I knew 'Mumby' from 1992-1994 in N.Charleston, SC.  We were both working in the hospital and living in the open bay barracks across the parking lot, in a fenced in area at NChasNavHosp.  I remember him well during that time. We scrambled pick-up volleyball and basketball games all the time.. as a teammate but I can still see his eyes fierce through the net, after a spike on me(I am a near full foot taller than him); I remember his low shoulder on the penetration to the center followed by the breakthrough and some crazy shot with the basketball.. when we could of at that point just layed up.  Though we weren't 'tight' and we didn't keep in touch after.. I remember him fondly and vividly like it was yesterday. His story about how and why he joined the Navy.. the one involving the 150+mph motorcycle chase and the judge giving him an ultimatum. (Not sure how many versions exist out there) 
I was also incredible amazed one time as he treated his rehabilitation if his leg as another challenge... the 'just watch me' was fierce when  he was young. I remember him talking about joining FMF school after..est(94/95) I moved onto Bethesda Surgical.. glad he was able to do that.
It is good to read and see all the decades after he lived to that same fierce adventuring spirit he truly held dear and made him who he was... and the friends he made along the way; at anywhere at anytime.  
His children are blessed to have such a father.

Mumby, Sorry I missed reaching out by a couple years.
Be calm and enjoy the rest Doc.

-Booth

                                    RICH

On July 5, 2003 the Thompson family gained a new full of life and adventurist member. Rich Mumby married the youngest of the 4 Thompson children, Shelby Lynn Thompson. Rich was a cradle robber. Shelby is 11 ½ years younger than Rich. Could you tell it in is actions , No!!

By the union of these two fabulous people came three very active red head boys, Tyreden, Tjvori and Triggavarr. They love their dad and all his energy and adventures very much.

Rich’s love for new challenges and learning new skills was somewhat of a different way life for Papa. They shared many hours of talking and planning. Not sure how many of these great plans were ever completed. But the Papa, Son- in- law relationship was interesting. The talks were great!

Rich’s energy and good hard working ethics were very much appreciated. One of the last labor of loves that Rich did for Nana was to paint the outside of the house, garage, root cellar and the door on Papa’s shop. Many small “ Honey Do’s” were done on the inside of the house. This was all completed the weekend before his passing. Rich always keep us entertained in many ways. 

Papa and I loved Rich as a Son. He was an important part of our life. He will be missed greatly..

Rest in Peace, Rich. Nana and Papa will take care of your family the best we can. The whole Thompson family is pulling together to make the best of the big void your family will have with you gone.

                                    Love you lots
                                     Nana

You want a physicist to speak at your funeral. You want the physicist to talk to your grieving family about the conservation of energy, so they will understand that your energy has not died. You want the physicist to remind your sobbing wife about the first law of thermodynamics; that no energy gets created in the universe, and none is destroyed. You want your wife to know that all your energy, every vibration, every Btu of heat, every wave of every particle that was her beloved- remains with her in this world. You want the physicist to tell your weeping children that amid energies of the cosmos, you gave as good as you got.
                                                                                                                  
And at one point you'd hope that the physicist would say to Shelby …to your brokenhearted spouse there in the pew … tell her:  all the photons that ever bounced off of his face, all the particles whose paths were interrupted by his smile, by the touch of his bald head, hundreds of trillions of particles, have raced off like children, their ways forever changed by Rich.
 
And as your widow rocks in the arms of a loving family, may the physicist let her know that all the photons that bounced from Rich were gathered in the particle detectors that are her eyes, that those photons created within her, constellations of electromagnetically charged neurons whose energy will go on forever.
And the physicist will remind the congregation of how much of all our energy is given off as heat.  And she will tell them that the warmth that flowed through Rich in life- IT’S HERE, still part of all that we are, even as we who mourn continue the heat of our own lives.
And you'll want the physicist to explain to those who loved you that they need not have faith; if faith is defined as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebr. 11:1; indeed, they should not have faith so much as Let them know that they can me

Rich was always the perfect balance between super hero and comedian! While we were stationed together in Yuma, Arizona we managed to have so many amazing adventures. We built off road vehicles,  managed to sink them in the Colorado river (multiple times). In 1999 we went to Ocotillo Wells for Thanksgiving and spent a long weekend off-roading  in my Bronco, racing dune buggies across the desert and riding motorcycles! During one of our rides that weekend Rich was driving and I was sitting in the back chatting with friends when he missed a small drop off and stuck the front end of the Bronco in the sand. When it happened  I flew forward and ended up breaking my nose.  As there were several Corpsman on the trip, there was much debate as to whether or not my nose was actually broken. Rather than being caught up in a discussion about what happened in the past Rich focused on the future. The following morning Rich gathered his supplies (plastic bottles, duct tape, and a pillow) and created the first prototype  of his very own “anti-nose breaking gear” (patent pending). Instead of being upset about my nose or self conscious about how I was going to look when we went back to work, I couldn’t stop laughing.  Thank you for all the memories Rich, I will forever treasure them!

