Comments

Dear Sharon,

You and I don’t know each other, but I heard the very sad news today about Rick’s passing.  I am so, so sorry about your loss.  During my years on the 787 program I needed help from Rick a few times.  In my experience, he was unique among Boeing engineers.  We all knew he was brilliant, but what set him apart was his kindness.  No matter how busy he was he would always make time to help – and in spite of his own expertise, he was never condescending or impatient.  He touched many lives in a positive way, mine included.  I know there’s little that can help at this time, but I wish you as much comfort and peace as possible.

With deepest condolences,

Lee Seaheart

~~~~

I received news about Rick’s passing. I am so sorry and send my sincere condolences to you and your family.  May the many experiences and memories bring you peace at this difficult time.

I had the pleasure to work with Rick on the 787 and 777X programs. Rick was truly a gifted individual.  I will cherish all the time I was able to spend with him in making the maintenance systems on these aircraft second to none!

If you don’t mind sharing the addresses to the memorial services, I will make every effort to attend one of them.

Thank you,

Ron Murray

~~~~

I just wanted to reach out and say how sorry I am to hear of your loss. Rick was such a an important person to many of us here at Boeing and he had such a huge impact on the products we build. Although he may have never mentioned it, he was a significant mentor to me both professionally and personally. His ability to prioritize people and relationships is some I will always carry with me. The conversions we had over dinner while we traveled steered many big decisions I've made in my life. He was an amazing person and will truly be missed.

Brian Shaflik

~~~~

We send our love and appreciation for all that the 2 of you brought together to our communities and to the world

As they say at St Olaf, Fram Fram. Onward onward. 

Elizabeth Christian

~~~~

Dear Sharon, 

My family and I have been thinking of you two and praying for Rick's recovery this week, and we are so saddended to hear about his passing.

I feel a deep void and it is hard not to be able to start with "Dear Rick and Sharon" again.

I am really thankful for what he did for me during my exchange year. He helped me a lot to bring out the best in me, which also helped my life after the exchange.

It was precious for me that we were able to spend time together in Japan, without knowing that it would be the last moment to see him. 

I cannot forget him insisting on getting three pairs of chopsticks with the names of all three of us on them.

It was also memorable that he always emphasized that his main purpose of the trip is to see me and my family rather than sightseeing. 

I will never forget how much he had cared for me.

May he rest in peace. Please take care of yourself, Sharon. 

Chinatsu

~~~~

Sharon,

We are so sad to hear this. It is good that he's no longer in pain or struggling to breathe, but we will miss him too. Not like you do of course. But I've considered Rick a friend for over 50 years. And you as well ever since we met. The two of you have been a great match. Together you've made a real and meaningful impact on family, friends, community, and the world. That's quite a legacy.

We are sad that he's gone. But so happy and grateful he was here!

Blessings!

Nick and Terry

~~~~

I am shocked and heartbroken to hear the news, especially since I was with you just a month ago. I am so sorry for your loss. I feel fortunate that we were able to spend time with you in Japan which brought back so many moments from my exchange year. Even though I was really childish back then you two always cared for me with love, and I will never forget that.

Please take care. I am glad and relieved to know that you are surrounded by wonderful people who are there to support you.

Love,

Saki (and Motoki)

My mom also asked me to share the following message: 

I am extremely saddened by the notice that Rick passed away. It is unbelievable that he managed to spend a great trip to Japan just some weeks ago. Hope he really enjoyed rich quality time here.

I know how much time you two spent together. May all your wonderful memories comfort you during this heartbreaking time.

Reiko

~~~~

Hi, Sharon,

I never know what to say at times like these. I will always cherish my memories of Rick. You fit right in with the group when you joined him. You will always be a part of our old Bemidji "neighborhood." My thoughts and prayers are with you during this transition.

Much love,

Barb

~~~~

I am so sorry.   Rick was a very good man, something hard to find.  He was a friend and mentor to hundreds, maybe thousands, from all around the world.  I feel privileged and thankful to be a member of that group.

He will be missed.   He will be remembered. 

