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
Michael and Skip,
Thank you for your tributes to Rick. I missed your original post, Michael, for some reason, and am grateful to you Skip for adding yours so that this thread popped up on my screen again.
Every time I saw Rick the last few years I marveled that he was still able to attend convention and contribute to USMS. I never knew him when he was healthy, and didn't realize what a big strapping man he once was until I was looking at one of the "remember when" issues of the Tsunami newsletter. It breaks my heart to think of what AIDS did to this wonderful human being. I always wondered, every time I saw him, if it would be the last time I saw him. But then he'd be there next year. I can't say I'm surprised it finally happened, but I sure wish that day hadn't come so soon. I am however glad that Rick is released from his struggle. My fondest memory of Rick will be the sight of him and Cris in their matching white dinner jackets, all dressed up for the banquet at the convention. They were both so handsome!
Rick really was a wonderful person. Friendly, witty, reasonable, generous. I will really miss him, and my heart goes out to Cris.
Michael and Skip,
Thank you for your tributes to Rick. I missed your original post, Michael, for some reason, and am grateful to you Skip for adding yours so that this thread popped up on my screen again.
Every time I saw Rick the last few years I marveled that he was still able to attend convention and contribute to USMS. I never knew him when he was healthy, and didn't realize what a big strapping man he once was until I was looking at one of the "remember when" issues of the Tsunami newsletter. It breaks my heart to think of what AIDS did to this wonderful human being. I always wondered, every time I saw him, if it would be the last time I saw him. But then he'd be there next year. I can't say I'm surprised it finally happened, but I sure wish that day hadn't come so soon. I am however glad that Rick is released from his struggle. My fondest memory of Rick will be the sight of him and Cris in their matching white dinner jackets, all dressed up for the banquet at the convention. They were both so handsome!
Rick really was a wonderful person. Friendly, witty, reasonable, generous. I will really miss him, and my heart goes out to Cris.
