Rich Jassey was definitely one of the good comments in this world. He came to me, much like a southern wind, from Sibley, Iowa (Iowa, I thought? Isn’t THAT the place that we Minnesotans make FUN of?) And what a strong and warm wind he was!

I was Rich’s RA, (resident advisor) at Mankato State University. I had the honor of being in charge of the “Freshman Seminar Floor” -and NO, it was not a floor for future priests, as the name might suggest. It WAS however, truly all Freshman…though one among them seemed wiser, somehow….like a gift to me. With a (mostly) quiet wisdom that belied his tender age.

That one was Rich Jassey.

He had a roommate, Brad. Anyone reading this should know that Brad had a (very) tough time fitting in. I think that’s why God sent Rich to him – and to us. He would NOT tolerate any teasing or grief sent Brad’s way. And I can attest to this single fact of college life: your weaknesses WILL be exposed.

Rich simply and humbly would NOT allow this to happen. He joyfully and consistently protected Brad in a way that I wish I could have done, but could not. You see, I was an authority figure, the heat, the RA….and Rich was a peer to Brad, a friend, his ‘roomie’ And what a gift we all had the privelege of witnessing. Rich was a man of tremendous character….and a few characters as well. When he was in the process of protecting Brad, he would start with his inimitable humor. If that failed (and I think I can only recall one instance when the humor DID indeed fail) Rich was ready to back it up with his own BEING…

Oh, to witness that kind of purity of spirit! He protected Brad as long as he could, until Brad moved on and several years later, perhaps missing the closeness of his pals, Rich foremost among them, Brad took his own life. I wept when I heard that news.

And now, today, with love in my heart for Iowa for giving me my time with Rich, I weep again. Openly and fully – crying for the loss of a man I have not seen in 20 years, yet still love as much as in the days when I watched him protect another, vulnerable person – and laugh while doing so! The wind from the south is not so warm this day. Not to me. It is blowing colder in a world without this man. I miss Rich.

And I am weeping. Not because I knew him…but becuase he has gone. And we are connecting again in his name.

Thanks Rich.