Goodbye my highschool friend. I only just learned of your passing. We laughed and sang and double dated. Then we lost touch during college. I thought of you often, hoping that you found yourself. It sounds like you did and that makes me glad. Maybe we'll get to sing together once more. I'd like that. Peace.

How do you mourn the loss of someone so important in your life?  There are people that come into our lives for a time and make their marks.  The ones you know when you see them next it would be as if no time has passed. But time does pass.  Use it while you can.  Richard was one of the purest forms of artists there is.  The kind that who makes people better than they were for knowing him.

It was with great sadness that I learned of Richard's passing.  I have such wonderful memories of working with him at Hartt. His understanding and warmth, combined with his superior musicianship, helped me to perform at my best during a time of personal stress. He will be greatly missed.

In memory of a wonderful professor, musician, and friend.

Richard was a precious soul with a heart of pure gold who knew how to bring out the best in a singer.  The world is indeed so much poorer without him.  But now the Angel Choir will now sing even better.

Richard was a fine musician and teacher, but it was his spirit, open, generous, and loving, that had the biggest impact on his students, his colleagues, and his friends. They don't make many like this one, and he will be sorely missed.

Heaven has gained an angel, but the world of music has lost someone who guided so many and helped us to know the transformative power of music and let us feel that we could be a part of that power.  He was a gentle soul,a wonderful teacher and a superb musician.  I feel blessed to have known him.

Richard was one of those people who left you feeling good about yourself, that yes, you COULD do this.  He had a remarkable ability to know when to draw a line - when to just not worry, when to not take on someone else's issues, when to say "enough".  Thus his interactions with people were overwhelmingly positive, as well as he was a phenomenal musician and teacher.  He made a positive difference in many peoples' lives, and we will miss him.

Richard was one of those people who left you feeling good about yourself, that you were a valued person and that yes, you COULD do this.  He was also remarkable at knowing where to draw  lines - when not to worry, when not to take on someone else's problems, when to say something.  He was also not afraid to tell you if he changed his mind.  He was a joy to work with for his people skills, as well as for his musicianship and teaching.  He was so willing to tackle just about anything, and so good at it all.  He made a positive difference in many peoples' lives.

Seven years ago, I met a wonderful teacher, mentor, and my family in my hometown. I remember you saying how I was a son that you've never had. You were, and always be, the greatest teacher I've ever had. I've never lost a person who I loved this much, and it has been very painful. However, I am praying that you are resting very peacefully, and I will make sure to continue aiming my goal that you've invested so much in, and prepared me for, so that I can make you proud even more. Love you Dr. Mercier, and I will always be thinking about you.

Heaven has gained another Angel! I am sure St. Peter greeted you at the gate!!! Say hi to Bobby & Jim for me!!!  Love , Stephanie Destosiers Gallow

What a wonderful human being!  Richard was such a talented man, who was so humble about himself.  He did so much to spread the love and joy of music to everyone around.  He was a very caring friend.  He arranged to be free for a whole d ay to show my 2 college roommates and me(class of '66) around our favorite places at Ga Southern.  My roommates thought he was the greatest!  How blessed I have been to have had a friend like Richard.  John, my prayers and thoughts are with you in your loss.

I am so sorry to hear the news. Such a fine & talented man.

Richard was fun and talented and so supportive of his younger colleagues.  I will treasure our musical moments together. His wisdom will be missed, as will his smile and his kindness.  Godspeed, friend.

Richard was a good colleague and a terrific Co-chair.  I cannot find the words to express my great sadness.  Greg and I send thoughts and prayers.

To my dear friend,Richard, I will miss you, and wished I had one more day working along side of you. You were the hardest worker, the most talented, and the kindest person I have ever known. Goodbye, my dear friend, I will always remember you. See you in Heaven

Richard was a wonderful colleague and friend.  He touched everyone around him with his kindness and talents.  Words are not adequate. 

 I will miss you, Richard.  I count myself extremely fortunate to have had the privilege to know you and work with you.

I cannot find words to express what I want to say, so I will say this: Richard was a wonderful person, inside and out, and he will be truly missed. His impact on students, colleagues, musicians, and friends cannot be measured. I'll miss you, birthday buddy.

I hope that 'time' will be your friend and it will allow you to heal and remember the great times spent with Richard and what a special person he was.

OBITUARY

Richard E. Mercier

July 16, 1949 – March 1, 2013

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