CelticWomanForum.com

I have started this new topic because of its importance.....

Chris Ropes has just posted on Facebook that the nursing home in which Rich is staying just called and said that it appears Rich may be in his last hours. This has deeply saddened me.

I've known Rich through the Forums and personally for well over 4 years. He has instrumental in CW Forums, and, especially in creating Forus, Fansites, and a Newsletter for Lisa. He would do anything in his power for anyone, as, I'm sure, many on this Forum are well aware.

We need to keep in our thoughts and prayers his 2 sons, Chris and Eric. I kind of understand what they will be going through as I saw my father slowly pass on throughout one long day in June, 2003.

Rich was OK with whatever happened.  I am glad that, finally, he will be at peace and pain free.

I'm going to miss our conversations......

Brad T

that`s very sad to hear, I`ve had many PM`s with Rich over the past few years...we both have gone through serious illness but mine has turned out with a better outcome (up to now). Rich is a great guy as anyone that knows him can attest to.

I just read this on Facebook.. I never met him but if I had this chance I would have said thank you for all he did with the forum, he did an incredible work for "The Voice" with Lisa, I can't find my words right now, I'm so upset even if I couldn't imagine how much it's hard for his two sons. As I said, I never met him but by creating this forum he has allowed fans worldwide to gather around the passion of the music and I know without him I would never met you.
I know he will be in peace now..
I keep in my thoughts and my prayers Eric and Chris, they will need strength in this difficult period..

Thank you for everything, we will always love you Rich.

My first correspondence with the CW Forum was back and forth with Rich. Without him, I wouldn't be here. I'm glad I got to meet him two years ago in Chicago.
Very sad news indeed.

this is very  sad :( My thoughts and prayers are w Rich and his family, xxx I only met him once in cleveland and the next time I will go to the concert in Cleveland I will miss my cleveland concert buddy Rich :( Just hope (and knows) that h e is peaceful and comfortable at this moment. And that his family has strength and peace through this rough time :( xxx

My prayers are with Rich and his family. Thank you Rich for a job well done, and thank you to his family for sharing him with us.

Very sad news. I've never met him, but it was obvious he is kind and always willing to help anyone. Also his contribution with this forum and Lisa's newsletter etc. was incredible.

My prayers are with him and his family. I hope his last hours will be peacefull.

I too would like to thank Rich for what he has done for Celtic Woman, this forum, and Lisa Kelly. Without this forum I would have never met such a fantastic group of people. From my first ForumFestWest in 2010 to this year's gathering in Chicago I have had the chance to meet the nicest and supportive people in the world. Oh sure I would still be a huge CW fan without the forum, but it is so enriching to attend a concert with a group of people who treat you as a "best friend" even though they may have just met you. Attending a CW concert with fellow "Forumites" is an experience everyone should experience at least once. And it is because of this forum that Rich created that we have all come together to support Celtic Woman and all past and current ladies.

During the time of this sad news concerning Rich, I feel we all need to come together and vow our support of everything Rich started. This forum, Lisa's forum, & The Voice newsletter are Rich's legacy when it concerns Celtic Woman. To all of the moderators - if there is anything I can do to make sure these entities continue to thrive please let me know. And I challenge anyone else who has the time to help. We will never be able to fill Rich's shoes but together we can keep his love, and our love, of Celtic Woman going.

I just read this from Chris on Facebook :

Richard Ropes 6/13/44-4/27/12

You were loved, Dad.

Oh my god.. :( RIP.. Rich.

o m g :( May Rich rest in Peace :(  That is such sad news xxx May his family has strength and peace. And I hope his last moments were very peaceful x He will be greatly missed :(

I`m going to miss you my friend...you were a great guy. :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

I do not post much on forums any more but I had to come and say goodbye to a good friend in what is probably his second home. I met Rich a few years ago and we chatted a lot since than. He gave me a lot of valuable advice on starting my site. I really considered him a friend and every day i was hoping and praying for his speedy recover. Not only will I miss our conversations but more important, and person with his kindness should be remembered.

Rich, you are already missed.

