Richard D. Meltebeke

To this day I deeply miss Rich as a friend and a brother in Christ!

Two days ago I rode my tricycle out Van Duyn Rd. thinking that I might spot the Meltebeke homestead and stop in for a very long overdue (and surprise) visit. So much had changed in the 30 years or so since our EBF home group met there that I had no clue which of the many spreads on the north side of the road was the one I was looking for.
Later in the day during an impromptu conversation with one of EBF's elders, I made mention of my ride earlier in the day. He told me that Rich had died...

We knew Rich as a neighbor, a friend, and the first dentist I worked for as dental hygienist. He was meticulous about his dentistry and showed genuine care for his patients.
Steve and I shared a week with our sons visiting from San Diego, Portland and Eugene. They shared wonderful memories of their childhood growing up on Van Duyn. Thank you Rich, Sheri, and girls for the positive influence you had on our sons.
I remember a snowfall in the '80s that prompted a neighborhood sledding...

We knew Rich as a neighbor, a friend and the first dentist I worked for as a dental hygienist.
He was compassionate to his patients and meticulous about his dentistry.
Steve and I shared a week with our sons visiting from San Diego, Portland, and Eugene. We told them Rich's long and courageous battle with cancer has ended. They shared wonderful memories of their childhood growing up on Van Duyn. Thank you to Rich, Sheri, Stacey, Heather and Merissa for the positive influence on our...

Rich was one of the most intelligent, directed and earnest men I have ever known. When we connected usually by phone I knew he was not only a brother in Christ but I also knew he had always been one of my very best friends. God placed on my heart to call him numerous times before his death and I kept postponing the call. It is and will remain one of my greatest regrets of my life and I will take that to my own grave. Rich will be desperately missed until we meet again in Heaven. God...

My husband met Richard pheasant hunting and we feel in love with him. Both my husband Scott and I were blessed to have Richard Baptize us! Richard you will never be forgotten..