RICK MEIER-WINDES 1955-2004
It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of Rick Meier- Windes. Rick had been a stalward of Pacific Masters Swimming for many years, having served in many of the leadership positions including chair of Pacific Masters.
Rick also served on United States Masters Swimming committees including Officials and Legislation. He has been the only person to be awarded the distinguished Pacific Masters "Contributor of the Year Award" twice ( 1988 and 1992).
A gifted long distance swimmer, Rick swam in the Olympic trials in 1972. When he could no longer swim as well as he had in the past, Rick became a deck official. He worked many Pacific Masters meets and age groups meets. He became a National Championship Certified deck official (one of the highest rankings).
Rick continued to swim when his health would let him. He would enter the 500 and 1000 yard events with really no help of winning just to participate (his times would be double of what he swam when he was in condition). He swam just for the joy of the competition.
A founding member of Tsunami Swim Club, Rick served on its board and worked very hard getting all the records correct for Tsunami and for the International Gay *** Aquatics group.
Rick was a tireless advocate for swimming. He was known for his forceful yet reasoned approach.
When information on a celebration of Rick's life is available, it will be posted on the Pacific Masters Web site. For those who would like to send a note to Rick's partner Cris Meier Windes the address is:
1543 LaSalle
San Francisco, CA 94124
I know he would love to hear from friends.
michael moore, chairman
Pacific Masters Swimming
Thank you, Michael, for sharing the sad news about Rick. I had begun to think that Rick would continue to "beat the odds" forever. He was a wonderful example of the many swimmers who give back to the organization as much or more than he got out of it.
I remember noticing Rick when he was young and healthy at the USMS Conventions. I admired his willingness to speak out and ask the hard questions. When he became ill and quit coming to convention, I found I missed his comments. A few years later, I was amazed to find him at the convention again. Radically different physically, but the same mentally. His attitude was refreshing because he knew he was on borrowed time. He seemed to appreciate the good in his life and minimize the bad.
I considered Rick a good friend and mourn his death.
Betsy Durrant
Thank you, Michael, for sharing the sad news about Rick. I had begun to think that Rick would continue to "beat the odds" forever. He was a wonderful example of the many swimmers who give back to the organization as much or more than he got out of it.
I remember noticing Rick when he was young and healthy at the USMS Conventions. I admired his willingness to speak out and ask the hard questions. When he became ill and quit coming to convention, I found I missed his comments. A few years later, I was amazed to find him at the convention again. Radically different physically, but the same mentally. His attitude was refreshing because he knew he was on borrowed time. He seemed to appreciate the good in his life and minimize the bad.
I considered Rick a good friend and mourn his death.
Betsy Durrant
