Richard, my love

Richard Ewing

1949 to 2025

Richard Ewing. 

Rich was often referred to by friends as the Muleman. He loved mules. He got along with them so well because he was ~~~ just like them.

He and a 36 year relationship with his mule, Fred. He had a 30 year relationship with his wife Val.

Rich could be difficult to say the least. He was always open and honest about how he felt on any subject and you knew where you stood with him. His heart was big. He could be stern and loving in the same moment.

He knew during his last time in the hospital that he never wanted to spend another minute in one. He requested to enter Hospice because in his words, "I want to go home to my Silly Dog Charlie and my Grumpy Wife, Val.

What can I say about Rich? I met him on the Richland Center Wagon train. I learned his mule's name first. He had the best pickup lines in the world.

He rode up and introduced Fred and then told me I had a fine looking mare. His next comment was hilarious. He told me "that mare would make a fine looking mule momma". I was stunned and entranced by the gnarly cowboy on the little mule called Fred.

The first time I visited his house, he took me up through enchanted forest path to an open meadow that was glowing in the evening sun.

I turned to him and said: I've just found home.

Rich loved his animals. One could say he even collected them. 

When I moved in with him my future mother-in-law was so happy. She told me with a glint in her eye, "I'm so happy that I don't have to do Richard's laundry or clean his house any more. He's got you now!"

He bought me a young mule to train instead of an engagement ring. What a romantic he was. Even better was the profit he made when he sold the mule.

I don't know what he was like as a dad and husband before we met. But I do know that I was lucky to join the Ewing family. He made my life brighter in many ways as he did with others that he touched. His laugh could be heard a mile away.

When it came to his grandkids, he felt he perhaps could have second chance at doing things right. He felt he wasn't good enough the first time around. Maybe he could fix things with the next generation. He was deeply touched by all of his grandkids. He loved them all fiercely.

He loved mule riding, his hound dogs, fishing and hunting. He was the quintessential outdoor guy. 

He thought he'd teach me about coon hunting. One night and I was hooked. Though it came with a price. While selling the furs he would often tell a funny story.

He winked at me as he said, "Oh yup, I take Val with me quite often, she is a good dog handler. She really took to it. I do have a problem though."

He'd take a long dramatic pause as he sucked on his Old Gold. "You see, when the coon comes down outta the tree she gets right in there with the dogs and pretty soon she's got it in her mouth just a growlin' and a shakin' it like you wouldn't believe. I've had to get after her since I don't want her to wreck the hides!"

He suffered Moral Injury from his time in Vietnam which changed his whole life after he came home from overseas.

He struggled with severe and chronic PTSD along with incurable Major Depression Disorder. Through all that, he was an incredibly loving partner. We felt we were soulmates as we could finish each others thoughts.

His life took a major change when he found out he had throat cancer. The major medical issues just kept on coming at a rapid pace following his treatment. For the last 10 years of his life, he struggled because he was no longer able to do the things he loved the most. It was hard for him to depend on me for everything when he prided his independence.

Rich no longer suffers from his wounded soul and health ailments. His wish was to be reunited with his father Lonnie and that doggone mule, Fred.

I'm pretty sure the their are together catching up on things now. Exchanging stories and belly laughs.  

Rich can finally rest in peace. 

Thank you to all of our friends and family for all of your support, not just now, but all along.

A special thanks to Steve Davidson and his family who made sure that Rich got out once a week to go fishing or for a drive. I do believe that made the last summer for Rich one of the best in years. 

Thank you to Emplify Hospice for all of their hard work and compassion. A very big thank you to my friends and neighbors who provided much needed back up.

Thank you Tammy for all of your patience and kindness you gave Rich while providing much appreciated Respite.

I think I can definitely say that Rich and Fred are out there hunting and fishing. One day I will join you again, my best friend and my soulmate.