To the family of Dr. Axtell:  Thank you so much for your generous donation of the beautiful flowers to The Flower Shuttle.  On Tuesday, they will become dozens of arrangements that will brighten the days of patients in the Veterans' Hospital and Transitions Lifecare, clients of Meals on Wheels, residents in nursing homes and many more people who need a little joy in their lives.  You were very kind to think of others in your own time of sorrow.

For as long as I can remember, my dad was my hero and mentor.  It was important to him that I grow up well-rounded, and with a strong moral compass.  He modeled for me the values that were important to him, and led by example.
When I was a boy, my dad got me involved in the YMCA's Indian Guides program.  As Big Bear and Little Bear, we worked on projects together, and learned about camping and outdoor activities.  He loved and respected nature, and taught me to do the same. One memorable quote of his is when I asked as a kid What is the purpose of mosquitoes? He responded What is the purpose of humans? We are all just here to survive. 
He loved animals and this probably explains why we had a pet chicken named Peeper, gerbils, numerous cats and a dog named Spunky that was a hyper beagle that ran around a lot and tried to eat my nerf footballs.  He even brought home some giant hissing cockroaches from Madagascar that would eat dog food.  They were interesting to watch, but not as cuddly as our cats!  I think our cat at the time was scared of them, along with anyone that saw them! If you have never heard of them, they are about 4 inches long and hiss if you touch them! Not your typical pet!
I have many fond memories of camping with my Dad, my mom and my sister at Kerr Lake; boating, floating in the water, staring at the clouds, making food together, making fires and enjoying nature.  And to this day, I still go camping a few times a year with friends. We enjoy nature the same way as adults that I did as a kid and hope to continue that until I am old and grey (I have already started working on the grey!)  I have even brought some of my friends to the special place at Kerr Lake that I enjoyed with my family.
My father was also passionate about science.  He taught me to ask questions, explore how things work, and seek truth in science.  As a teenager, it was not uncommon for me to take appliances, watches and other household objects apart to learn how they operated.  He taught me to cut off the TV and study the world around me.  He encouraged me to be inquisitive, and this ultimately had a strong influence on what I studied in school and the career path that I eventually took.  
As a young man, my father taught me to work hard, get involved and stand up for what is right.  He and my mother instilled in me the responsibility to help those in need, and to stand up and speak out against social, moral and economic injustice. We never were taught to be flashy or live beyond our means that so many people do today.  I learned to do the right thing, and to not back down from those values.  It is who I am today. My sister and I call it the Axtell gene that makes us speak up and stand up.
Finally, my dad taught me to pursue things that make me happy.  He enjoyed life, his career and wanted me to enjoy it, too.  He taught me to look at my options and choose wisely. No matter what one does in life, it is important to just do what brings you happiness. 
There are so many others things that I could say about him  But, I'll close with sharing one of my favorite memories.  In 1983, I was with my dad on that magical night when NC State won the national championship.  No one thought it was possible and there we were watching that last long shot go in and Jimmy Valvano running across the court looking for someone to hug. I had someone to hug. We jumped in the car and drove to the N.C. State brickyard to celebrate with thousands of jubilant people. Getting to share that moment with him, and celebrating the victory with him was absolutely awesome!  I'll never forget it.  AndI'll never forget him. You are a great Dad and I love you.

Dick Axtell was a fellow faculty member who contributed greatly to Medical and Veterinary Entomology through graduate students who continue to influence such every day throughout the country. He was IPM in his system management in the poultry and hog industry in North Carolina. He had a unique sense of humor and influenced Departmental and NCSU policy and programs. He appreciated people and programs outside of his efforts and offered his expertise and experience freely. He was a family man and attended professional, departmental and university meetings and social activities. He is missed by family, friends, colleagues, former students but his impact and contributions have been multiplied and will span many generations.

It has been many years since Ive seen Mr. Axtell, but I remember his kindness and his wittiness.  My heart goes out to Robert, Nancy and Mrs. Axtell, as I can imagine the emptiness that will be felt for awhile to come. 
   I believe he has merely transitioned from this life to the afterlife and that he is completely healthy and whole again and in a beautiful state of peace, with no worries at all.  
God bless your family tomorrow and the days to come.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

It was with great sorrow that I received the news of Dick's passing.  He was a great mentor and influenced my professional and personal career greatly.  My sincere condolences to the family.  Dick will be realty missed!

My deepest sympathy to the family.  In my earlier days of research and development we were very fortunate to have Dick Axtell's knowledge and expertise as a consultant to the company and "Key Opinion Leader". He had a huge influence on me. He was always full of practical ideas based on his own experiences from being in the trenches of all projects.  He never quit.  A fine family man blessed with laughter.  He will be sorely missed.

My sincere condolences to the family. In this age of hyperbole, terms like "giant in their field" are overused. But in Dick Axtell's case it is actually the unvarnished truth. His impact extended well beyond that of just about any medical and veterinary entomologist I have known. The father of IPM in veterinary systems, Dick was an inspiration, a constant source of encouragement, a huge influence on me, and is one of a small handful of my "research heroes". He will be long remembered, and may he rest in peace.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Richard C. Axtell PH.D.

4 août 1932 – 24 janvier 2017

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

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