(The letter below was sent in response to the Dec. 2023 email from Denton Staley to our community. CJ Richardson gave permission to post it here. --Mike Ruth)

Denton,
Great letter and thank you for taking on the task of Secretary. I am good with continuing the newsletter by email. I will also speak for my brother, Dr. Thomas E. Richardson (58), a classmate of Herb's. Tom has macular degeneration, as do I, but Tom is legally blind; whereas I, have preserved some eyesight with injections into the retina. A science developed after Tom's eyesight was lost. A cruel loss for a member of the GMS rifle team in 1957 and 1958 and an avid fly-fisherman and deer hunter.

You may have heard that Mike Lee (64) has passed. Mike succumbed to his 10-year battle with cancer in December. Mike represented the best of us and his legacy will live on in his fine family. Below is part of a letter that I wrote to Mike when he started his cancer treatments 10 years ago.

"Hey Buddy,
I have been concerned about you. Grey Webb was able to get your hospital address so now I am relaying the powerful prayers and wishes of your friends who want so much that you will have a good recovery. We know that you are experiencing some complications after surgery, that is not unusual. You went into this with a positive attitude, and we all know you to be a strong man who will demonstrate to all of us once again how to overcome adversity and setbacks through sheer will power and love of family and friends. Further, I know that the love and support of Maggie, your children and your grandchildren add to your strength. Few men have the love and respect of friends that you have garnered. You are Mr. Lucky. So, with all that going for you, you are in a good position to pull through this arduous time and get back to your very well lived life.
Mike, you have always been a natural leader. People gravitate to you for many reasons. You are humorous with the rare insight of how to use your intellect to engage folks in a positive way that makes each one of them feel special. You can find your way through this confusing world and to translate for others how to negotiate the way through the tangles. So, once again you are taking on the difficult task of finding your way through the tough times of recovery through your strength, willpower and positive thought aided by the prayers of your family and friends.
Once you are released from the hospital, you will be on a diet. It will be sort of like walking the beat for misbehaving. As in the old days, I am going to walk some hours with you just for the company. "

Respectfully,

CJ Richardson