In Loving Memory
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| Richard Paul Heilshorn October 26, 1951 - May 16, 2008 |
I admit that in days gone by I struggled a little in taking myself
seriously as an artist. Looking back, I think my uncle Rick had a
hand in that: I've been in perpetual awe of him since I was old
enough to hold a crayon. But I had good reason; give him three
twigs and a glue gun and he'd come back with an award-winning
model. I've seen lots of great artists, but I've always been
convinced that my Uncle Rick had the Holy Grail of Talent on loan
from God Himself. Just looking at his work seemed to set off the
fireworks of my being, complete with "1812 Overture" and dress
parade. In short, he was awesome. All I did seemed to pale in
comparison.
seriously as an artist. Looking back, I think my uncle Rick had a
hand in that: I've been in perpetual awe of him since I was old
enough to hold a crayon. But I had good reason; give him three
twigs and a glue gun and he'd come back with an award-winning
model. I've seen lots of great artists, but I've always been
convinced that my Uncle Rick had the Holy Grail of Talent on loan
from God Himself. Just looking at his work seemed to set off the
fireworks of my being, complete with "1812 Overture" and dress
parade. In short, he was awesome. All I did seemed to pale in
comparison.
But even greater than this, he was also one of the kindest, most generous and soft-hearted
people I ever knew. His artistic ability was exceeded only by his goodness. I wish you could
have known him. Those who did were blessed.
It's because of that goodness that I wonder sometimes if his compliments towards my art were
sincerity or generosity. Either way, his encouragement meant more to me than I could ever
hope to illustrate with words. He loved my work, and that was by far the best compliment I ever
received. It's by far the best compliment I'll ever receive.
My uncle Rick has finished his race and is now in that heaven of rest. It's only my selfishness
that makes me wish otherwise. I really miss him, but I know that patience will eventually reunite
us. I have Jesus to thank for that. In the meantime, I'll thank my God upon every remembrance
of him. And I'll also include him on this website; it doesn't seem right mentioning my art without
mentioning him, too. It might not have been here without him.
Thanks, Uncle Rick -- for everything. I love you so much.
people I ever knew. His artistic ability was exceeded only by his goodness. I wish you could
have known him. Those who did were blessed.
It's because of that goodness that I wonder sometimes if his compliments towards my art were
sincerity or generosity. Either way, his encouragement meant more to me than I could ever
hope to illustrate with words. He loved my work, and that was by far the best compliment I ever
received. It's by far the best compliment I'll ever receive.
My uncle Rick has finished his race and is now in that heaven of rest. It's only my selfishness
that makes me wish otherwise. I really miss him, but I know that patience will eventually reunite
us. I have Jesus to thank for that. In the meantime, I'll thank my God upon every remembrance
of him. And I'll also include him on this website; it doesn't seem right mentioning my art without
mentioning him, too. It might not have been here without him.
Thanks, Uncle Rick -- for everything. I love you so much.