RICK HERRICK

508-693-8065

(herricklr@verizon.net)

East Chop said goodbye to Ray Howick last Saturday night at the tennis club. The rain held off, the club looked great, all clean with new lighting, and the large crowd was enthusiastic about celebrating the life of this fine man.

It was fitting that the tribute took place at the tennis club where Ray had been a longtime board member and president from 1997-1999. Many club members spoke of Ray’s vision and capable leadership of the club over many years. We will miss his wisdom, good sportsmanship, and sense of fun. Laurie thanked all the guests for coming; and, more importantly, Ray’s family for accepting her as one of their own.

Ray’s sons Andrew and Ward and daughter in law Patty told funny stories about Ray’s life. Ray was born in Buffalo, N.Y. in 1926. He graduated from Buffalo Technical High School in 1944, and enlisted in the navy where he served in the Pacific as a radar man from 1944 to 1946. He returned to Buffalo after the war, and graduated from the University of Buffalo with a degree in chemistry in 1949. He later received an MBA from the same university.

Ray worked as a purchasing manager for several companies during his distinguished business career. He was president of the Purchasing Management Association of Chicago from 1978-1979. He was also active in the National Association of Purchasing Management and other professional associations during his career.

Ray died at his home in Evanston, Ill. on March 14, 2009. He is survived by his wife Laurie, sons Andrew and Ward, daughters in law Patty and Mary, a brother Lee, and three grandchildren. Donations in Ray’s honor can be made to the Polly Hill Arboretum, P.O. Box 561, West Tisbury, MA 02575.

Dinner at the Dripps/Herrick house was delightfully chaotic last Saturday night. The affair was hosted by Betsy and Craig. Graham Dripps, our patriarch, invited Betsy’s parents, Joan and Cliff West, over for generational support. Craig and Betsy’s daughters, Marion Harris and Heidi Thompson, were there with husbands Dave and Jesse. The Harrises and Thompsons contributed five great-grandchildren — Aiden, Ian, Emelyn, Liam, and Shilah. Maddie Herrick, daughter of Ben and Julie, was great-grandchild number six. With Maddie came Tucker, a seven-year-old black lab, who had the best dinner of all, nosing around the assortment of high chairs and outstretched little hands. His tail never stopped wagging.

Last week I commented that it has been dangerous to be within phone distance of the president of the East Chop Tennis Club. Well, it may be even more dangerous to live with the guy. Thank you Scottie Vail for all your good work planting the flowers at the club. Scottie was joined by Kathy Wilkerson and Holly Novell. Thanks too to Bob Huss and Lyn Herrick for electrical work done on the ladies room of the club.

Finally, a special thanks to Fred and Kate Hancock for all of their hard work this winter trimming brush at Baptist Temple Park.