I met Rick Abe long ago, long before Linda and of course before his daughters. In fact they were married at a wonderful ceremony at the then Lake Avenue Congregational church in Pasadena, a project on which we had worked together as architects and had just been completed, as if on time for this wedding.

We met at the architectural firm and our relationship, initially based on mutual respect and admiration professionally, transitioned to one of friendship.

We went our separate ways seeking professional enrichment, but stayed in touch, meeting faithfully at Christmas time for a lunch together - to catch up on life, family and work. During this stretch, I was also associated with Media Portfolio and we worked together with the Design Review Board in the City of Alhambra which provided further continuity to our association.

He was an architect, an artist and a designer, consummate in each discipline.

But, perhaps the most rewarding aspect of our friendship was how through my introduction he enriched the life of my son Yuri. Yuri has shared with me his admiration of him and the value he brought to Nudj, which was the last stop in Rick’s journey with us. Of course, this did not come as a surprise to me, as I knew the man and the value he brought to any endeavor he undertook.

On a very personal note: Over the last few years, occasionally, I used to share with him my watercolor paintings, particularly ones that involved architectural contexts. I would always got an encouraging word from him…including one quite recently.

I will miss him, my friend Rick.

Sudhakar