Jack Britton

~~~~

Sorry to hear of Rick’s passing to the great beyond.   Hopefully he left sitting in 1st class seats on a Boeing jet he helped design.

I’m still in shock and couldn’t respond yesterday.   Rick died too young but he did make lasting contributions throughout his life and for that he will be remembered.  He was a good friend during our high school years as we often hung out together listening to music and playing bumper pool in the basement of his home on Calihan Ave.

I remember the time we stood in line to get some type of vaccine at the old Bemidji HS and just after we took our shots, Rick nearly fainted but I caught him before he hit the ground and took him to the nurses office where he soon recovered.   I don’t know if his parents ever knew about this incident.

My condolences to Sharon, Aiicia, and the extended Reuter family.

Mark Noga

~~~~

Dear Sharon,

I'm so very sorry for this big loss. We will remember Rick as a beautifully kind hearted and engaged human. Thank you for sharing what you wrote in your messages the past weeks and for always taking such good care of him. And also thank you for the picture you sent. You probably have many more to remember- from this trip and lucky years.

I spent last evening showing my partner all the pictures I have from the time with you.

I am glad you have many friends around.

Please let me know, in case there is anything we can do to support you. But no pressure in answering or anything. Just want to let you know, that my thoughts are with you.

Sending love and strength,

Malaika

~~~~

Dear Sharon, Alicia and Bemidji Neighbors,

So very sorry to hear about Rick's passing; I am stunned, actually.  Just now saw this email.

Sharon, what a loving and supportive life partner you have been;  fond memories of you and Rick coordinating the Zoom calls of which I think I participated in at least 3, but regretfully not the last one in December.  

The whole Reuter family is near and dear to my heart.  Growing up in the sweet Bemidji neighborhood was very ideal because of the wonderful friends and families like you.

Always remember Rick's calm and kind demeanor, as well as his enthusiasm and knowledge!! My deepest sympathy to you.

Sincerely,

Lynette Marks Hanson 

~~~~

Our Hobbs,

It seems like only yesterday that we were pleased that you had found your Rick. The two of you truly were on the same page through life, and that was impressive.  So much that you pair did was admirable in a big way, and pretty constantly. 

I, and our family, were shocked to hear the news of Rick’s passing.  It is still difficult to believe that anything would bother or trouble him. 

You folks/pair/two have been very much in my thoughts for the decades since moving down under.  It seems that there has always been a Sharon and Rick in my life.  Anyway, know that you have been blessed with much togetherness, and you are now in the hearts of other family.

Blessings, B+/Bryan Pierce

~~~~

Sharon, Dwayne and I are so sorry to hear this news.  Rick was such a gentle, soft spoken soul. He will be missed and we will miss seeing you both at our annual ticket draw. I’m so glad we got to be at a game with you last year.

Take good care,

Judy & Dwayne

~~~~

Sharon, 

I am so sad to hear of Rick's passing. He was a such a fine, spirited part of my experience with this group, from the first time I met him at Skip's for our selection "social" until the last time I saw him in our Zoom session. I must admit, the meetings at Skip's were so much more fun, although Dwayne & Judy worked so very hard in both settings

Warmest regards and a big hug,

Greg  Canova 

~~~~

We are all missing his smiling introspecting disposition.

Dan Getzin

~~~~

Dear Sharon,

Thank you for sharing the sad news. I have many fond memories of Rick, beginning with the several classes of mine he took at St. Olaf. It was a delightful surprise to find him serving us communion at the University Lutheran Church when we were on sabbatical at UW in 1991-2. That opened a connection with your family that continued with visits to your home and with Alicia being at St. Olaf, including her even staying in our basement for the summer after graduating while she was working with the museums in Northfield and Faribault. It was always a thrill to have you visit us. We also always admired all the hosting you did over the years of so many exchange students, and the way you maintained contact with them for years afterward. Rick's passing leaves an empty spot in our hearts, and we pray you, Alicia, and Frank can find strength in your memories as well.

Peace be with you all!

Jim & Judy Cederberg

~~~~

Hello Sharon,

I am so incredibly sorry to hear about this. I know Rick was loved by many here on the team and Boeing. For the few years I got to know him, he had one of the kindest hearts I’ve seen. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

I will also pass this along to the team, and will forward the memorial information on too when you send it.

Again, my condolences to you and your family. Thank you for reaching out and sharing.

Regards,

Adam Cha

~~~~

Hi Alicia,

My parents shared that your dad passed away this morning and I wanted to reach out and let you know that I’m holding you close in my thoughts and prayers and sending you all the love in the world 🤍

Your dad was always such a warm and kind presence. I’ve been reminiscing on our fun times growing up together and he will truly be missed. 

If there is anything I can do to support you during this time please let me know 

Sending you all my love 

Annie