Richard L. Brummel

Some people knew him as Richard, but most of his friends and family new him as Dick. His grandchildren called him Gefa – which was his favorite name of all.

Dick was born in 1951 in Chicago, and grew up in Wilmette, Illinois. A true teenager of the sixties, he loved rock music and playing guitar – two passions that lasted a lifetime. Recently, he spent an hour a day playing guitar. If he was lucky, his wife of over 37 years, Linda, would even accompany him on vocals – teasing him that it was a good thing he could play – because he sure couldn’t sing.

Linda has been the love of his life from the beginning. They tackled every adventure – and misadventure – with humor, and sometimes tears, but always together.

Dick’s passion for music was only rivaled by his love of classic cars. When he was younger, he rebuilt several cars from the ground up, including a 1969, Z28 Camero. Later in life he was more of a collector – driving around with Linda in their convertible Corvette – top down, listening to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

Of all the rolls Dick played, being a grandfather brought him the most joy. Every time he heard, “Hi Gefa!” His face broke into a smile. Whether it was talking on the phone, talking about history, teaching guitar, or “watching the same 4 episodes of Bonanza over and over again,” (as one of his grandkids joked) all the kiddos LOVED Gefa. Maiya, Avery, Elliot, Henry, Owen, Ben, Sam, Max and Emmy will always hold his heart and soul.

Shortly before Dick passed, his brother and sisters were able to remind him how loved he was. Over the years, his sisters Kathy (husband Tom) and Caroline (husband John), and his brother Jim have always kept close – even when separated by distance. Their younger brother Stephen, was so close to Dick (in both age and friendship), that they were laughingly called the “twins.” Though Stephen died many years ago, he and their parents, Henry and Mary, are grateful to have Dick with them now.

Dick’s children, Erika (partner Eric), Mary (husband Jeff), Kendra (husband Doug) and Matthew, have too many memories to include here. That said, there are a few indelible moments and words that speak to who Dick was as a father.

Erika has always known her father as strong - heart and soul. He was devoted to his family, and a hero to all of us when we needed him.

Mary appreciated, among so many things, that her dad gave her the gift of loving music. One of her biggest memories of growing up is sitting with her father night after night, with him playing guitar and dancing beside him.

When Kendra was 13, she worked for a summer, saved, and bought her first 10 speed. Dick was so proud. To this day, Dick would tell this story. It was, and still is, empowering. He taught us to love the independence of making our own way.

Matthew remembers most that Dick talked about the 3 Rs. Respect, Responsibility, and Reality. No matter how rough life can get, that’s something Matthew has held onto as a throughline and compass.

Dick was a not only there for us as a father, brother, grandfather, husband and friend, he was also there in so many ways for his nieces and nephews in Chicago - Mike, Eileen, Joe, Jim, Allison and Jennifer. He offered support, a “no judgement zone” and a safe place for anyone that needed him.

Dick had a quiet, powerful, and generous presence - more than maybe anyone realized. He cared for, helped, and loved so many people. He will be missed by all of us, every day.

For friends and family living in Atlanta, Georgia, we will be holding a small Memorial on Sunday, December 3rd at 3pm. The location is HM Patterson & Sons, Oglethorpe, in Brookhaven, Georgia. This will be an informal affair, so business casual attire is welcome.

There will be a second Memorial Service in Dick’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois in late May/early June. Additional details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Dick’s family asks that donations be directed to The Music Education Group https://www.themeg.life/ (click on donate now) or The Lymphoma Research Foundation https://lymphoma.org/ (click on donate).