Richard Kells, a World War II veteran and POW left us on Feb. 16. He and his wife, Dot, taught many of us and our children how to play tennis and the art of sportsmanship.
How do we define a “hero”? By the way one lives and the way one dies. Rich did both with grace, humility, bravado and kindness.
Rich was my “hero” as I watched him on the tennis courts: quick, strong, agile with a lively vitality. He always had a genuine, warm smile for everyone.
I watched him age, never losing his charm, sense of humor, warm smile and strength to carry on in the face of losing his loving wife and daughter, all five brothers and a sister.
May you rest in peace my friend.
Carol Pedigree McConnell
Shelburne Falls