Richard Flader Obituary

While today is darker because of Dick Flader's death. My life is brighter because I had the pleasure of knowing him. It was my distinct honor and privilege to have the paths of our lives entwined through the past 58 years. His given name was Louis Richard Flader and since he was not fond of “Louis”, He signed L. Richard Flader. Calling him “Louis” was of course was a perfect way to get his goat. But I just called him “Dick.”
We first met as incoming freshman at Morgan Park Military Academy in 1949. It was our first day at the Academy. After settling into our newly assigned rooms in Hansen Hall, we met, literally, quite by accident bumping into each other in the hallway. My first impression of him was a polite, friendly and purposeful guy, an impression I still hold in my minds eye today. Little did we know on that day, that after our freshman year, we would be "roomies" roommates through the balance of our military high school careers.
Having lived with him, day in and day out, for the better part of four years I really got to know Dick inside and out. Conversely, he knew me like a well used, dog-eared book. We developed a deep and abiding relationship, each sharing the others thoughts, ideas and philosophy during those informative and character defining years. We constantly bounced ideas off each other. We helped each other through difficult social, emotional and embarrassing times. We debated constantly, sometimes heated, about school, classroom subjects, classmates, friends, parents, girlfriends, dates and what not. We began our friendship as boys and together evolved into strong and learned young men ready to take on the world. A wee bit wet behind the ears perhaps, but nonetheless of strong character, honest and steeled for life's journey.
They say that at the end of a lifetime, if you can count five good friends, you are a fortunate person. Dick always took first place in that group of five. I knew at the end of our military school days that he was the truest friend I would ever have. I knew that his word was bond and that I could trust him implicitly. I also knew that he was a kind, considerate fellow with a generosity that defined his life. Whether it was the generosity displayed towards me or others through advice or counsel or whether it was the contributions he made to his friends and neighbors, monetarily or by giving of himself, his generosity and friendship were paramount to his being.
I think that some of Dick's proudest moments would be those he cherished with his unconditional friendships and the fact that he was always doing things that other people said just couldn't be done. His tenacity never ceased to amaze me. He had the strongest will and "Can Do" attitude of anyone I've ever known. As a leader, his attitude always showed through on multitude of issues. He was always conversant with the topics of the day. He had a marvelous wit and a keen sense of humor. He always enjoyed a good joke. You could always count on him to regale you with stories of the latest adventures related to his profession. On a serious note, he always had a high degree of confidence and that strong sense of self. He was proud of who he was; where he was from; and where he was going. He had a habit of going an extra mile for most anyone, not just friends!
I always knew I could count on him, and I am going to miss him and his counsel very much. I will miss him when I'm looking for someone to laugh with. I will miss him when I need a shoulder to lean on. I will just miss him… period. While I deeply mourn his loss, I take solace in the fact that I believe that he has moved on to a better place. A wise sage once noted, "What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." Dick, you have left us with undying friendships and for that, we thank you.
At military school at the end of the day to signal lights out and time to rest, the bugler would give a short warning blast to allow all a minute to turn out the lights and lay their heads to the pillow. Then he would blow a mournful, lingering, pure-noted chorus of “Taps”. In those halcyon days, I recall humming these words under my breath before Dick and I fell to sleep. In memory and tribute to my dear, dear, friend, I would like to hum these words aloud for his final Taps…

Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.


Not Goodbye Dick…just ‘So Long’ until we meet again!

My heartfelt condolences in the loss of Richard. He was a pioneer and tireless leader at Marina City. His presence will be missed.

Yolanda I just found out and I am sorry I did not hear sooner Richard was a great man and individual to deal with weekly!

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Dear Yolonda,
I am sorry I was not able to attend
Richard's wake-he was a great man.
My sincere sympathy goes out to you.

We remember the smile and good feelings with Richard and Yolanda. Their presence in the office was inspiring.