Daddo

Daddo,

It's only now, in adulthood, that I've begun to fully appreciate everything you taught us, everything you've done for us, and how incredible a father you are and have been. I find myself reminded almost daily of a time you told us a story of when, at the Salt Lake Temple, one of the general authorities gave a talk and stressed the point, "You cannot stand on borrowed light." While all of us have made choices and taken paths different from the ones you would have chosen for us, it's because we have not been content to simply rely on what others tell us. We all have a desire, a need, to find out for ourselves, to discover, learn, and explore.

Sitting in one place makes us restless, because you showed there is a big and amazing world to which we are connected and in which we can make a difference. Aside from the stories you would tell us (Often. And repeatedly.) about your experiences travelling around the world, you instilled in us an insatiable curiosity about it. I remember watching the news and every time a story would come on, you would take us to the big maps hanging in the hallway and show us where it was taking place, and tell us all about it. Not only has it been wicked helpful on geography exams, but it's helped us to more fully appreciate every opportunity we have to visit a new place.

Listening to someone say something - anything - false or incorrect frustrates us because you taught us that there is such a thing as truth, and no more important thing than honesty. It's made each of us a pain in the butt to every sunday school teacher, college professor, boyfriend, and friend that we've had. More than that, it's made us people who aren't satisfied with half-truths or accepted wisdom. We are always striving to know more, and to improve the knowledge we have. It's difficult, but we do it because you showed us it's worth it.

You're an amazing Dad, Dad, and I'm immensely thankful to have had you and mom as my parents and teachers. You've accomplished a lot in 60 years. I can't wait to see what the next 60 hold. (Ha!) I love you, Daddo.

John

From Clint and Connie Gray and Family

Richard,

We have lots of memories trips to the temple,  trip to Nauvoo, going to dinner and getting together for the new year and the fourth of July. oh I almost forgot our study group.

Clint remembers the army trips. My favorite is the conversations on the phone in two different languages trying to talk to each other.

Thanks for your friendship all these years. We have missed getting together for the holidays this past year. We hope you have a great birthday !
Let us know when you guys come back in town, we would love to go to dinner and catch up.

Love,
Clint, Connie and family

From James and Cordell Foulk

Happy Birthday King Richard the 60th!!

Cordell and I wish you the best year of your life and continued live & success... Keep on rocking Rich... And we don't mean the chair!

Love you in a BIG Texas way,

Cordell & James

From Lisa (Dutton) Farren

So Happy Birthday Brother Manwaring! 

Ben asked me for memories - I don't have anything specific - but I do have a lot of fondness.  Since the very first moment we met (when Ben brought me home for Thanksgiving from BYU two years after we were home from Germany), all I have ever felt from you is love.  You have made me feel a part of your family, not just a friend.  Quizzing me on my German, just like one of your own children (and making me realize how much smarter you are than me!) :) Every time I see you, your warmth radiates from you to me, and it makes me feel so loved and supported.  

Also, I have a lot of gratitude.  Honestly, after the gospel and my little brother :) Ben is literally like the most important thing in my life.  He is the best friend, and support system a person could ever ask for.  He came from you.  He is who is he, in part because of you.  I am so thankful that you have molded him into the man he is today.  I know his, mine and your opinions may not always be the same (understatement) :) ha! But I am eternally grateful for the gift of your family you have given me.  Not just Ben, all of your family has made my life better and more full.  There is nothing I could ever do to repay what I feel. 

I hope this birthday finds you happy ~ and you know how loved you are! Always in my prayers, Lisa

I Learned It By Watching You!

It’s all your fault. You did this to us, Dad. Anytime someone accuses one of us of having a twisted sense of humor our only defense is “You think that’s sick? You should hear what Kurt the Slimeball did to that steak tartare! Now that’s some messed-up stuff.”

When one of our significant others or friends is embarrassed when we start singing along with the music in the store at full volume we can only respond by singing all of the parts to “Tradition” or “Sunrise, Sunset” even more loudly (Okay, I won’t put all of the blame on you for this one; when we harmonize with the elevator music that’s Mom’s fault.).

Anytime we find ourselves in the outdoors enjoying the feeling of the sun filtering through the clouds, the smell of the trees, and the sound of the wind we blame you for teaching us to appreciate nature.

When we lie in bed at night, unable to sleep because our minds are too busy contemplating the vastness of the universe and the meaning of “infinity”, we know it is your fault for inspiring us to think.

When we see someone in trouble and feel compelled to step in and help, even when it might put us in an uncomfortable situation, we know we are only doing it because you showed us how to be courageous (Don’t think that Mom is off the hook for this one either. Geez, what jerks you two are!).

Even though you taught us all of these, and many more, appalling things, you still deserve to have a wonderful birthday. I love you, Dadda!

Let's have 60 more from Randall and Marla

Its your birthday! The significance of this day is beyond just your birthday.  It is a celebration of someone that is loved and greatly admired. Richard you have hit a mile stone in your life...60 years (we will be hitting ours shortly).  Our sincere and heartfelt feelings of gratitude for the special times we have shared...The wonderful title of being "Grandparents" to Kristilynn and David's sons, and having holiday fun together through the years. Laughter, singing, great conversations, and friendship go along with those times...as Bob Hope's theme song...'THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES" apply...lets keep making them. Love and Blessings. Randall and Marla Vaughan

It's Like I Don't Even Know You

Dad, I know birthdays are supposed to be about happy thoughts and good memories but I think it is also a time for honesty. As I think back over the past and growing up with you as a father I have many memories, especially of our time in Germany. I know you were stationed there for military service and had previously lived there during your mission and also when your father was in the military. This should explain your ease of use of the German language and also your familiarity with the local customs. At the time, being very young, I did not notice anything unusual about how easily you were able to blend in with the locals.
As time went on and we moved back to the States, I assumed our family fixation with Germany and the customs, especially at holidays, was due to the time spent living there.
There has always been this running "joke" in the family, extended family, and even among close friends, that you are an operative for the CIA or some branch of U.S. intelligence operations. I think what this really implies is that we all know that you have something you are hiding, a double life if you will. I think I have known the truth for several years now but didn't want to admit it. I remember when we were living with you and mom and going out to the backyard to find this scene

You seemed surprised to see me and when I asked what you were doing you stumbled over your words and said "They are digging grav...garden holes, yeah that's it garden holes." 

I think it is time we dropped this charade because I know who you really are and now everyone will know. Here is the proof that shows once and for all your true history