Richard Drause

I thank your family for the very good looking picture accompanying this obituary. You are recognizable in spite of the fifty years, or so, since last seeing you. I write on behalf of several school chums from Sherman and Gompers, junior high, and East High school. We well remember the days when you were experimenting with black powder there, and consulted with Mr Gumpf on the chemistry behind this. I also remember you as member of the CC Riders because you had been well acquainted with my good friend and colleague Mary "Crazy Mary" Hammelev, who also was a 74 owner, and who had a shop Mary's Leatheree next to the club headquarters. Sadly, Mary passed away in Mexico in February 2020, but she recalled you and many other club members when we spoke in the past. We can all appreciate your care for the outdoors, for outdoor sports, and for a love of and kindness to animals. May God bless and keep your soul while your family, friends keep your memory alive.

I knew Richard as part of the extended family my entire life. He was like a brother to me. But, as memory serves, we never had a disagreement during all those years. I attribute this to Richard's exceedingly good nature rather than any effort on my part. He was, by any measure, a great person, friend and cousin. My heart goes out to all who knew him. His passing is a great loss, but he is now at home, where all of us long to be. Godspeed Richard

watching you ride Dirty Ed was a treat, blowing by crotch rockets with a smile. love you always, brother Lava (stephen lavasseur)

What a nice picture! The obituary is wonderful, and even this thoughtful banner of a man fishing on the lake...Richard would love it, I know! He had such caring support from great people, and, who deserved it more? What a gentle soul our Richard was/is. I worked with him at two places and he easily endeared himself to me. Years back he got in a habit of bringing me special dishes to eat at work....he'd catch a bunch of crappies and blue gill for example; get up super early before work to cook them up and then bring me a big platter of Governor's Island fresh catch of the day for lunch. What a treat! What a guy. Unique. Kind. Gentle. Mischievious. Mother Natures' true son. I have no doubt, where ever he is, he's fine; probably nominated to teach the rest of us how to be so good. If you ever get a nudge to do the right thing, it just may be our friend, so tip your hat and whisper, "Thanks Richard - I needed that!"

Richard was once a co-worker and always a friend. Such a caring friend that he didn't want me to know about his ALS diagnosis because he said, "I cry too much". Well, a lot of tears have been shed. Thank you to all who helped him through his illness. He was loved and will be missed.