This morning, Mr Richard (Ric) I. Coleman passed away after suffering a heart attack this past weekend. Ric was a true gentleman and public servant in the field of Meteorology. He retired in 1996 as Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service's Memphis office after a long and distinguished career with NOAA and other agencies.
Ric had as much, if not more, influence over my passion for weather than anyone. In the mid 1990's, as I was becoming interested in the field of weather while in high school, Ric led an Explorer Scout program in Meteorology that I participated in which effectively "sealed the deal" for me - weather would be not only my hobby, but my career path. For this leadership and guidance, I am deeply grateful and indebted. I trust that he had the same effect on many others throughout his career. Rest in peace, Ric. We'll miss you.
--Erik
Thanks for posting this notice, Erik. You are exactly right in all that you said. He encouraged me in my pursuits of meteorology on many levels. Earlier this week I came across his business card when he was MIC at MEG. He wrote a splended letter of reference for me back in the mid-90s. I was blessed in many ways for having known him.
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