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David Richart Obituary
David Richart, the founding director of Kentucky Youth Advocates who was described as a "tenacious" champion for children, died Sunday at his home in suburban Louisville. He was 63.
Richart, who was one of the state's best-known voices on child abuse and juvenile justice issues, was diagnosed recently with terminal pancreatic cancer, his good friend and colleague Helen Deines told The Courier-Journal of Louisville.
"He was absolutely tenacious on behalf of kids," said Deines, a retired social work professor from Spalding University who met Richart in 1973 when they were graduate students at the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work.
Richart helped draft what became Kentucky's uniform juvenile law, the first attempt to standardize state law dealing with children charged with offenses. Richart and others worked for several years before it was adopted by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1987, with Richart as the principal author, said Harry Rothgerber, a former juvenile public defender.
"I'd say Kentucky was blessed by having David Richart in our midst," said state Rep. Tom Burch, chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee. "He was just a good advocate for children."
Richart was a driving force in creating Kentucky Youth Advocates in 1976, helping shape it into a well-known, independent advocacy and lobbying group for children, said Rothgerber, who served on its board.
Richart served as the organization's first executive director and remained there for 20 years, he said.
Richart left Kentucky Youth Advocates in 1997 after founding his own organization, the National Institute on Children, Youth and Families, which he used as a platform for research, advocacy and consulting work.
Rothgerber told the Louisville newspaper that Richart continued his work through his institute until his recent health problems forced him to dissolve the organization.
Deines said Richart was single and had no children.
Pearson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, which were pending Monday.
Memories and Condolences
for David Richart
20 Entries
Martha Neff
May 30, 2011
Ah David, what a loss. I still see you doing your James Brown impression complete with the towel over your shoulders that you shook off to return to the stage!!!... You gave all in your performance! in life, to kids, to friends! We loved the same people and causes...and you will remain young and happy in my mind for all time. You have earned that! Love always, old friend.
Gary Millwood
May 22, 2011
I knew David after he became Director of the Kentucky Youth Advocates while working at the Bellewood Presbyterian Home For Children. All of the children's homes in Kentucky benefited from the wonderful work he was able to do. David leaves a great legacy for all children in the state of Kentucky!
Bridget Sullivan (Pieper)
May 21, 2011
I was a MSW student---and was so saddened to hear about his passing. He was a wonderful person, and remember his big hearty laugh and his passion for people. There is nothing better! He will be greatly missed. I am positive his ripple effect on families in the Louisville area he has touched, will be ever lasting.
Annas
May 20, 2011
David was my professor at Spalding and after I graduated, he was my mentor and friend. David always took the time to respond to a question or to help me connect with other professionals in order to continue my development as a social worker. As I have been reflecting on David's impact on my life this week, I think the most prevalent thought I've had is that I hope that the work I do will someday be considered to be as honorable and important and with as much integrity as David's was. He was truly inspirational and I will miss him greatly.
Deirdre Kramer
May 20, 2011
Since he lived about 750 miles from his brother and I in New Jersey, I didn't get to see my brother-in-law very often. But visits he made here were special. I found him an open, honest, and caring person. It's wonderful to learn of the many friends and colleagues who loved and admired him, and the widespread impact he had on others. I look forward to meeting many of you. He died knowing he was loved, thanks to the cards, calls, visits, and acts of kindness large and small, as well as the care by his nephew, Jon, during recovery from the surgery that brought the dreaded news that the cancer was terminal, and of his older brother, Jamie, who was a steadfast presence in David's final days and hours. Friends often know a person better than family does. For this reason, I thank you for all your remembrances of David. Through them and the cards we've received from childhood friends, I have a better knowledge of the man who was my brother. Thank you. The world is a better place for your having been a part of it, David, and is at a loss without you. You lived here once and I had the good fortune to know you.
Andrew Biggin
May 19, 2011
My abiding memory of David will be from the summer of 1960 - at the shore listening to 'Isty Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini' on his transistor radio . He was my cool older cousin who I so wished I could hang out with.
Susie
May 19, 2011
Rest in peace, dear David. Thank you for your support and understanding. You were my rock and I will miss you.
Kim Reynolds
May 19, 2011
I'm sad to learn of the passing of this great Social Work advocate that I have been pleased to be blessed with during our contact over the years. Kim Reynolds
Sandy E.
May 19, 2011
I only knew "Dr. Dave" personally, not professionally, and will miss his keen sense of humor most! Rest in peace, dear friend...
Cebette Murphy
May 18, 2011
I did not know David in a professional capacity but as a friend I knew him to be intelligent and empathetic with a delightfully dry and self-deprecating sense of humor. David was always as joy to spend time with and he will be missed.
Natalie Hunter
May 18, 2011
May you rest in peace, David. I am so thankful that our paths crossed and for your wisdom, humor, and friendship. The lives you touched are many and I can only hope your legacy of staunch advocacy for children continues on.
Beth Dawson
May 18, 2011
David was an caring advocate for many people, including me. I will not forget his kindness nor his humor nor his love of good hugs.
Yvette Frank
May 18, 2011
I was a student of Dr. Richart in the MSW at Spalding University. I enjoyed my time in Dr. Richart's class. He was truly devoted to the field of social work! RIP Dr. Richart, you will be missed!
Kathy Lay
May 17, 2011
Early in my career as a social worker I knew David to be the go to person when it came to advocating for youth. He will be missed.
Kathy Miller
May 17, 2011
I admired David for all of the wonderful things he did for kids in this state and throughout the nation. I cared for David because he cared. And he made me laugh.
Jan Gildner
May 17, 2011
David was a true believer in social justice for all, especially children and youth. During graduate school, he passed a note to me saying that someday kids would have the rights they deserved...he spent his life making that his passion. Along with others, I will miss him.
Rebecca Dulaney
May 17, 2011
David was a very kind and caring friend. He was very appreciative and thoughtful of others who were in need. We will miss him, and keep him in our thoughts & prayers. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Dulaney
David Wrede
May 17, 2011
I was so sad to hear about David's death, I always knew him as a funny, compassionate man, who cared deeply for all people, not just children. A good friend indeed fighting the good fight.
Nancy Gall-Clayton
May 16, 2011
Kentucky's children and families have lost a great advocate. It was an honor to work with David, who was both brilliant and tireless. He also was incredibly supportive when I brought a sick child to the office.
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