January 20, 2012
by Al Bregar
For the better part of the last week there has been a gaping hole in the hearts and minds of a large number of Iowa Republicans. You see, Tuesday afternoon Iowa lost one of the hardest working members of the grassroots movement here in Iowa. That was the day that my friend Richard Auwerda was called home to be with his Lord. I have only known Rich for a few years, but the interaction him and I shared has been one the greatest joys during that time.
In the short time that I had to get to know Richard I found him to be one of the most intellectually honest political activists I have ever known. His constructive criticism has guided many other activists to be more honest about the issues. His quiet confidence also had a way of instilling those around him with more confidence as well. And when it came to the principles that founded our nation, Rich was unwavering.
I also found Richard to be one of those rare individuals with which it was virtually impossible to not like. And when he was your friend he stood by your side through thick and thin. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.
My relationship with Rich began initially on Facebook. Though we come from distinctly backgrounds we both shared a passion for Iowa politics. This passion helped grow our relationship and quickly we began trying to find ways to unite Iowa conservatives in an effort to put forth a united front for the advancement of the principles of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. As our relationship grew I came to view Rich as more of a brother than a simple acquaintance. As our mutual friend Caree Severson so fondly states, he was truly a brother from another mother.
And so tomorrow we will gather in Huxley, IA to celebrate the richness that his life brought to all of us. We will gather to share the stories that characterized our relationships with Rich. We will lean on each other for emotional support as we mourn the possibilities that might have been. And we will look forward to the day that we are reunited in the Kingdom of Heaven. And so tomorrow we will say farewell to our friend and our brother Richard Auwerda, rest in peace at the side of the Lord until we meet again.
Until We Meet Again Rich
January 20, 2012 by Al Bregar 3 Comments
In the short time that I had to get to know Richard I found him to be one of the most intellectually honest political activists I have ever known. His constructive criticism has guided many other activists to be more honest about the issues. His quiet confidence also had a way of instilling those around him with more confidence as well. And when it came to the principles that founded our nation, Rich was unwavering.
I also found Richard to be one of those rare individuals with which it was virtually impossible to not like. And when he was your friend he stood by your side through thick and thin. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.
My relationship with Rich began initially on Facebook. Though we come from distinctly backgrounds we both shared a passion for Iowa politics. This passion helped grow our relationship and quickly we began trying to find ways to unite Iowa conservatives in an effort to put forth a united front for the advancement of the principles of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. As our relationship grew I came to view Rich as more of a brother than a simple acquaintance. As our mutual friend Caree Severson so fondly states, he was truly a brother from another mother.
And so tomorrow we will gather in Huxley, IA to celebrate the richness that his life brought to all of us. We will gather to share the stories that characterized our relationships with Rich. We will lean on each other for emotional support as we mourn the possibilities that might have been. And we will look forward to the day that we are reunited in the Kingdom of Heaven. And so tomorrow we will say farewell to our friend and our brother Richard Auwerda, rest in peace at the side of the Lord until we meet again.
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