September 2, 2015 | The Clarion
Page 1
Volume 81, Issue 3
SERVING BREVARD COLLEGE SINCE 1935
See page 4 for Art
Gallery Opening
Information
September 2,2015
Remembering Richard Lieii
Tribute to a fallen friend
By Megyn Terrell
Contributing Writer
We begin to grasp the eoncept of death at a
young age, for some it is easier than others, but
nonetheless, we team. As you grow, death be
comes more and more apparent as an unavoidable
aspect of life. We attend a very tight-knit college,
in the sense that we pass the same familiar faces
everyday. You begin to make connections, rec
ognizing what car a person drives, their laugh in
the hall, or their uncanny ability to stumble into
class late. Even the absence of a person's presence
is recognizable.
This year many returners came back to BC
knowing that there would be a void. This is the
year that would have been the senior year of
Richard William Liell, or known to many of us as
Richie. We received a dreary email this summer
confirming what some had hoped to be rumors,
our classmate, friend, and teammate had passed
away. There are many personal memories in the
hearts of students here, and then there are some
things we can all remember; like his white mus
tang whipping around campus; his gaming stories
after he showed up to class in the same clothes
from the night before; the times he would stumble
into class late because he was still half asleep from
his nap; or his natural ability to have sarcasm at
what sometimes was the worst time, yet still being
able to come across comedic. Everybody forms
different bonds with each individual, but I can
speak for the majority when I say once you were
somewhat acquainted with Richie you were most
definitely his friend.
There are also some things that people may
have not known. Richie was starting to teach
himself piano. Tie had also achieved a third degree
brown belt in karate in his younger years. He was
pursuing his degree in Integrated Studies, with
concentrations in Communications and Political
Science and minoring in Psychology. On behalf
of BC, Richie will receive his Honorary Degree
and it will be awarded to his family in May 2016.
Richie was on the men’s tennis team here for two
seasons. His BC tennis career here included, two
single victories as well as four double victories
alongside his doubles partner, fellow student
Christoph Plasa. As we mourn the death of a
fellow friend we can reminisce on all the good
laughs and memories we were able to gain from
his time here with us.
When I decided to take this piece on I reached
out to Richie’s father. I knew that this would
prove to be a hard task. I didn’t ask for much, only
memories. The following are responses from his
father and family.
“I can remember dropping Richie off at Brevard
back in the fall of 2012. It was his freshman
year and the first time that he would spend many
months away from home. That Saturday moved
slowly and I was thankful that the time seemed
to stand still because I think neither of us wanted
our time together to end. We completed all the
required unpacking and moving in procedures,
along with the last minute essential shopping at
Wal-Mart — a new rug, lamps, power cords, a fan,
shower gear, cleaning supplies (I don’t think he
ever used!), a mini fridge and all sorts of other
college necessities.
“We stopped at Ingles for some healthy snacks
for the new fridge and a fair amount of not-so-
healthy snacks as well. I was happy that he
had found a good roommate and new friend in
Johannes, but I was saddened because I knew
the next morning I would be leaving him for the
first time in his life. Sunday arrived with a quiet
breakfast together then a quiet moment to pray
in the car. One final check to make sure he had
everything he needed, then a bear hug and the
inevitable goodbye.
“What do you say to your son after 19 years
together? Richie and I had never learned how
to say goodbye. Fortunately, in my 58 years I
haven’t shed many tears, but on that Sunday I
cried. I cried from Brevard, North Carolina, to
Roanoke, Virginia two hundred and seventy-five
miles away.
“It’s been three years since that first goodbye at
Brevard and as each year passed we learned how
to say goodbye a little better. But time passes
swiftly and life takes turns. Things happen, some
good and some bad. For the last 21 years we were
blessed with many good things, but this summer
was different, and life took a turn for the worse.
“This year would have been Richie’s senior
year at Brevard and we were all so excited and
looking forward to his upcoming graduation. But
this year we never got to pack for school, or make
that trip together, or do the last minute shopping.
We never shared the bear hug and we never got
Richard posing at Spring Formai
to say our goodbye. This time, Richie, my son,
would be gone a very long time.
“And yet through the unbearable loss of my son,
two good things remain in my heart: thankfulness
and hope.
“Thankfulness, in part because of the great
outpouring of love and sympathy from so many
students and staff at BC. I want each one of you
to know how much your kindness and friendship
has meant to Richie, and that your letters and cards
have helped to support his family back home.
Hope, because I have faith in God’s word and as
surance through prayer - prayers that Richie and I
have said since he was little. I know that someday
I will be with my son. I also know that when that
day eomes. I’ll never have to say goodbye again.
“May God richly bless and keep each one of
you. And if I can speak for Richie and say a final
word, I think he would say: “Love to you all, my
friends,” and “Let’s go Tornadoes!”