For those of you who had not heard, Dick Wheelan passed away this morning after a courageous battle with cancer.
I'm hesitant to post the notice of a person's passing on something as impersonal as this blog, but I received a request to do so from some people very close to him. I hope this doesn't offend anyone.
I've known Dick since I've worked in Harris County, but I know that so many people knew him much better than I did.
The Dick Wheelan that I knew was the ultimate Gentleman, a skilled attorney, and a person whose word was his bond. He was a very kind man who led a very interesting life.
As one person just wrote me: "While his life was cut short, he sure made the most of the time that he had. He learned to fly fighter jets in the Navy, was a New York City police officer, then homicide detective, then lieutenant. A corporate lawyer living in Hong Kong, and then a defense attorney here. Very few people could claim to have done as much in a lifetime."
This terrible year seems to have claimed so many people from our CJC family, and this is yet another tough loss to accept.
My understanding is that there will be a celebration of Dick's life after the Thanksgiving holidays.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Phillip and Dick's family.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories of Dick with the rest of us.
8 comments:
I had the honor of knowing Dick, and I will miss him greatly. From the time I first met him, as a junior felony ADA, he showed nothing but kindness toward me. During the last year of his life, I had the pleasure of working with (against) him in court on a daily basis for over a year. He was always professional and kind, never condescending. Around Easter, when he discovered he was ill, there was a noticeable void in my court. Dick was always full of wonderful conversation, and sound advice. A couple of weeks ago, Dick and I sat and talked for hours. I asked him if he had any advice to give me (and people in general). Dick said, "Always be kind to people." It sounds so simple, but it means so much. Everyone can benefit from his advice, not just those of us in an adversarial profession like us lawyers.
Dick, I miss you. And I will try my best to take your advice and treat others as you did. I enjoyed the time we were able to visit and talk, especially our last visit. You were an honorable man. A great person. I will never forget you and I will miss you greatly. May you rest in peace.
Sylvia
I also had the pleasure and honor of knowing Dick and dealing with him in court. It never failed that just when you were feeling a little down about something, Dick and Phillip would be by to cheer you up with kind words. Dick's sharp wit was entertaining as well. Dick definitely followed his own advice, he was kind to everyone. Even those who may not have deserved his kindness. I will miss him tremendously.
I had the honor of seeing him twice in these last two weeks. And that's the only way to describe how I felt about being invited out there to spend time with him. Deeply honored. The sharp wit was still there. But he was tired. I hope he is finally resting.... We will look after Phillip for you, Dick. All of us will. I feel cheated that I never got to try a case against you, but thankful I got a chance to know you and spend time with you. I also feel cheated that our time together was cut short by the cancer. I never got any parting words of advice, but you always did teach by example. You were loved by the CJC family. And you will be missed dearly.
Alexis
My mom always told me that what was really important was not what you said in life, but how you lived your life. Dick did that.
Dick was one of the most polished professionals I've ever meet. He was a real class act. We always promised each other that we would one day pick a jury together and learn something from each other. It was an honor to know him. He carried himself with great dignity and class at all times and he will be greatly missed by me, we never went to trial together but watching his courtesy and demeanor to others was a lesson in it self.
TYRONE M.
Dick was one of the most polished professionals I've ever meet. He was a real class act. We always promised each other that we would one day pick a jury together and learn something from each other. It was an honor to know him. He carried himself with great dignity and class at all times and he will be greatly missed by me, we never went to trial together but watching his courtesy and demeanor to others was a lesson in it self.
TYRONE M.
Theodore Nguyen
I just heard the news of Dick Wheelan passing today (June 22, 2009) but i call him Richard since i could not call him Dick. I have been his friend for over 20 years and he call me a few months ago and now he is gone and i can't believed that is has been that long since his passing. I became ill since i heard his passing and would like to pass my deepest condolences to Philip and Richard's families and friends.
Richard was my Guarding Angel and I Loved him so very much that its really hard to write this note. He was someone that was so kind and i still owe him a favor that he did not used during this life so in the next life i will return him the favor. Richard Marx was a singer that he like to listen to when i new him best and i hope that he had the best service here. Please forgive me for not know of your sickness and to have the last chance to say good be my dearest loving friend Richard.
Thank you for this blog since i missed his service and i deeply moved by what i have read in this blog and i hope all the best to those he knew and loved.
Theodore
Houston, June 22, 2009
I just heard the news of Dick Wheelan passing today but i call him Richard since i could not call him Dick. I have been his friend for over 20 years and he call me a few months ago and now he is gone and i can't believed that is has been that long since his passing. I became ill since i heard his passing and would like to pass my deepest condolences to Philip and Richard's families and friends.
Richard was my Guarding Angel and I Loved him so very much that its really hard to write this note. He was someone that was so kind and i still owe him a favor that he did not used during this life so in the next life i will return him the favor. Richard Marx was a singer that he like to listen to when i new him best and i hope that he had the best service here. Please forgive me for not know of your sickness and to have the last chance to say good be my dearest loving friend Richard.
Thank you for this blog since i missed his service and i deeply moved by what i have read in this blog and i hope all the best to those he knew and loved.
Theodore
It has been one years since Dick has past and i wish that all of those who knew will remember his kindness and sweet heart. Until we meet again.
Love
Theodore
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