Rest in Peace

My prayers to you, Rich, and my prayers and condolences to Chris and Eric.  I met Rich twice, once at the WPB show in 2009, and in February the next year when I was traveling through his then-hometown of Jacksonville.  I think in his heart Caledonia was calling him, and now he's going home.

Well said, Scott

I am sorry to hear the sad news.

I first contacted Rich back in the days of the old Celtic Woman Forum. This was just before Jenny & Brian took over. But I couldn't log on and I wondered what the problem was, and he seemed to know what went on with computers and forums, as well as everything Celtic Woman. He appoligized for taking a few days to get back to me, as he traveled to West Virginia to see Deirdre. But then he gave me some answers regarding forums and various issues one can run into when being a member. I only met him once at Orla's Nashville recording. That was a BIG gathering, maybe second to only the Atlanta Believe fan gathering.

Like Rick, I'm not on here much anymore, but after I saw Lisa's post on Facebook I had to come back and say goodbye to Rich. Rich helped me with a lot of problems that I had with logging on to the forum and other things. He would always say such thought-provoking things and such hilarious things. He seemed like such a wonderful person. I really hoped I would get to meet him one day and I'm very sad that never came to pass. :'( I will keep Chris and Eric in my thoughts and prayers.

R.I.P Rich.

Megan

I've never personally met him, but his dedication to both the forum and of course, Celtic Woman was phenomenal.  He's done so much for the community and he will definitely be missed.  RIP Rich and prayers to your family. :(  

I have not had the pleasure of meeting Rich in person, but I was fortunate enough to talk to him a lot through this forum, and various other media. Rich, you were a wonderful man and have taught me so much. You have given us all so much love and time. I will miss you, and keep you in my heart forever.

Dear Ropes family,
I wish you all the love and strength in the world. I'm praying for you and thinking of you. There are so many people out there who love and support you. Never forget that you are not alone.

I love you very much, my dear friends.

<3

This is very sad news. Condolences to the Ropes family. RIP Rich.

My condolences to the family of Rich Ropes. He was such a gentleman and I liked him very much! He was also very fair when it came to the CW forum postings. He helped me out many times (after I 'stuck my foot in my mouth' in postings), And even then, he still continued to let me post nice things about the CW ladies!           
I will miss Rich a great deal.  Rich was a great man!
Rest In Peace Rich Ropes...

God's Blessings and my prayers to those of his family, and also to those that loved him...
From Criostoir Briartach

Never met Rich, but feel as if I have.  We have connected on many occasions for various reasons.  He was a decent
man who enriched my life and love of CW.  I found this site several years ago and now have many wonderful life long
friends.  Thank you, Rich!!  I have your last letter to me and yes...I feel the same way!! God's blessings...rest peacefully, now!

   May Rich rest in peace, after fighting the good fight.  He did not want to linger in fact expressed that as his greatest fear.  In shrugging off praise for his role in building this forum, Rich once simply said to me, "The forum was here before I came and it'll be here after I'm gone".

    I last saw him at the filming of Orla Fallon's Celtic Christmas special in Nashville, though we had pm'ed recently. He kindly shepherded me through my early days here and always made me feel welcome. We are all indebted to him for his creation of the Lisa Kelly Fan Club, as it took quite some persuading for him to get her to forego her natural modesty and allow it.  I don't think anybody else could have done it.

    I know his illness brought he and his family closer together. Chris especially should be proud of sticking with his father  faithfully to the end--a lasting star in his crown which can never be taken from him.

Words escape me.  When Rich made the original announcement that he had cancer, it was like being dealt a huge body blow.  The news of his passing is even more devastating.  I, like the posters before me have similar stories about forum issues.  As for the man, I will miss his friendship, his dry humor, his one-word/brief, humorous, often thought provoking posts, and his enthusiasm for everything Lisa.  The Celtic Woman community has suffered a huge loss.

Ginger and I had the pleasure of spending a weekend with Rich at Huntsville during CW’s last tour.  It was just before the move from Jacksonville and he commented at the time that it would likely be his last CW concert and he so wanted to present Lisa the autographed Carpenters album in person.  Through some good fortune, we were able to make it happen with pit seats for both the matinee and evening shows.  

