This morning, Mr Richard (Ric) I. Coleman passed away after suffering a heart attack this past weekend. Ric was a true gentleman and public servant in the field of Meteorology. He retired in 1996 as Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service’s Memphis office after a long and distinguished career with NOAA and other agencies.
Ric had as much, if not more, influence over my passion for weather than anyone. In the mid 1990’s, as I was becoming interested in the field of weather while in high school, Ric led an Explorer Scout program in Meteorology that I participated in which effectively “sealed the deal” for me – weather would be not only my hobby, but my career path. For this leadership and guidance, I am deeply grateful and indebted. I trust that he had the same effect on many others throughout his career. Rest in peace, Ric. We’ll miss you.
–Erik
Thanks for posting this notice, Erik. You are exactly right in all that you said. He encouraged me in my pursuits of meteorology on many levels. Earlier this week I came across his business card when he was MIC at MEG. He wrote a splended letter of reference for me back in the mid-90s. I was blessed in many ways for having known him.