It saddened me greatly to hear the Rick Martin is no longer with us. He

was an important part of my life as I am sure has was with many others.

I was in high school at Southern during Rick's first year of teaching after

he graduated from Temple. We immediately took a liking to each other and

formed a friendship that has lasted ever since. He took me to my first

symphony orchestra concert (the Pittsburgh playing Brahms' Second Symphony)

during his first year at Benton. I also enjoyed helping him out those

first few years at Benton by marching as a trombone "ringer" in the Benton

band when needed and, for many years, playing with him in a brass quartet

on Christmas Eve.

Rick also helped me get into Temple as a music major by making a few phone

calls after I did lousy on my audition. He never knew that I found out,

and I never really thanked him for it.

I was honored when Rick asked me to arrange the music for his wedding, and

doubly honored when he also asked me to do the Lord's Prayer as a trombone

solo. At least I had one opportunity to return the favors and kindness he

always gave others.

One of my favorite memories was the Tuesday night Military Band practice

where he zipped through the pieces so he could get home in time to see the last episode of MASH. That, and the two thousand coffee cups always in his car.

Rick was one of those rare people that no one could say anything bad about.

While it's too late now, I would still like to say "Thank you, Rick." You

will be sorely missed.

This page posted November 17, 2002

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