JOHN L. RICE

So sorry to just hear about your loss. John and my my dad umped in the minors together for a few years...John was the best man and my mom & dads wedding too.(Thomas & Laverne McCarthy)

It was many years later that John and Isabelle attended my folks' 40th wedding anniv.

May he rest in peace...and I am sure John and my dad are sharing some hilarious baseball stories!!

My father was a Marine in the South Pacific in WWII and John shared conversations about those times. What an opportunity as a colleague to learn about baseball from his insight.... I have only today learned of his passing and know there is a tremendous void in your family...my prayers and thoughts are with you.

We wish to offer our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, all other relatives, major league baseball umpires and baseball associates, along with many lifelong friends of JOHN LaCLAIRE RICE upon his departure from the scene ...

During his entire professional umpiring career he was looked upon as being one of the very best of his era, was highly respected and appreciated by players, coaches and management alike ...

The name of JOHN RICE shall...

I did not know Mr. Rice, but I have been studying the history of major league umpires and know that he was a most distinguished member of that profession. I hope that his long, well-lived life helps compensate for your sense of loss.

Please accept my sincere condolences. John was Chief Deputy and a trusted friend of my father for many years. He will be remembered fondly.

Following is the official transcript of the passage of the resolution I prepared for the Board of the MWRD and associated commentary which I would like to share at this time.
Every word is as true today as it was in 1998.

"BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT
OF GREATER CHICAGO
* * * *
Board Room
100 East Erie Street
Chicago, Illinois
* * * *
~hursday, April 16, 1998
.
10:05 o'clock a.m.
11:25...

Dear Susan and Family: Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your dear dad. I was lucky to get to know him when he worked at the Water Reclamation District. He was a perfect gentleman and a delightful colleague. May he rest in peace.
Peggy (Nealis) Bradley

Tom Brokaw coined the phrase,and, your Dad was the best example of "The Greatest Generation"John served his county,God,and, family with unflinching loyalty,and, devotion.We are humbled,and, proud to have had John as part of our lives.

My deepest sympathy and prayers to Isabelle and her family. May John rest in peace.
Carole Palmore (St. Bride)