October 6, 1941 ~November 25, 2022

Written by his brother Ray Fais:

It’s been a while since I felt like posting. I guess I’m still feeling a little sad and blue since my brothers passing.

We knew he was suffering and had been in and out of the hospital, but he never stopped fighting right up until he took his last breath. I know he’s no longer suffering, and that gives me comfort, but I just wish I could have said goodbye. As young kids we first learned about death when Dad passed away at 49 leaving Mom to finish raising us. I know Dad loved us all, but since I required the most adult supervision. Dad knew it and took me under his wing to try and keep me out of trouble. I remember being devastated when Dad passed away, and I’m not sure I’ve ever really gotten over losing him. When your kids you don’t think about death and you certainly don’t expect it to happen in your family.

I had four siblings, three brothers and one sister, and of course, I was the infamous middle child. Richard was the oldest, then Robert, me, then Ronald, and finally, our sister Gloria. Although, we had a bunch of uncles who did their best to keep a watchful eye on us, I always talked to Richard about stuff. Since Richard was the eldest, and married, and Robert was in the AirForce stationed in Texas I always went to him. Although I didn’t want to speak for Ron and Gloria, but when I needed some advice, I always went to Richard. As a result Richard and I became closer, probably because we both were police officers and after we retired we bought winter places in the same mobile home park in Florida. I know I’m going to miss him, but especially in Florida, because it won’t be the same without him there.

As I mentioned, Dad passed in 1966, and Mom lived until she was 91, passing in 2011. I fully understand no one gets out of this life alive, and even though we will all eventually meet our maker we never know when that will be. So although I wasn’t ready for Richards’s passing I will try and celebrate his life every day. One thing I know for sure is that every time I hear laughter it will remind me of Rich. He loved telling jokes and always laughed the loudest when he told a jone. Up until Richard got sick he enjoyed life and I’m glad he was my brother. Rest easy brother and I will see you when I see you.