Several images of my friend Richard Knapik flashed through my mind as I attended his funeral here last week.
Of course, that’s common and perhaps even inescapable for anyone who goes to a funeral.
But I think Richard’s funeral was different in the respect that everyone I know who knew him felt a personal, special connection with him that goes far beyond an acquaintance with someone who passes.
Richard was chamber president when I moved here in 1997 and he immediately made me feel welcome.
He had a laugh that was loud and contagious – lots of people have loud laughter, but Richard’s always seemed genuine.
My wife MaLinda pointed out that Richard truly was a “We Person” who pulled people together for a common good of a project or event.
I’ve now lost two friends who took me in my early days here – Richard and Haskell Simon, who died in late 2020.
Richard accomplished much in his life.
Born in Chicago, Ill., Dec. 22, 1948, Richard served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earning two bronze stars for heroism.
His education included graduating from St. Vincent de Paul Preparatory Seminary and the University of Colorado.
After moving to Bay City, Richard managed Bay City Plumbing Supply from 1980 to 1991 and again from around 2010 to when the firm closed in October 2020.
In between, as befitting Richard, he was director of the Bay City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture from 1991 to 2004.
Richard received many honors during that time, including the chamber’s Man of the Year in 1998 and the Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation’s George Holtz Award in 2008.
That’s when he was elected as Bay City Mayor, a position he held until 2010.
Richard was active in Community Actors of South Texas – he studied theater during his University of Colorado years.
Richard and his wife Nancy were married for 38 years.
They spent many of the past several years traveling the globe, going to places most of us could only dream of.
Typical of the boy who never grew up, I was shameless about asking for a souvenir from his travels.
I’m glad I did.
In a spot I see every day is this pewter King Kong beating his chest next to the Empire State Building that Richard bought for me in New York City.
Life brought us together as friends as we were in our late 40s.
I have many memories of Richard in that time span.
I feel blessed for having known him. He’ll be missed.