RIP, old friend.  Thank you for everything.  You will be missed.

Chris, Eric.  Our hearts go out to you.  Just know that your dad was loved and respected by a lot of people.

WALK IN BEAUTY, RICH. 



Magic~5

I feel so saddened to have never had the opportunity to actually meet with Rich. I talked to him here on the Forum a few times. And in those few short messages, I still had the sense that, here, was a man of great integrity and energy, working hard to help create something great for those of us who fell in love with the music of Celtic Woman.

God be with his family in this trying time and provide them with a sense of peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rich was a guiding hand for all of us when we first ventured onto the Forum to celebrate the beauty of Celtic Woman. It is my sincerest wish that our prayers and genuine love will be his guide as he ventures into the heavenly halls to the welcoming arms of The Lord.

I think I'll post this link here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDVgb4pJMdI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDVgb4pJMdI)

Of all the songs that Celtic Woman has produced, I feel that this is the most poignant in times when death casts a shadow of despair over us all. I hope that, in Chris and Eric's hour of mourning, Celtic Woman can be a beacon of hope, just as Rich was a beacon of hope for those of us who were fans without a home until Rich came along.

God bless and keep you forever Rich.

Matt

  I have stated this on the other relevant forums...but I don't think that one can state condolences too much. My thoughts and prayers are with Rich's family. He made me feel very welcome in a warm way on  his "Lisa"  site and had a helpful hand and a sense of humor which I liked. I just know that he has angels in the guise of all our Celtic Cuties serenading him in his final reward. (That's what I would want.) Led by his favorite Lisa K., of course. Recquiescat In Pacem  Rich!   :'( :'( :'(   

Rich, I never met you in person, but I still considered you a dear old friend.  Rest in peace my friend. 

my deepest condolences to the Ropes family.  Rich will truly be missed.

I've met Rich twice at the concerts in Jacksonville, he was just the kindest man I ever met. After last year's show and M&G, I remember him giving me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. RIP Rich, you will be missed!!!  :'( :'( :'( :'(

Rest in peace Rich. My thought s are with your family and friends.

Sorry to hear of Rich's passing. My thoughts are with his family.

RIP OFG 

RIP Rich
I'm keeping the family in my prayers.
Rich, you will be dearly missed. :(

 :'(

RIP Rich
I didn't know him at all, but I saw him around on the forum a lot and a lot of what he said made my time on the forum even more enjoyable...I hope that made sense.

@mattycakes: The Soft Goodbye really pushed me over the edge.  :'( :'( :'(

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Rich in person, I did correspond with him through PMs, emails, and CWF messages.  Through that correspondence, I came to consider Rich a friend.  I also came to understand what a debt of gratitude we owe him for his steady direction of the CWF - particularly for his insistence that we keep our messages and discussions focused on issues related to Celtic Woman.  And so, it is with great sadness that I say goodbye to my friend, Rich.  RIP, Big Guy.

I'd also like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the Ropes Family; you are in my prayers.

Sorry to hear of Rich's passing,Prayers for the Ropes family and friends RIP

Like so many others here I never had the pleasure of meeting Rich in person. He was the first contact I had when I joined Lisa's forum back in 2007, and we both shared the same passion for her and her music. I stayed on that forum for quite some time before I joined the "big forum," which is what we all called this forum back then. There have been many changes since then; good, bad, sweet and bitter. No one can deny that Rich was a devoted fan and passionate about what he did. I hope that all of our memories of him will be good and bring a smile to our faces.

My prayers go out to Chris and Eric. Your father and our friend will be greatly missed.

Paul

Heartfelt condolences, prayers and love go the Ropes family.  This is a sad time for all of us who were able to know Rich thru the Forum.   

I met Rich on a forum. Built for Lisa by Danielle. Discovered he was a NY Yankee fan. He learned I was a Boston Red Sox fan.  I really had to give it to him!

The Red Sox beat the Yankees in the Fall of 2004. The greatest  comeback in league championship  history.  The evil empire defeated! Of course he responded.

