Swerd has passed

[Dan]

My brother Richard aka here as Swerd, passed away yesterday after fifteen months with an aggressive lung cancer. He died peacefully with his family at his side and avoided much of the dreadful death that cancer can cause. He was 76.

Rich grew up in suburban Washington DC, our father was career civil service. 13 years older than me, he went to the university of North Carolina the same month I started kindergarten. After majoring in zoology, he spent 5 years in the navy (to avoid being drafted by the army and going to Vietnam) engaged in antisubmarine warfare during the cold war. He was stationed in Italy and Alaska.

He came back to Maryland and spent a year with the folks when I was in ninth grade and taught me many things like how to shave, but especially about music and stereos. After that he went to the Univ. of Connecticut and got a PhD in microbiology. While in CT he met his wife Bonnie, their first date was a Grateful Dead concert! Fun fact: when he was in Italy, and bored he wrote away to join the Grateful Dead fan club (Dead Freaks Unite! From their old albums). They replied that they never had anyone from Italy join before so he was made president of the Italian dead heads with the rights to sell Dead merchandise there. He never did that though.

After getting his degree, he came back to Maryland for a post doc at NIH and worked in some biotech firms around the area. Eventually he wound up at CTEP, a company that works with the National Cancer institute coordinating multicenter drug trials for cancer drugs. He retired about 8 ago. He has his wife Bonnie, two kids, one of whom helps design concert halls and other acoustic related architecture.

Rich was my best friend and best man at wedding number one (he had a Dead T shirt under his tux).

Of course, he was a regular contributor here at AH. He didn’t suffer fools well but was a master of the subtle put down. His thread on rehabilitating his JBL speakers, https://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/the-vintage-jbl-west-coast-sound-becomes-the….25014/

Is still IMO the best thread ever on this site. A few of you have written to me about him, sorry I haven’t been on much lately and didn’t see them, but thank you for your concern.

 

[j_garcia]

I am very sorry and saddened to hear that. Swerd / Richard was a great guy to have discussions with here. He was already here when I joined, almost 20 years ago. Thanks for the info about his life and may he rest in peace.

 

[Trell]

I'm real sorry to hear that Swerd has passed away. My condolence to you and his family.

 

[Trebdp83]

He seemed a great guy and it appeared so in his posts. We should all be so loving and loved. Surrounded by those we loved and who loved us most is the best we can all hope for when we go to rest. Rock on Swerd!

 

[its phillip]

My condolences.

 

[afterlife2]

My deepest condolences to you and his family.

 

[cpp]

So very sorry to hear this news. He fought hard. Prayers for all the family and friends.

 

[everettT]

Richard was always so generous with his time and with me personally. He introduced my to Salk and Dennis Murphy which created a bond that I was grateful to have. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[GO-NAD!]

I was getting a bit concerned when I hadn't seen him post in a while, but seeing this post was still like a smack in the face with a 2 x 4. I always looked forward to his posts, as he invariably had something worth reading. Would have loved meeting him, as he was clearly kind and whip-smart. You have my deepest condolences.

 

[dolynick]

Sad news. My condolences.

 

[ski2xblack]

Words are never enough, so multiply ths times a billion...condolences to you, Dan, and all of Rich's family.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Sad news indeed. Always enjoyed any interactions with him, and pretty sure I always learned something each time.
When an interesting story too.
Best wishes to your family and friends.

 

[Mr._Clark]

Condolences. I never met him, but I certainly appreciated his insights on numerous topics (the COVID thread in particular).

I second the sentiment that learning of this was like getting hit in the face with a 2 x 4.

 

[Tankini]

AH has lost a valuable member. My deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one he will surely be missed here on AH.

 

[adk highlander]

Swerd/Richard was always a voice of reason and I always enjoyed his threads and comments. Very sad news indeed. He will be missed.

 

[ryanosaur]

That blows: truly sad news.
Swerd was a good friend here. We had many chats ranging from audio to coffee and then some. I always enjoyed interacting with him. Moreover as a member here he always had valuable contributions to share.
Most importantly, he had great taste in Speakers! He was among the folk that pushed me to talk to Dennis and consider Philharmonic Audio when I was buying my gear.

Thank you, Swerd, for all of it!

 

[Eppie]

I am in shock over this terrible news. We all had been hoping that the treatment Richard was receiving was going to see him through this illness but I am sure that he gave his all. Bonnie must be devastated. Please accept my warmest condolences Dan and to Bonnie as well.

I had the pleasure of meeting Richard and Bonnie in October of 2022 when I traveled to DC to see one of my favorite bands at the Fillmore. Seemed like a great opportunity to meet one of the forum regulars and whose knowledge I admired. Richard and Bonnie were incredibly gracious hosts and I spent hours with Richard enjoying his stereo system. Richard was good friends with Dennis Murphy and I asked whether I might be able to meet Dennis and hear some of his speakers first hand. Richard had pre-arranged a meeting with Dennis, who is always busy, so I also got to enjoy some time with Dennis and Richard at Dennis' home. Bonnie was polite enough to tag along while we geeked out for a couple of hours. The four of us then went to a local restaurant for dinner and some wonderful conversation.

Richard was a very intelligent and articulate man. I was surprised to learn that while developing cancer medication he had worked with Victoria Hospital, in my home town, which has an excellent oncology department. He had a breadth of knowledge that I can only hope to attain and was happy to share. A truly wonderful person. I had hoped that we would be able to meet up again once more but alas that will never be. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched.

Rest in peace Richard.