Everyone has said so many wonderful things about Rich and spoken about great memories.  I think now is a time to be a bit selfish and talk about me, my feelings.  Maybe I’ll speak about how my heart isn’t quite full of great Rich memories and longs for more.  Maybe I’ll mention all of the places I don’t want to go because the memories are just too great, too strong.  Sure, I’ll go back eventually.  I’ll go to Odell’s Brewing Co where we can be “friends of Dick” again and take drunk pics in the photo booth.  Then we’ll get into the car where you have to twerk on the tailgate to get the automatic lift to operate.  I’ll go to HandleBar Tap House and I’ll get a sample of the darkest, boldest beer they have.  I’ll carry it upstairs to the rooftop terrace where we shared our last and carefully place it on the table.  Slowly sipping my IPA that you call poison, I’ll casually glance away for but a second, only to find the dark beer sample empty.  At that moment while all may not be right with the world it will be well with my soul.  Cheers my friend. 

 I had met Rich a few times before my husband got the honor.  Shelby and I had a meeting after school one day and Rich volunteered to watch all six kids at our home so we could be kid free.  As Adam got home from work that night, he found this BIG unknown man in his house drinking his beer.  Rich introduced himself and by the time we got back the two were laughing and drinking multiple beers.  There was a long standing joke between the two after that night since Rich opened a beer which foamed out of the bottle and he had to quickly remedy the situation “Rich”style.  No beer shall be lost.  They two of them always played off of each other and we can remember our faces hurting from smiling and our abs (or lack thereof) hurting from so much laughter.  They bonded over beer, kilts, jokes and so much more.  Once you were a friend you were always a friend and he would do anything for you.  We will never forget the love he had and showed and spoke of to everyone he met….that was for his boys and his Queen.  There was nothing that came before you all.  He was by far one of the best parent role models anyone could have.  Taking all the time in the world to be with his kids and show his love for them; evident in all those huge ginger smiles.  We were blessed to have seen him a few times this summer.  From watching him ride the clown bike, being “Friends of Dick” at the brewery, making a waitress laugh until she cried at dinner of his antics, playing Hokey Pokey in the parking lots of multiple places, playing bodyguard to Adam, and walking hand in hand with other out of the bar after celebrating a milestone birthday to him “breaking my new car” we will never forget what he added to our lives. He will be more than greatly missed by all he has met and blessed during his life.  We will always smile at the memories we have to hold on to.  I look forward to watching him live on through his amazing boys as they go through life.

Oh where to start. So many memories, so many laughs. 1st David and I met Rich and Shelby during our birthing class, Shelby & I where due around the same time. I was pregnant with Jazmine and Shelby was pregnant with Tyriden (so?).  The story that always brings a smile to my face it the “red sauce” story ...lol. Fast forwards year later we reconnected when the kids started going to school together at Caprock Academy. We had the joy of taking a trip to California and meeting up at Lego land, I’ll never forget how Rich was just like the kids having fun running around getting figures and trading them with the staff. I have so many more memories-all to be cherished. Thank you for alway putting a smile on my face and my family’s face. You will be forever missed. 

This still doesn't feel real. Like it's just a bad dream. Rich was a titan among men. Physically, he was a force of nature. The only person who ever truly knocked me out. But he was also generous and insightful. He could enter a room and the room was instantly more alive. It was like magic.

In our too-brief time on this Earth, I was lucky enough to be able to watch and learn from Rich. I struggle to find a better husband, father, and man. His love for his wife was absolute, and a beautiful story to watch unfold. As a father, he sought to teach his boys to be men, that they may one day walk in his footsteps. As a man, he was strong but gentle; boisterous but loving. Every day with him was a different kind of joy.

I doubt it will ever feel real, and it will never be alright. The scale of this loss is numbing. Rich was an example to us all, a brother to many, and a truly one of a kind man (in the best of ways).

I love you, Rich. I always will. Now go take your place in the halls of Valhalla, where the brave may live forever. 

