Sunday, July 4, 2021
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We have lost a Good Man.
Some of my earliest memories of Mr. Rhatican are hearing him yelling from the stands during our South Orange Villagers football games. He had a booming voice; you knew it was him. He was my best buddy's Dad and his cheering pumped us up!
In person that deep, authoritative, sometimes sarcastic voice could be intimidating. As a teenager and young man you quickly knew to respect it. Even fear it, perhaps.
I have joked how scary it must have been to be on the opposing side of that voice and intellect in the court room!
He was my baseball coach, too, and there he was also tough. He loved the game and he played No Favorites.
But I know I came to be one of his favorites. Or he sure made me feel that way :)
Our relationship grew to a very warm and special one. I appreciated his stories, his wisdom and his love. I loved him dearly, as I know you all did, too, and we will miss him very much.
My deep condolences to his lifelong counterpart, "Mrs. R", Pete, Emily, "Ats", Billy, and the rest of the gang.
Rest in Peace, Mr Rhatican. Thank you for the memories.
Love,
KG Swan
