It’s with a great sadness in my heart that I report the death of my oldest nephew, Richard William (“Dick”) Van Raaphorst, on October 3, 2020, in San Diego, California. He was born December 10, 1942, in Port Huron, Michigan.

Dick and I go “way back” – although I am officially his aunt, he was just two years younger than I, and we hung out like siblings during our early life in Michigan. Besides being grateful to have had a fun little brother in my childhood I’ve always loved and appreciated the integrity and character he developed as an adult. I will miss him very, very much.

My nephew and I were born at a time when all the adults around us were preoccupied with world wars and things, and we knew how to have fun in spite of all that. In more recent times we didn’t see each other that much, but there was always a real depth of understanding between us. I think “soulmates” would not be too strong a word. If you have one or two, cherish them while you have them.