Welcome to the memorial page for
Richard Earl Ratcliff
January 2, 1943 ~ December 9, 2017 (age 74) 74 Years Old Leave a Condolence
Message from Bill Canak
February 20, 2018 5:33 PM
Richard and I were UW Sociology grad students. He was generous with his time and thoughts. I admired his choice of research topics and qualities of mind. He made lasting contributions to our discipline and enriched his community. A mensch.
Message from Jennifer Gogarten
January 8, 2018 2:19 AM
I wanted to send my condolences, and those of my family. The entire Gogarten family has very fond memories of the time spent living in the house and gardens Richard and his family so lovingly kept up, during the year that they were on sabbatical in England. I also have fond memories of a math project that I worked on with Emily. We're all so sorry to hear of Richard's passing -- even those he only briefly interacted with are left with warm memories fondly recalled.
Message from Linda Allan
December 31, 2017 8:37 PM
So sad to learn that my inspirational teacher of some 40 years ago has left this life. Although I have thought of my professor often over the years, despite the advent of the internet, I have never tried to locate him since my 1978 graduation until this week. Very recently, I inexpicitly felt compelled to tell him how important he was in patiently showing me how to write better, even though he was only tasked with teaching me sociology. Then, last night, I finally set out to find him on line to thank him, only to learn of his very recent passing. I was stunned by, and had to reflect overnight on, the unusual timing of my urgent desire to contact him and his death. But, in the light of this morning, I still can’t believe that my thoughts of him and this obituary are merely coincidental. Although I’m a very pragmatic thinker, I have to accept, or, at the very least, consider, that his remarkable energy reached out to those of us he touched in his transition. I invite his family to email me for more about how he helped a goofy, South Dakota rube, scholarship kid to get by at an affluent university. Meantime, thank you, belatedly, Professor, for having a profound influence on my life. And my condolences to your very special family.
Message from Pam Lewis
December 30, 2017 11:28 AM
I was so saddened to hear this news. What a great guy he was, and my heart goes out to Kathryn and the children. Gentle, smart, kind and always engaged, Richard was unique.
Message from Peter and Kathy Bradley
December 13, 2017 4:30 PM
We are so devastated to hear about the loss of Richard. He was a wonderful friend to us for many years. We spent many enjoyable hours watching Emily and Charles in their games, and no one was a more passionate fan of his children than Richard. While we didn't see him as often once the kids grew up, we still enjoyed the random meetings about town. He was always a interesting person to talk with, and we will miss him very much. We hope you will contact us if there is ever anything we can do for your family.
Message from Kathy Usher
December 12, 2017 1:18 AM
Speechless! No words to adequately convey my sorrow. Know that so many people love you! Please let me know if there is anything you need! XO
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