June 5, 2009

One of Rick's great attributes was his generosity. When I was his patient at Westside Natural Health Clinic, I remember he continued to treat a pregnant patient at no charge because she no longer had insurance coverage.

Out of the blue, he baked me some delicious bread and gave me the recipe. I'll pass it on to you!

Bill's Bread 
4C whole grain flour			
2C whole grain pastry flour
1/2 qt? buttermilk (I made a note to try 1 qt!)	
1/2 stick Butter
1C fresh toasted sesame	
1C alfalfa sprouts
1C wheat Germ
4 tsp baking powder
4 tsp baking soda
1/2C honey

Mix dry stuff, veggies...buttered pyrex....bake 55 min 425 degrees, turn off...10 more (2 Loaves)

On Saturday evening, May 30, 2009, I sensed Rick's presence at Tohono Chul Park in Tucson, AZ. Guests were invited to experience the spectacular Night Blooming Cereus and the Queen of the Night that bloom once a year for only 24 hours! I remembered Rick's great love for plants, and how his neighbor's at Oak Glen nicknamed him The Plant Man!

Although I know Rick lives on and we'll meet again some day in heaven, I still feel the deep pain of losing the finest man I've ever known. He's irreplaceable. As I was looking at the website for Rick, the song Candle in the Wind came to mind. It was performed by Elton John at Princess Diana's funeral. I changed a few of the lyrics to make it a Tribute to Rick as we celebrate his life on June 10th for his birthday. (See below.)

Until we meet again, Rick, our deepest love and fondest memories live on for you.

Nancy Bingham 520-229-2144

P.S. I have finally found release from the deep feelings of sorrow over Rick's death by using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). It's similar to acupressure or acupuncture but uses tapping. See emofree.com, or for very easy instructions www.mercola.com/forms/eftcourse1.htm.

Adapted from Candle in the Wind by Elton John Hear the music at www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIJIBo9bJk0.

TRIBUTE TO RICK STURTZ

Goodbye Richard Sturtz
May you ever grow in our hearts.
You were the grace that placed itself
Where lives were torn apart.
You reached out to our souls,
And you whispered to those in pain.
Now you belong to heaven,
And the stars spell out your name.

And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind:
Never fading with the sunset
When the rain set in.
And your footsteps will always fall here,
On Minnesota's greenest hills;
Your candle's burned out long before
Your legend ever will.

Loveliness we've lost;
These empty days without your smile.
This torch we'll always carry
For our dearly treasured friend.
And even though we try,
The truth brings us to tears;
All our words cannot express
The joy you brought us through the years.

Goodbye Richard Sturtz,
From everyone lost without your soul,
Who'll miss the wings of your compassion
More than you'll ever know.