Birth date: Feb 17, 1969 Death date: Mar 13, 2016
Richard “Rick” Behrens Jr. was a man of great faith, a diligent father, and a compassionate, loving man to everyone he met. On March 13, 2016, he was called home to be with the Lord whom he humbly served for 47 years. After gradua Read Obituary
Rick was my brother-in-law for 11 years. He'll be my big brother forever.
Rick was a wonderful coworker and very giving person. He was gracious enough to have lunch with my son to talk about RIT, my son's dream school. I still believe to this day, that if it hadn't been for Rick, my son wouldn't have been part of the 2011 freshman class and had the opportunity to experience RIT. I am greatly saddened by his loss. My most sincerest condolences to the family.
I met Rick for a short period of time, but it was enough to see his cooperative spirit and enthusiasm. He was willing to share his knowledge and time with others. He was my colleague at IBM. His enthusiasm about our technologies and all we do was contagious.
I have been thinking of Rick almost continuously since Mar 14th, and now that the time for services is upon us I want to offer a few words of remembrance, and perhaps of comfort. It so happens that when I went to Auckland to help with Rick's repatriation I took a collection of Truman Capote's very American short stories in the Penguin edition of 'Breakfast at Tiffanys'.
In the last story, 'A Christmas Memory', a simple lady and a young boy 'Buddy' share the making of fruit cakes, and give each other kites as Xmas presents. Then after happily flying their kites with Queenie the dog, the lady —Buddy's friend— has a realisation: "My, how foolish I am!" my friend cries, suddenly alert, like a woman remembering too late she has biscuits in the oven. "You know what I've always thought?" she asks in a tone of discovery and not smiling at me but a point beyond. "I've always thought a body would have to be sick and dying before they saw the Lord. And I imagined that when he came it would be like looking at the Baptist window: pretty as colored glass with the sun pouring through, such a shine you don't know it's getting dark. And it's been a comfort: to think of that shine taking away all the spooky feeling. But I'll wager it never happens. I'll wager at the very end a body realizes the Lord has already shown Himself. That things as they are"—her hand circles in a gesture that gathers clouds and kites and grass and Queenie pawing earth over her bone—"just what they've always seen, was seeing Him. As for me, I could leave the world with today in my eyes."
And that's how I like to think it was with Rick. He had a photographer's eye for light and structure and the beauty in the everyday. His first comment to the divers was about the beauty of Mathesons Bay. And at the very end he was looking at the beauty of creation under the sea. I'll wager Rick knew full well he was looking at His face when he left the world that day.
Dearest Dawn, David, Rachel and Laura,
We were very surprised to hear of Rick's passing and please accept our condolences for this huge loss in your family. We loved living across the street from your family in Potomac Crossing and y'all could not be replaced. I'll never forget, Rick came to our house the night of Johnny's accident and jumped right in to help where he was needed--that was a crazy night and I needed all the friends surrounding me as I could get. God spared Johnny at that time yet in His sovereignty, God took Rick to his heavenly home (in what looks to us like a premature death). God's ways are higher than our ways. He makes no mistakes. And as we don't understand it, you can rest in the knowledge that Rick touched so many lives in a positive manner. He may be the only 'image of God' they will ever see. Praying for strength and wisdom for you as a single Mom now and for the children to be comforted in ways that only God can do. "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families..." Psalm 68:5-6a With Love and Prayers, The Schatz Family - Kim, John, Johnny and Kristen
Dawn, David, Laura and Rachel,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your husband and father. I am a colleague of Rick from Belgium and would like to say that it was an honor to have known Rick.I have had the opportunity to work with Rick in Europe and last year we have been together in Berlin and Helsinki. After work in Berlin we went for a walk and have visited the Behrens Strasze. Rick always saw some interesting places and was taking amazing pictures, which I am sure he shared with you once back home. In Helsinki we went out to eat local Finnish food and he spoke about his plans to come to Europe with you. He was often speaking about his family and spoke about one of his daughters fascination for bookstores, another one keeping him young by introducing him to new things like comedy series on You Tube. He was also very proud that David was starting to work in a traineeship/work program. I will truly miss him and wish you all the best in these difficult time.
Hermen Groen
Rick was a close neighbor, who often shared kind words with me & everyone in our community. He always had time for you and deeply cared for his family. We will be happy to keep a watchful eye on his family.
Tom West & family
I only knew Rick for a very short time whilst we chatted in preparation for the dive at Matheson Bay. He came across as a very pleasant, easy going guy and I remarked on his enthusiasm to get to see a country whilst on business. I thought this was just great and displayed a real sense of adventure. Of course, the tragedy that then unfolded came as a huge shock and I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. I hope you take comfort in your faith and draw strength from each other in this very trying time. Kia kaha – stay strong.
Regards
Steve
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Steve Shaw. OCDNZ dive buddy
Pre Sales Specialist
Westcon Group NZ Limited
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