Posted by Harvey R. Jahn on March 30, 2009:

*[Eulogizing comments 46 days prior to Dick's passing] All of us have known for quite some time that Dick Bauchspies was seriously ill. However, his gallant handling of his illness and Barb's unwavering optimism perhaps shielded us from more serious thinking at times. Even when Dick spoke to us who were there for "Brandon's Marchback" in August of 2007, while dining at the Thayer Hotel, eloquently assured us that "his health problem was not life threatening." Not even being wheelchair-confined could dampen his and his beloved's optimism. But we all knew that this grand couple was challenged as never before. Most of us were not prepared to acknowledge this most difficult past week that two years of incessant pain, constant change, numerous medical attempts to cope anew, and non-stop runs from home to medical and therapeutic centers had run their course. None of us, even with the time afforded by extended homecare and hospitalization, is remotely ready to lose one for whom we have much love, respect, and many fond memories. Our loss will be heaven's gain. Dick was all of that and much more. He has wonderfully left his mark on all who know him. Barb phoned me shortly around noon this past Saturday and put Dick on the phone as "he had something to share with me." He calmly relayed what the doctors had told him and provided comfort while conveying the strength and faith that made him who he is. His courage and wisdom mark him as a very special person. The days for our Class of '58 generation are winding down for all of us. We, who are so fortunate to have enjoyed our fabulous 50th Class Reunion together this past May, dearly pray (as Dusty so convincingly intimated) that Dick and Barb too are able to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary together on 6 March. This well could be another goal, this one golden, achieved in their happy life together. For now, they relish Dick's return home today where their precious yorkie, Lucky, anxiously awaits his dear master. Dick's brother, Frank, arrived Saturday. This week members of the rest of his family are expected, surrounding Dick with the love that he himself has so freely given. I vividly remember when Dick and I were having a post-roommate telephone talk and he nicely encouraged me to go to my church and pray. Having done so immediately thereafter, I now return one of Dick's many favors to remind all of us to pray for these good people, their children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends at such a moving and trying moment. God Bless all. *[Eulogizing comments following Dick's passing] Our beloved classmate and company-mate, Dick Bauchspies, was called home by our Heavenly Father and Lord today, Monday, 16 March, at 4:30 AM. Barb, as she has done so many times during Dick's two years as he fought so valiantly to hold onto the life that they lived to the fullest together for fifty years, went to look in on him. For several days prior she was unable to wake him up for long periods of time. This morning his room, with Lucky on his relentless guard duty, was quiet as never before Barb said. Dick passed to the other side in his sleep. In soldier's brave fashion the battle was over. Barb consoled herself by mentioning how Dick was now with his Mom and Dad, will be buried in Arlington beside his brother, Bob, to be joined by Barb at the appointed time. They are not dead who live in lives they leave behind; in those whom they have blessed, they live a life again. Their love story will go on as we pass from one life to another. Indeed it is sad to know that each and everyone of us will miss this man who wore many hats and touched so many of all ages and in all walks of life, but Dick is home now, as we here continue to prepare for our final exam. One would like to think that Dick passed his with flying colors. From my viewpoint, the most touching moment (and there were plenty of them) was on Saturday, when Dick could not be awakened. When he did awake, after the expression of thanks by those assembled in his room upstairs, Dick, as he did the night before at the 50th Reception, added his thoughts and ended by reciting, slowly and almost inaudibly, parts of The Cadet Prayer...... And when our work is done Our course on earth is run May it be said 'well done' Be thou at peace ----------- And ending with ........ "The Corps, The Corps, The Corps ......" (which Dick reiterated in a whisper until it could no longer be heard --- only remembered by those privileged to be there}. Well done and Peace with deepest respect and remembrance, Brother Dick Bauchspies. Grip Hands --- keep and share the love you feel always in your hearts. Harvey R. Jahn, Jr. Company F-1, Class of 1958

admin