It was then I discovered Rich’s wit and humor.  And Later, his gift for welcoming new and old Celtic Woman fans, and in particular his dedication -  to Lisa and her fans and also to his “niece” Deirdre.

How could either of us have known how the events in the Fall of 2004 would affect us. 
Across the sea.  In Dublin.   A rookie team of gals. Led by manager David Downes. 

They  hit a home run!

By the time the ball landed here it found its way to a Yankee. To a guy that I never thought of as either old nor fat.
But one who was to become the biggest supporter and fan of Celtic woman.

Thanks Rich for all that you have done for so many.

I’ll forever smile whenever I hear the sound of the words, dat Ol’ Fat Guy.

Rest In Peace Rich

My condolences to the Ropes family

Lester

    At the Phoenix show last night, Mr. Peabody reports that Chloe dedicated her performance of Ave Marie to Rich.   :'(

  That was a class act thing to do!   :(

AMEN: :'(

My condolences to his family and friends - he will remain alive in their memories.

What a kind thing to do!  God bless those ladies. :'(

So sad to hear of Rich's passing.  Though I didn't really interact with him personally on the forum, it didn't take much to notice all the time and effort he put into making this forum wonderful.  RIP Rich - and my heartfelt condolences to his family.

But then I heard it was at the M & G where she said that, not during the actual performance.
Still, very nice of her to mention Rich.

Brad T

Sorry to hear of Rich's passing and my heart goes out to all his family.  I had the pleasure of meeting him on a few occasions expecially attending his  birthday party before a concert here in Ohio.  And during one meet and greet when he received a signed drum skin from all the CW tour members you could see in his eyes the love and admiration he had for CW. Reading the posts in this thread you can see that same love and admiration we had for Rich.   But my most cherished memory is sitting in a hotel lobby in Cleveland with him for an hour before going to dinner and just talking about whatever came to mind.  He wasn't feeling great that day but you could see as dinner and the concert drew nearer he perked up knowing he would see his beloved girls.  Such a special person

To Rich's family, I am so sorry for your loss... Rich was a wonderful person, dearly loved. Now also sorely missed.
Losing a loved one is always difficult. I want you all to know that you are al in my thoughts and prayers and in those of my friends and family.

He is looking over you always, I know. He gave so much, we will always be grateful. He will never be forgotten.
I only wish I could have known him better. Someday perhaps I will, as someday you will meet him again. He is in a happy place, no suffering, not anymore.

God bless always...

My deepest condolences to his family. So sad to hear of Rich's passing.

A man with a huge heart.
RIP Rich.

I didn't knew Rich but after to read everything here on the forum he has done great things for everyone who knew him. And despite that I did not know him well, I thank him for what he has in his way means for everyone and how he was as a person.

I hope you may now rest in peace Rich

Truely a sad day.  One of the forum family has left us.   He was always there trying to make this a safe but fun place to be.  Not everyone agreed with him, but he always did what he thought was right.  His passion was contagious and his vision will continue through the forum and those closest to him.  Rich, you have been fighting for a long time, may you rest now. 

Rich and I "commiserated" having a similar desease...I know some of what he went thuough...it was unpleasant to say the least...if not less.... but he was "okay" with what life had dealt him.....he still hA d a GREAT sense of humor...he laughed about my having a squirrel named Meav Ni Squierrelchatka . He was ALWAYS kind and thoughful...darn...I`ll miss you OFG

I've got an idea. How about we can make a memorial with a real picture of him? Maybe he really spoke to me...::)... or never had.

 Great idea Kim;;;we should have some kind of Rich memorial...any ideas????

How about some flowers?

(http://eatsnbeats.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/white-lilies1.jpg)

 How about creating a special " Rich Ropes Memorial" category where people can most good memories and/or simply post warm fuzzies about Rich?  And maybe someone can create a graphic with him in the middle surrounded by pics of all the Celtic Cuties-past and present. He loved them all.

i lke it!!!!    Rich was a really great guy...he corresponded with me in PM`s and I  thought he was really a nice guy....he was glad that I was friends with a certain Dutch person  :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* who is especially important to me...don`t worry OFG...I`m looking after her and will be there for whatever she needs.

