I am indescribably saddened ... He was a very good friend.
--- Metta Lansdale, Library Director

Who would have guessed that this charming man would have had such a large impact on the CDL, when he was appointed as a Trustee.  His boundless enthusiasm and optimism was contagious to all who were so fortunate to have worked with him. I feel so lucky to have known him and to have been able to call him, friend.
--- Kathy Sprawka, Library Trustee 

What I will miss most about Dick: 
His funny bone, his energy, his kindness, his stories, his love of his wife, his kids and  grandkids, the library and life, his willingness to try new things, his enthusiasm, his ability to find the good in just about any situation. Mostly I'll miss his smile. 
  --- Lynn Fox, Library Trustee 

One thing I just loved about Dick was his passion.  Whether he was telling a story about an incredible feat performed by his granddaughter, Grace, or discussing library related issues, he was always delightful and positive. I never heard an unkind word from him.
--- Nancy Schumann, Library Trustee

What a loss to his family, the Library board and community.  He seemed like such a nice person, and truly dedicated to helping the Library achieve its exciting goals. You all have my sympathies.
--- Anne Glendon, Strategic Planner

We, too, are stunned by this sad news.  It is easy to see what an important role Dick has been playing in your library and in your process.  He was so very nice to us after the interview that we could only imagine the warmest of working relationships.  Please convey to others our deep sympathy and sense of loss.
--- David Milling, Architect

Dick's death will be a real loss to the Library Board; he was a very intelligent pragmatist, a type of person any communal effort needs desperately.  He will be greatly missed by all friends of the Chelsea District Library. 
--- Jay Jernigan, Friends of the Chelsea District Library

I was privileged to meet Dick on only a couple of occasions.  I found him to be a delightful man, gifted and blessed with a friendly disposition and an eye for detail.  I regret his early passing.
--- Cynthia B. Faulhaber, Library Attorney

Dick has received quite an education about libraries since he came on the Board in 1999.  A quick study, Dick has been up to the challenge of educating himself  and embracing the issues facing libraries today - sharing the community resource, struggling with censorship issues, bringing the community into the library planning process. 

His family has shared with us some notes written by Dick. Maybe his words, maybe copied from another source, but they were clearly important to him as they are in his hand, highlighted and underscored.  As his son, Tucker, says  "these words typify my father's passion for his work with the Chelsea Public Library":  "... Libraries in the United States can contribute to a future that values and protects freedom of speech in a world that celebrates both our similarities and differences, respects individuals and their beliefs and holds all persons truly equal and free."

Recent Notes from Dick:

Mtrmeister  wrote to Kathy Sprawka :  [Fri. June 23,00]
If I had sent this note to you, it would have read-

      " Hi Coach-

      That was a full day yesterday. Thank you and all of the other board members
plus our professional staff for their input and support.

      We are going to have a fantastic library of which we all can
be proud.

      Dick "

Mtrmeister  wrote to the Board [Fri., 16 Jun 2000]:

Reference: Summer Reading Program-June 19th

 Thanks, we would detest being "square"-(.)2
Your message tells all...save... "where" is "there"

 Some may mistakenly come to last years'  "there",
Then not finding  us,   to their homes "repare"....

 So hopefully,.. there will be a sign at last year's "there"
And that might help those who don't know "where"

 See you "there"  ( along with both grandkids )
You might warn the ponies as Grace will be "there"
Yes my granddaughter can be more than a pony should "bear".

 Thanks Dr. Suess
Dick

[DDA] Board Mourns Dick Lee's Passing

At the February, 1999 Board of Directors meeting, Dick Lee became an ex officio member of the Board as the Chelsea District Library representative.  He had been a library board member for a few months and felt strongly that communication among area organizations was important.  He found the meetings informative and the D.D.A. appreciated being kept abreast of library developments.

The board is saddened by his sudden death and wants the community to know the valuable contribution he made as a bridge builder.  He saw the world in a positive light, and worked diligently and cooperatively to help others see the value in working in concert for the common good.  He will be missed by his many friends and colleagues.

From:  Chelsea Downtown Development Authority Newsletter, July 2000