I think I would just like to share a few last-minute observations and thoughts on my friend Rick who I’ve known for close to the entire 20 years I’ve lived on Orcas.

I’ve known him through some of the best times in his life and certainly some of the absolute worst. I’ve watched him, along with his wife Marlace and son Ricky, endure the awful loss of their youngest son, Gavin. I’ve seen him show incredible strength, vulnerability and dignity where I would, for sure, have lost the plot and will to go on.

We’ve all seen him take on his position as councilman and I know everyone has their own opinion as to how that went. Regardless, I can tell you that he poured his heart and soul into the work. His enthusiasm and love for the islands has always been clear to me, as has his open-hearted desire to help and serve people.

Four years ago he came with me back to Britain to walk from one side of Scotland to the other along Hadrian’s Wall, the Romans’ version of the Great Wall of China. I spent months beforehand walking 6 or 7 miles a day in preparation. I suggested Rick join me but he let me know he’d been an athlete in college and didn’t need to train. By the end of the second day he had game-ending blisters on both feet. I didn’t expect him to go on but he did. Each day, step by painful step he pushed through. Each day he doggedly and uncomplainingly ate his way through an entire humble pie. He was kind and attentive to everyone we met on the path and showed heartwarming gratitude for every kind word that was directed his way.

So, that being said, I think Mister Listen, Learn, Lead has had plenty of time to at least listen and learn. He loves this community and has had four years away from the job to know that he wants back in.

I’d bet my entire marble collection on his ability to lead. (It’s an English thing.)

Tom Meadows

Orcas Island