Richard Frederick Boeke

Richard was a truly remarkable person, I highly respect him. The obituary has truly described his story of life so well. Jopie, the two of you were such a wonderful couple. Though your heart must hold sorrow at the loss of the loved one, may it also hold the blessings of the life you shared and the love that will forever be a part of you. May God give you the peace that you seek. My deepest condolences go out to you, Jopie and your family.

With loving prayers, Kathy R. Matsui, IALRW Japan

In Loving Memory

Your presence in this world left a mark that will never fade.
May your soul rest in eternal peace, and may your loved ones find strength and comfort in the beautiful memories you've left behind.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Hassan

I wanted to send my condolences to Jopie and to your family as we approach Richard's memorial service tomorrow. I hope to attend on Zoom. Richard was an important influence in my ministry. We first met in 1971 at an International Religious Fellowship Conference and our friendship developed further as colleagues in the Bay Area. Our shared love of worship and connections to international liberal religion leave me with many memories of Richard I will cherish.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the friendship that Boeke-sensei showed Ittoen during his lifetime.
He always greeted us with a smile and in a friendly manner whenever we met him.
Boeke-sensei was a hugely important figure within the IARF, and his legacy continues to inspire many people. He had the power to convey his mission beyond words.

I found some photos of him in my albums, which I am sharing with you below.
The first one is from the IARF Congress in Tokyo in 1983. The others are from the 2018 IARF World Congress in Washington D.C., where Dr Boeke received the "Distinguished Leadership Award".
His memory last forever in our heart.
May his soul rest in peace.

Gassho,
Takashi Nishida(aged 95)
Ittoen

Our first memory of Richard is from our time at a conference in Boone, North Carolina, their young daughters had the giggles when we intoned a chant! We went to a playground where they enjoyed a slide and my wife dared me to use it, thus damaging my coccyx.
My last memory is when we went to see "The Iimportance of being earnest" in London, along with Ken MacLean. There are many more memories in-between Shalom, Richard.
Peter & Heddwen Hewis, Oxford UK

We at the Unitarian Fellowship of Tokyo extend again our condolences to his wife Jopie and family. Thank you for this comprehensive and inspired account of his life. With the time difference in Japan we may not be able to attend the upcoming zoom memorial gathering but we hope to follow in his footsteps of interfaith outreach and peace work.
Peggy Kanada , moderstor

When I think of your father i alsways remember the following poem:

Immortality:


Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning´s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

What a very special man Richard was. I treasure the memory of his wisdom and friendship.
Celia Goldie. Horsham.

What a privilege to know such a man during his years in Horsham, UK!