I can remember almost every day that I’ve been a part of Rich’s  life and beautiful family.  On the last day that I talk to him, Rich was sharing with me a book he wanted me to read, a blind man’s love. He would explain to me that’s the way he would look at his wife and children.  He expressed nothing mattered more in this world to him then his family. The last things I saw him say to his children, to his youngest was “Don’t spill that water on your self, son why? Because you are made of sugar and you’ll melt” to his middle son was a talk of why we treat women with respect” and to his oldest was giving him  words of encouragement on something that he was building as simple as a cardboard shield.  Rich had a amazing way of reaching into somebody soul, He can make people laugh so hard that they would cry, he was a person you could turn to you in your darkest days and he will drag you back to the light. There were so many stories that he loved to tell, that he was so proud of and I love listening to every single one of them. There was only two times I’ve ever seen Rich cry, the first was the day that he held my son and I asked him if he would be the godfather and if I could use his name as my sons name, the second was when he held my  daughter and again I asked him if he would be the godfather. But I did not want to use his name. Both Rich and Shelby excepted. Rich is one of the reasons I am so happy today.  I would seek advice from Rich rather it be about relationships, building up the nerve to talk to somebody, or Just how to do something. He would never hesitate to be there for me. He would always say love what you have and do what is right by them. The love for his family and wife is what made his world, it was so beautiful.  Rich was so strong  physically mentally and spiritually that his very person would light up a room, or he was at least he was heard. Rich you are my brother, mentor, my souls guide. I am truly honored that you saw me as you brother. I love you

Rich, 

I can’t believe you’re gone forever. The first time we met was in the Sahara desert, as I came to the bar to get me a beer,  Rich introduced himself saying: “Hi, I’m Rich” we spent few hours with other people and I have noticed that Richy ( I always called him Richy) was a human magnet. Everybody liked him and he was a golden heart. 
After that day,  we always had fun and we always kept in touch. 
Rest In Peace brother, we shall see each other soon. 

Hakim 

Hammar (Rich) was always plotting shenanigans, even when he was being serious.  He was always quick to smile, and greet people with great enthusiasm.  His smile and laughter will be missed.  

Katherina von Lehmann aka Pauline Kurdt

The first time we met was at my first Battlemor. You allowed me to try your hammer when Bran and I wandered into your camp. Your smile was wide and your eyes sparkled as I smashed your hammer into the ground as you instructed. Then you introduced me to your family and I could see the pride in your face. After that every time we showed up you always had a warm welcome and a smile. You will be missed brother. We will watch over the family for you until their time comes to join you.

The first time I met Rich, he introduced himself to a few of us in the neighborhood, and he said "Hi, my name's Rich, without the -ard, because that's an STD."  I immediately knew I'd get a long with this fella and share lots of laughs.  When he told me about the SCA stuff, I asked "oh, you mean like LARPing." and he just laughed and laughed about how absurd of a question that was.  

Rich was a guy's guy, the father and husband we all strived to be.  He was tough on his kids, but very clearly loved and adored them.  Of him, they thought he hung the moon in the sky every night.   The love clearly went both ways.   

Rich without the -ard will be missed.

Wow....still in shock. Rich (hammar) was a great person and I enjoyed fighting next to him many times whenever we could. I will forever miss him and the "no shoot there I was" stories we shared in our medieval group. I wish we would have spent more time together......Hammar save a chair for me in the great hall and until we meet again....I love you, man....and I will be making a mass war hammer in your honor!!

When I first met Rich (known to me as Hammar), it was at an Estrella War SCA event in Phoenix, AZ. He was covered in little blonde children, some his, some not, but he acted as a father (and jungle gym) to all of them. They were wrestling and climbing his much larger frame. Everybody was laughing. I will never forget the utter joy in his face: his smile which stretched so large, it made him squint. He was in a place he loved, surrounded by his clan. And he wanted to make sure everyone was as happy as he was.

Over the years, every time he would see me, he would give me the biggest hug accompanied by that infectious smile. He introduced me to his lady, a lovely soul with that same joy in her eyes. It was obvious how much he admired her and how proud he was of his family - both blood and chosen. 

Never once did I see him fret or worry when a situation would go south.  He just dug in his heels, rolled up his sleeves and got done whatever needed doing - all with a smile. He was an asset to the SCA: both to his local group and the surrounding groups. He was a fierce warrior. A stalwart friend.  A hard-working father. A loving husband. A man whose large personality and joy of life will always be remembered, even though we will miss him. I will always endeavor to carry his joy with me, in his honor. 

