Date: Fri 29-Jan-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

Rich-Ruaner-memorial-service

Full Text:

Friends Gather To Remember Rich Rauner

(with photo)

BY KAAREN VALENTA

Friends of Richard W. Rauner assembled at the United Methodist Church in Sandy

Hook last Saturday in a memorial service for the heart transplant recipient

who died at his home on January 16.

Outside, postal service trucks drove slowly past in a salute to the

58-year-old former post office clerk who died almost exactly one month after

undergoing transplant surgery at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.

"We gather here in grief and loss and utter disbelief that Richard died so

suddenly while in the process of recovery," the Rev Terry Pfeiffer said. "We

gather as a part of what Richard called us -- his church family."

"Richard could laugh at himself and share this laughter with others," Rev

Pfeiffer said. "He always had a sense of hope, kindness and generosity, and a

commitment to community outreach and his church. If you want to do something

as a living memorial to Richard, be an organ donor upon your death."

"Richard was a loving and caring man who truly enriched the lives of many

people," church secretary Barbara Carlson said. "He played Santa to hundreds

of children through the Newtown Fund."

Mrs Carlson remembered the day she first met Mr Rauner, when he came to her

house years ago as a salesman selling smoke detectors -- "and we bought them."

"He ministered to many, he loved life and was not afraid to die," she said.

Mr Rauner's best friend, Barbara Nelson of Southbury, said she hoped to put

together a book of memories about Richard to share with the other heart

transplant patients at Temple University Hospital who were devastated by news

of his death.

"Richard would want you to keep the faith, especially when things are hard,"

she said.

During the service Chuck Samson and Marty Maciag sang a guitar duet of the

hymn "In the Garden" after remembering Rich Rauner as a man who never talked

about his bad health and who always commented on how good it felt to belt out

a tune.

Soloist Rahnna Peck sang "The Wind Beneath My Wings." The senior choir, of

which Rich Rauner had been a member, led the congregation and others in

"Amazing Grace," "Be Not Afraid" and "Eternal Father, Strong To Save."

Among the other speakers were the Rev E. Sue Klein, minister of music, and

liturgist Margey Pfeiffer.

After the service, a reception was held in the Fellowship Hall. Donations in

Mr Rauner's memory may be made to the NUMC Memorial Fund, 92 Church Hill Road,

Sandy Hook 06482.