In Memoriam: Rick Staehling
Over the three decades I have been here, I have made numerous friends via our optical relationships. What we do for a living has a certain intimacy about it; and because we need to know details about our clients, conversation is a big part of our interaction.
It's through these conversations that we build many relationships/friendships, with some that become more meaningful than others, and some that touch the heart. I was super excited when Rick Staehling first came in; having been an avid CBC fan, who followed his thoughtful and enthusiastic movie reviews for years.
As it turns out, Rick brought that same enthusiasm along with him everywhere; whether photographing something, travelling, writing or lecturing; and even when eyewear shopping. Wanting to be sure I was keeping current, we would discuss what he had found by doing some research; who of my suppliers I had seen; and what new collections were on the horizon. He was always interested in any optical history I shared with him — and he developed a fondness for small independent manufacturers. Subsequently, he would happily wait months for newly ordered product to arrive, in order to get just what he wanted.
I think he shared not a dissimilar eyewear obsession to mine, so having bonded on that, this delightful client/friend shared with me his wry sense of humour, his keen eye for style and design, and his expansive and observant worldview.
His recent passing leaves me deeply saddened. We have lost a true gentleman, a lovely human being, and an eloquent raconteur.
My sincere condolences to his wife, Lori, and immediate family, as well as his numerous friends and colleagues.
Sharyn
P.S. Rick supplied me with these photos of himself in his last two purchases from me. He very thoughtfully posed in a fashion that duplicates the shots I take of our clients; making them suitable for my social media! And posted they were! RIP Rick Staehling