All my love and condolences to his family. 
Lyndsie Clark (also known as Maria (Lana) Castelana)

It’s weird. It could of been another person but it was him. Even though we were not family I felt like a brother we argued and had some disagreements  but in the end we were friends .I remember he told me that we were gonna throw the baseball with each other but that didn’t  happen. And I remember that morning my parents told me that he passed away.  It’s still hard hearing that in my head he is gone. But the truth is he is still there laughing with us crying with us he will always be there. Rich we miss you. -Eddie

I will never forget the times Rich came to help out with wrestling practice. He would slide the little kids from one end of the mat, to the other. They had the best belly laughs! But my favorite has to be the time he showed up in a tie dyed t-shirt and a sweat band around his head. He walked into the room with his chest puffed out and Quinten called him Richard Simmons..... Rich totally owned it! He had such a good sense of humor, he was such a good man.

I met Rich at Nabors Drilling in the early 2000s , he was a good guy , one you'd want on your side . I saw him  a few months ago , it was good to see him and his family ! Rich , I'll see you again my friend

Rich and Shelby were among the first people I met when my boyfriend (now husband) brought me into the SCA. This was in 2009. I became very attached to these wonderful people from the very first day, Rich was always so excited to show someone new how all of the aspects of the SCA worked and explain how the fighting goes. Their son Tyrdon is very close in age to my daughter Lexi and when we would bring her to events all the kids from the group had friends to play with.  As the time went on we had all become great friends, in 2011 when we were planning our wedding, my husband and I were deciding on our bridesmaids and groomsman and Rich was the first one in our mutual group of friends that we didnt even have to discuss, it was a certainty that he would be a part of this as he was one of the few people constantly asking if we were ever going to get married...Rich loved seeing people happy and happy families. Shelby was our photographer, Rich was in the party and Tyrdon and Lexi entertained each other when they got bored (as 4 year olds do). After all of this and them eventually moving to Colorado and losing touch Rich would still message me on Facebook to see how everything was going and even when he was halfway around the world he was a shoulder to lean on in hard times. He was great with advice and a good ear when you needed to talk. I will miss his magnetism that just seemed to draw people to him. On a last but most important note, he gave the best hugs...those in the SCA know how important a great hug can be...

In Algeria in 2016, I met Rich while rigging up 828. Rich was there to commission a new top drive, he had two weeks before he was to begin his assignment. He really had nothing he had to do , but that wasn’t Rich’s way, he joined in working with crew members to help solve problems.  It was a complicated rig up with lots of problems. Rich’s  intelligence and knowledge was greatly needed appreciated. Rich was the one to solve the hard problems and gained everyone’s respect very quickly.  On my last hitch Rich and I traveled together where we overnighted in France “ Rich said let’s me and you go catch a train and go see the Eiffel Tower we may never get to see it again. “ We did and had a great dinner and visit, we returned to hotel and went our separate ways. That was the last time I saw him.  Rich was a good friend and will be missed by many.  God Bless Mr. Rich.

I first saw Rich when I walked into a rig camp in Dongara, Western Australia back in 2015 , he was hard to miss as he was telling one of his many stories and had 10 blokes in absolute stitches. The next day I was introduced to Rich and within the first 5 minutes he had me laughing. I got spend a lot time with him over the next 2 weeks and there was never a dull moment or problem that could not be solved with him in the room. 
After spending time with Rich there was one thing he always spoke about with absolute love and total pride in his voice, that was his family.
Rich will be greatly remembered by all who had the opportunity to cross paths with this fantastic father, husband and friend.



Working on the rig floor in the Sahara, in Algiers, Africa.  We were waiting for some of the hands to bring some tools to the rig floor.  I was getting upset over the delay.  After some time, Rich got on his pretend radio, (he did a great impression of himself, and crew members, talking on a radio, that didn't exist) and was relaying to me, some ridiculous reasons, why the hands, we're not going to return, to the rig floor.  Some of the reasons were, 1. They were in my office, eating my stash of snacks, 2. They had decided to wait for the next shift and let them handle it.  3. They've decided to immigrate to Colorado as a group, and have taken our wallets, etc, etc.  I was laughing so hard, by the time they actually did return, I wasn't upset at all.  He was huge source of positive energy.  I was with him, when he found out about his brother, and he told me all of his best memories of him.  We laughed and cried.  Taken too soon, is true for both of them.  My message to his kids, is hold your head up and remember your father with pride.  He was a globe trekker, that was respected by every culture he encountered.  He won them over with hard work, knowledge and a bigger than life personality.  He spoke about you kids with pride and love.  Do his example right, and know, your family was the most important thing in the world to him.    

OBITUARY

Richard Lee Sebold Mumby

10 September, 1972 – 2 July, 2019

Allnutt Funeral Service – Hunter Chapel

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