I send my heartfelt sympathies to Richie's family and friends at the loss of such a special man. I am the parent of a child with special needs and have strong memories of the times Richie would email, sometimes late at night, with solutions to bus problems, always offering swift, responsive, and most of all kind help. Richie went above and beyond in helping our children, and it was clear how much he truly cared. He was one of the people who made having a special needs child easier rather than harder, and I will never forget him or the impact his help had on my child's education and well being. I am forever indebted to him.