This is a miracle!  I've saved this memory of Gene Rickard since the '70s, & want to pass it along to his family & friends.  That's why I originally left the message on Helen's memorial page.

Gene & I were friends at Guilford High School.  His lovely guitar accompanied my voice many times, & we sang together daily in choir.  He was a sweet guy, & we laughed so much together.  

While in college, out of the blue, I received this poem from him.  I did not realize he had these feelings for me.  We never had a romantic relationship.  I'm sure I responded at the time, but did not keep a copy of my reply.  I think about him often, & wanted to share his beautiful poem & soul with those who loved him.   

Joan (Coppoletti) Maxwell

I'm searching for relatives of Gene Rickard.  He was a special friend of mine at Guilford High School in the late '60s.  We sang together & he accompanied me on guitar as I sang.  We laughed lots.  I understand he has passed away, but I thought his family would like to discover a side of him that even surprised me.

We were friends.  We both went away to college, & then I received this beautiful poem from him.  I never realized he had feelings for me.  I will always cherish his expression of love.  I hope this reaches someone in his family.  Gene was a sweet guy.

Helen and Floyd bacame our true friends and supportors more than a quarter of a century ago, when we tried to establish the first S.W.A.P.-exchange between ROCKFORD;Il. and Vienna Austria. 
They hosted  teachers several times during our exchanges and were interested in intercultural exchanges, art, history, but also our personal families here in Austria.
I do not remember a visit to Rockford when Helen and I did not get together at least once for dinner and good whitty inspiring conversations, from Mama or Grandmother to Grandmother, from one reader to another.
 We also enjoyed welcoming both Rickards at our home in Vienna. Unfortunately, not often enough to share good wines, conversations, etc...  Thank you for all the support, understanding, friendship through all those years.  You will be missed on both sides of the Atlantic!  Heidi Roessler

Ed and I were saddened to read of Helen's death.  She was a very specal, giving person who will be sorely missed by everyone.  Helen ( and Rick) were valued, active members of the Foundation for International Cooperation and we shall sorely miss having her on our board.....and in our lives. 
Sincerly,
Jeanne and Ed Rudnicki

Helen Bradshaw Rickard was my cousin on my mother's side.  It has been many years since Helen and Rick visited Gloria and I in Springfield, 
Missouri.  It was a delight to have them visit the newly weds.  I had the 
privilege of being at their wedding in Warrensburg.  Gloria and I extend 
our sincere regrets to all of Helen's family.  She was a fine woman who 
married a fine gentleman and had a beautiful family.  May peace be 
with you.  Gloria and Sam Overfelt, Jefferson City, MO

OBITUARY

Helen Marie Rickard

13 March, 1925 – 5 May, 2011

Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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