeleteHe got right to the blog after diagnosis, hoping it would be a way to ease his mind somewhat - and it did.
He often spoke of comments which clearly made him feel good. Or, at least, better than before he read them.
So grateful that he blogged his day to day experience....I will miss his wonderful journaling/writing.
ReplyDeleteHe never fancied himself much of a writer.
DeleteYet he had a knack for it when he tried.
The raw truth in his posts (often written despite more even-tempered advice given to him) obviously struck a chord and made a difference.
He never fully appreciated that, I'm afraid - but he's likely now seeing that he 'done good' while he was here.
Richard no more?? I have dreaded this news for the last couple of months but never believed it will happen. Never met you, never spoken a word ... just a few emails and text messages ... I will miss you sorely, my friend. Godspeed and we will meet agin.
ReplyDeleteWe are grateful that he beat the ALS, at least. The suddenness of his passing was a shock to all, despite the possibility being a hot topic in typical conversations with him.
DeleteIt's better this way for him, and in time, we will all appreciate that.
I am so shocked to hear this news. I always looked forward to reading Richard's blog...his honesty was always appreciated as it gave me insight into what my father was going through. My condolences to all of his family and friends.
ReplyDeleteEvery experience with ALS is different - that much I understand.
DeleteHaving gone through it as Richard's friend (I was there from Day One, through to the End) and seeing his strength in the face of such a terrible future, gave me strength and compassion I didn't know I had.
His honesty was the really scary thing about it - he didn't pull any punches when we talked about what was coming - but in the end, it was by far a better thing to be honest about it than to try & disguise it.
Brokenhearted. I have been reading daily for 2.5+ years, discovered after a friend of mine was diagnosed... his journey lasted only 6 months. Every time Richard would miss a day on his blog I would fear the worst. His amazing spirit helped me rationalize all the positives while I lived through my own health issues. They were minor compared to ALS, but they were mine and sometimes dragged me down. Thank you Richard for all the hope and positivity you have provided to so many people. You will be missed. Rest in peace,
ReplyDeleteWhile he wrote to ease his own pain, he'd be happy to hear that others had benefitted from his words.
DeleteHe never fully appreciated that others found some solace while he was writing to find solace himself - that makes it even better that he did it.
I'm going to miss checking in on how things were going. I know this was the inevitable but still shocking. My sincerest condolences to all his family and friends. God speed Richard
ReplyDeleteLove the picture! Sorry for the loss of this man. I will miss his candid words of wisdim and wit. Bless you all who knew Richard in person. Drink a glass for me as you toast to his freedom ❤️
ReplyDeleteI made it a point to get photos when we travelled; despite the end looming for nearly 6 years, he didn't much care for his photo being taken, so a rare smile in one, was a treasured thing!
DeleteWow. Don't know what to say. I feel Richard still had so much to do and offer to the world. Condelonsces to all of his friends and family.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI am shocked. Sad
ReplyDeleteThanks David for the update and looking after him through the journey.
Reggie in NZ
He had a lot of people looking after him over the past 6 years; but in his own way, he was looking after all of us as well.
DeleteI'm not sure if these comments will be published, but I have been following Richard for several years now. As a disabled person, I looked forward to his daily posts -- not to hear about his latest loss, but to hear about his latest adventure and his eloquent view on the world. He sure could paint a picture with his words. Even though I only know him from afar, I will surely miss him. Good luck on your next adventure Richard!
ReplyDeleteI just discovered the pending comments and approved them, so yes, yours are!
DeleteAllen was his middle name, but Adventure should have been!
I am very saddened by Richards passing...so sudden! I have read his blog for years,and admired his courage..You were a good friend David..Michelle
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteHe will be missed by many.
Sad to hear of Richard's passing. His blog was really well done and very informative. Thank you, David, for the update. You were a great friend to him, that was obvious.
ReplyDeleteCondolences to all his friends and family. May he now rest in peace.
Thank you.
Deleteso sorry. I have followed his blog with interest for years. I was hoping the end would be easy for him. thank you for this post
ReplyDeleteAs unpleasant & shocking as a sudden passing like this would be, it was by far an easier end than the decline he was planning to avoid.
DeleteIt somehow makes it easier for those around him to know he didn't have to make that final decision.
This news was so shocking to me. Life is so unpredictable. I saw Richard at Costco just one day before his death. My daughter was with me there and we had a small chit chat and he was looking fine :(. There is no bigger reality than death
ReplyDelete