I suggested flowers because it's part of the memorial and I think it would do.

I haven't posted much in over a year now. My heart goes out to Chris and Eric. I know Rich has gone on to a much happier, stress-free place. He smiles down at every chance he gets...and he can go to ANY Celtic Woman show he wants now, and he has the best seat in the house, ANY SEAT.,,and it's FREE. I firmly believe those we lose physically are never lost spiritually.

All the best and my apologies for the tardiness of this post.

Leila "Wickie" xx

Godspeed Rich. My heart and prayers go out for your sons, Chris and Eric.

In addition to a force for good in the Celtic Woman fan world Rich was a US Navy veteran having served as a SEAL.

Thank you Rich for your longsuffering and lovingkind service to fans of Celtic Woman and to your country.

We will never forget you,

David

My first thought is a front row center seat set aside for Rich at a CW concert at his favorite venue after Lisa Kelly's return.

There are a number of ways such a memorial could be organized. I don't pretend to know which path would be the best.

If this seems a fitting idea perhaps a new topic should be started.

I've been absent on the Forum lately, but tonight when I read that Rich had passed I felt I had to post. My condolences to his sons Eric and Chris.

I never got the chance to meet him in person, but Rich and I first encountered each other on here around 2007. We soon became friends by replying to one another's posts on different topics, and he once acted as a kind of patron to me when he helped get some of my poetry published on his website. He was also one of the people instrumental in helping create a second home for me here in years past.

Throughout my time at the CW Forum he was kindhearted, witty, knowledgeable, and thoughtful; I'll miss his humor, our conversations, and his presence on the Forum. His acts of kindness have ensured that he will never be forgotten in my memory.

I think that's a great idea. 

          So do I!  Which show venue would be the most appropriate?

I had an idea on this a while back. I hope its not inappropriate or time consuming for the admins.

But what if the admins created something in the FAQ section for  forum members who have died. A kind of obituary area to honor them. Rich's bio, as it relates to the forum, Lisa's fans,  and Celtic Woman, could be included. Rich's entry on this would of course be a bit longer and more detailed because of all he did. But remember I think we have lost at least 2 other forum members too, Guy Alexander and Henny. So their names could be included, but not necessaraly a detailed bio. Maybe a link could even be put in to their obits in their local papers, if that would be possible. I realize there could be issues with this though. Maybe a few pics could be included with them at CW events, like at m&gs.

That's a good idea too..... :)

Starman, maybe we could ask his sons about where he loved to go to see the Girls?  I'd like their input, too. And I think they might feel our love by including them?

   Good idea!  :)

I just finished messaging Chris.  His father liked both venues in Chicago, but probably the Chicago Theater best.  Old style theater in the downtown Chicago.  The site of many memorable ForumFests including Kellibration in 2009.  Plus, in 2010 it was the location at which he delivered, on behalf of the Forum, gifts to Lisa K to celebrate the birth of Ellie.
As a frequent attendee of ForumFest, I know Rich loved being in Chicago with everyone.

Brad T

All right, guys, listen up to me. ;) Since I've looked at Rich's profile saying that he was an administrator, who will replace him?

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So, basically we have to wait and see if they use Chicago theater as a venue again? Or do we attempt to request that as a venue in Rich's honor?

It would be hard to replace him. I do not take away from the other mods and admins at all! I love all you guys. I'm just saying, Rich was one of a kind.

I think we can go with either usual Chicago venue, the Chicago Theater or the Rosemont.  Chris said it was a toss-up with a slight edge to the Theater.

Brad

But, the fact is, he is dead. :-[ I wish I would hear him say my name.

It has been a while since I have visited but was deeply sadened to read about Rich.  I have gotten to admire him over the years and he will be missed.

First my father when I was five and then my grandfather when I was in 7th grade. I can't believe that Rich is gone. I hope he meant as much to the people in his life as he does to the people of the forum.

(Off topic: Wouldn't it be nice if Celtic Woman dedicated a song to him?)