|
|
|
~** Memorial **~
|
|
This page is dedicated to Richard Baughman
|
|
"...And we can remember him, and remember him - as much as we want to.
But, I don't like it. It makes me sad." ~ Sesame Street
|
|
Member & Past President Gasper B. shares his memories of Richard:
|
|
"My very first trip to Toyfest was in 2002. It was a brand new adventure
and although I hoped it would be fun, I really didn't know what to expect,
where to go, or what to do. One of the first people there to welcome me
was Richard Baughman. He was a very warm and friendly person who made you
feel as if you'd known him all your life. He showed me the ropes about
Toyfest, everything from the schedule of events to making delicious
waffles in the hotel lobby. He also took me with him to his early morning
toy-hunts at garage sales, which were always great fun. I quickly saw that
Richard was an easy person to talk to, laugh with, and share interests
about Fisher Price toys and life in general. Of course, there was another
person who was just as warm, friendly and also made me feel that I belonged,
Richard's wife, Arlene Baughman. Richard and Arlene gave me rides to the
exciting Toyfest events and both made me feel comfortable in this brand
new out of town adventure. Thanks to Richard and Arlene's kindness, I
quickly had a home away from home at East Aurora, New York and met all
of the other caring and welcoming individuals at Toyfest.
Every year, we all looked forward to seeing one another at Toyfest.
Richard seemed like an anchor at the annual event due to his sincere love
and enthusiasm for Fisher Price toy collecting and genuiness towards others.
I met up with Richard and Arlene again at Toyfest 2003 and 2004; we caught
up on our year events, went out to eat together, and always had a wonderful
time. I had no reason to think that Toyfest 2005 would be any different.
When we heard that Richard was ill, we all hoped and prayed that he would
make a quick and complete recovery. Even when Richard and Arlene did
not attend Toyfest 2005 due to Richard's health taking a turn for the
worst, I still could not accept never seeing Richard again at any future
Toyfests, never sitting down to dinner with him once more, and never
again having the pleasure of his company. No, that just didn't make sense
to me, so I continued to hold out hope for a miracle; unfortunately,
it was not to be. On September 28, 2005 Richard Baughman passed away,
leaving the world an emptier place. Yet, the world was surely a better
place for having him in it and everyone's life was enriched who knew
him. One can only imagine how difficult this loss has been for his family
because it was difficult enough for other Fisher Price Collectors Club
members who knew and loved him.
Although Toyfest will certainly never be the same without Richard,
let's hope that the memories of him and the way he lived his life and
treated others will be an inspiration to keep the spirit of Toyfest and
The Fisher Price Collectors Club alive. Richard loved children, the
elderly, and making people laugh. We should all consider ourselves lucky
for having known him, even if it was for too brief a time."
- G.B.
|
|
|
Click here to Return to Memorials Page
|
|
|
Click to Return to Home Page
|
|
Last Updated: August 1, 2008
Website updated by Sue Willis, club member since 2001
www.fpclub.org
|
|
|
|
