Lamar Richcreek

1947 - 2018

Lamar Richcreek

Indianapolis - It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Rodney Lamar Richcreek passed away on May 30th 2018 in Indianapolis, IN at age 71. He was born on February 9, 1947 in Marion Indiana to George Edgar and Virginia Ribelin Richcreek who he lovingly advocated and cared for until their deaths. He was a devoted husband, brother, son, teacher, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years and best friend, Jean (Foxworthy) Richcreek, brothers Gary (Judy Skaggs) Richcreek and Ron (Debbie Blair) Richcreek. He was a most special uncle to nieces Dana Counts, Donelle (Jay) Chisolm, Darci (Greg) Caesar, Dori (Brad) Johnson, Sarah Richcreek, Claudia Burns, Hillary Burns, and Malory Mason and nephews Drew Richcreek, Aaron Richcreek, Benjamin Burns, and Gordon Mason as well as 14 great nieces and nephews. He was always ready to play when they were young and ready to listen when they grew up. He was blessed with many friends and colleagues who will miss him terribly.

He and Jean bought a house with their dear friend Mary Sinnock in Historic Meridian Park in 1978 with the idea of creating a communal family. They devoted countless hours to renovating their 109 year- old home in a way that respected its craftsman style history. Lamar and Jean fell in love with the neighbors and the neighborhood and have remained there for 40 years. They shared their home with others throughout their marriage; Friends and strangers found warmth and acceptance as part of their family. They hosted international students from across the world, becoming surrogate parents to them and later, grandparents to their children.

In addition to welcoming the world into their home they traveled to 39 countries. Lamar was often described as a quiet and gentle man but he had a strong love of adventure. He and Jean would often go to countries without reservations or a daily plan. Whether climbing Mayan ruins in Guatemala or driving through France the goal was always to truly experience the local culture - even it meant sleeping in shacks, forgoing hot water and electricity and (often) getting lost. Every mishap was just another adventure. Lamar also enjoyed scuba diving, yoga, biking and gardening. He was passionate about the arts; In addition to the visual arts he loved all types of music - from classical to techno and theatre - the more edgy the better.

Lamar served his country in the Army stationed in Korea. He was "Radar" to his Colonel and the entire MASH unit.

Lamar earned a BS in Business Administration from Ball State University in 1969. His first career was as a banker at People's Bank and Trust for 21 years. His last position there was VP Commercial Lending. For his second career he followed his life-long passion for photography and in his 50's returned to school for a Masters in Fine Arts from Vermont College of Fine Arts. He was a fine art photographer and an adjunct professor of photography at Herron School of Art and Design on the IUPUI campus for 20 years. His students described him as "A passionate and tireless teacher who inspired the best work from his students. More importantly he was a good soul with a kind heart and charming personality that kept his students spellbound" and "truly an amazing soul - best teacher I ever had."

Lamar lived his life modeling his values for lifelong learning, an appreciation for people of all types and cultures, the power of the arts and the importance of integrity and respect for all.

A celebration of his life will be held later in the summer. Condolences and memories may be left at CrownHill.org/obituaries. Memorial tributes may be made to the American Pianist Association, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble Music Society or Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky.