SR - The Loss of a Lion

[Martin, Brian]

	Greetings All,

	There is little, if anything, that can be said about Ricardo that 
measures up to the man. What adjectives does one use? Passionate? Full 
of life? Showman? Somehow they all seem to fall short of describing 
Ricardo.

	Ricardo was one of those people that you didn't meet so much as you 
experienced them. One doesn't really meet a force of nature and that 
is what Ricardo always reminded me of. He was so strong, so full of 
life, always boiling over with passion, desire, wit and other unworthy 
adjectives. I'm glad that I was able to experience Ricardo for he was 
one of my greatest influences in the society. I remember once telling 
Baroness Seanna that my greatest goal in the SCA was to be a cross 
between Ricardo, Iolo and Ragnar. To which Seanna replied, "My, but 
are an ambitious young man."

	People will talk about Ricardo's feats upon the field. I've seen him 
cut down the foemen as though we were mowing hay, but I'll also 
remember the twinkle in his eyes when he was up to some mischief. I'll 
remember they that he's twist mustache and wriggle his eyebrows as his 
mischief deepened. I'll remember Ricardo, stronger than most two men, 
a bold hero in war and I'll remember Ricardo, crying at the loss of 
his dear friend and brother Lion when Ragnar passed.

	Well now I cry at the loss of another brother Lion. Our kingdom has 
suffered too much of late from such tragedies. Added to the other 
tragic losses is the loss of two Lions in the last fourteen months. 
The Pride has been diminished but it is strong. The Pride will have to 
be strong because its lost two of its very best and its up to the rest 
of us to live up to Ragnar's and Ricardo's legacy.

	Ansteorra, grieve for the loss of Ricardo because we have lost 
someone that made us who and what we are. Those of you knew Ricardo 
know what I'm talking about. Those of you who didn't know Ricardo but 
who fought at the Gulf War with Ricardo's name on all of our lips have 
some idea. With each battle cry of "Ricardo!" Ansteorrans fought like 
lions. It made me proud and it would have made Ricardo proud, too.

	When remembering Ricardo, remember the things that made him great and 
try to emulate those aspects of Ricardo. In doing so, his legacy will 
live on and continue to make Ansteorra great.

	Pendaran
	"Try Harder"

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