The Cookieman
Rich used to call me the "Milk Lady" back in junior high 'cause I worked in the lunchroom and sold the little cartons of milk out of the cooler. He was a real tease and has a special place in my memories, past and present. I've asked Rich if I could make a compilation of the emails that we've exchanged so everyone else could get "reacquainted" with Rich like I have. He has, finally, agreed.
Rich met his wife, Jenny, in Minneapolis in 1973 and they were married in April of 1974. They have 2 children, Angela 33 and Christopher 31. They have 2 grandsons, Justin will
Rich worked for OEI Business Forms, from 1978-1989. Later, he went to work for a small family-owned trash hauler, Dick's Sanitation, in Lakeville, MN, where he has been employed for the past 18 1/2 years. He has done residental pick up, commercial pick up, roll-off containers and is now doing cart delivery with a 22ft box truck. He says this is good "Old guys work". Of all the work he has done at Dick's, his favorite was Residental Trash Routes. He, like Harold Schaaf, has found lots of "good stuff". The best was a full set of 4 BMW spoked rims that were sold to a local dealer for $100.
Rich mentioned that he really wasn't permitted to spend much time with school kids or participating in school activities because his folks were very strict. He told me that he spent that first year and half after graduation trying to do all of the DON'TS from the list of DOS & DON'TS. Regardless, he is thankful that his parents were strict in their way because it has helped him remain grounded for the majority of his life.
Rich mentioned that he really wasn't permitted to spend much time with school kids or participating in school activities because his folks were very strict. He told me that he spent that first year and half after graduation trying to do all of the DON'TS from the list of DOS & DON'TS. Regardless, he is thankful that his parents were strict in their way because it has helped him remain grounded for the majority of his life.
Even though he was quiet around school, Rich claims to be a Master of Sarcasm. (I bet I know a few classmates who could give him a run for his money!) The Cookieman stated he hasn't changed much...still short...still chubby...still wears a crew cut...still has freckles, but now you can actually see 'em cause they aren't covered with pimples. (Well then, I guess I'm still in puberty 'cause I had a pimple about 4 days ago!)
Picture of Daughter - Angela & Family
Picture of Son - Christopher & his friend, Amanda
Does anyone out there hunt? Rich does. He said he's not real good at it, but really enjoys getting out in the woods. Rich said his grandsons both enjoy fishing "out of a boat" so "Papa" is in the market for a used boat this year.
Rich hopes to get in more camping time this year regardless of the steep gas prices. He and his wife just bought a 33 foot Sunnybrook, set up in a permanent site on Oak Lake. About 40 miles SW of Duluth. Good fishing and only 2 hours from home. The Coachman 5th wheel they have been camping with since 2000 is now for sale. This is much more economical than pulling the trailer around and the campground holds lots of memmories for he and Jenny because they had a permanent site there for about 5 years when their kids were young.
Rich also remembers a local Bethalto haunt and wrote "Hey, does the 140 Club still have the best burgers in town? I worked at the bank senior year and Mr. Prange used to order in burgers from there on the holidays when we worked. Funny, the things ya remember. LOL"
Rich also remembers a local Bethalto haunt and wrote "Hey, does the 140 Club still have the best burgers in town? I worked at the bank senior year and Mr. Prange used to order in burgers from there on the holidays when we worked. Funny, the things ya remember. LOL"
Rich also mentioned that he must have won one of the Blog drawings a while back because Helen Downing Eyers sent him the cutest little gourd, a Mosquito House which was VERY appropriate for Minnesota that time of year. He sent Helen a "Thank You" and in the course of corresponding, they discovered that they had attended Humbolt Elementary, in Alton, during the same time in K and 1st grade. What a hoot!! Then, Rich's family moved to Cottage Hills in 2nd grade, and Helen's family moved there in 6th grade, after she attended E. Alton schools for a while. Small world!! Talk about small world, Rich's son roomed with Jim Barnes' (aka Neal Osaga) nephew for a couple years in college.
Rich's message to all of us is "Don't forget the ME TIME in your summer schedule. Whatever it is that re-news and relaxes you - do it and, make some new memories!
Rich's message to all of us is "Don't forget the ME TIME in your summer schedule. Whatever it is that re-news and relaxes you - do it and, make some new memories!

12 Comments:
Ah, there's my old friend Rich. Happy husband, father and papa.
Exactly what I expected.
Someday soon we'll be able to upload video on this blog, so grab the grandkids and some popcorn and watch their reaction when they see papa at a fellow classmate's 11th birthday party!
You were always a good kid, Rich. I wish you would have rubbed off on me (and a few others who will remain nameless) just a little!
Rich,
What a great life! Sounds like you have a handle on what's really important. I like your attitude.
Are things settling down in Minneapolis after the horrific bridge collapse? Glad that you and all of your family remained safe.
Oh, and I can vouch for the fact that 140 Club still serves a mean hamburger, among other tasty items. We profiled the restaurant in an earlier reunion newsletter; I'll send you a copy in case you didn't see it.
Sorry that we won't see you at the reunion, but we'll rely on your spirit being there.
Happy Camping!
Hey Rich, nice profile and nice family for someone who was always a nice guy.
Someone else I remember from my pre Cottage Hills days is Eddie Coffman. I think he went to either Humbolt or Lincoln before moving to Cottage Hills.
Hey Cookieman! Sound like you have a great family and life has treated you pretty darn good. You have much to be proud of.
My folks were strict too but I rebelled in highschool anyway and did a lot stupid things. Hard to believe that I turned out OK. Well, that all depends on who you talk to these days. Ha! Ha! :-0
It is so good to read about the lives of folks we went to school with. It makes me feel more connected and it is so true that there are so many nice people from our class.
Rich great to see and read about your life. Seems to be very good. Dave's brother John and dad still live in Cottage Hills. I see John alot but havent seen Dave in awhile. Hope to see ya. Be safe....Cyaaaaaaa
Hey Rich...great to read about you and your family...Your wife is cute. Hope to see you in a few days...you are coming down right? If I know you'll be there, there might be some cookies waiting.
Hey Rich, loved the profile. Looks like you "rough it" camping the same way we do. Isn't it a great way to cement those family relationships? Especially when it rains! And I agree with Sheri, your wife is cute. Happy relaxing!
YEP, I got the pick of the litter. She's a real special lady and I thank the Lord for her every day.
Rich
Now THAT gives me goosebumps! What a guy!
Hi Rich, great to catch up on what you have been up to. Glad to hear all is good in your life. You have done very well, and strict parents usually turn out to be a good thing. They kept us from the trouble we were not smart enough to know about. I am very thankful, my parents kept me on the straight and narrow for most of my life. I am thankful they provided me with the work ethic, the values, and morales to be happy and successful. You are a lucky man. Sounds like your wife and you are both lucky. She is a very attractive lady, and probably a saint! +33 years is a long time to put up with anyone.
Best of luck, and too bad you can not make it down, it would have been great to catch up with you!
PS, It's not that long of a drive from Minneapolis!
It takes morals to be happy? Well, I'll be darned.
Hey Rich,
Sorry to reply so late to this but I just found it today. I moved from Euless to Garland (Texas) at the end of August and just missed it. It was great to read and I am glad your life is going so well. I was hoping to see you at the reunion but I will bet that before our life here is done we will meet again. Take care,
Larry D. Cameron
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