Richard M "Mr. Money" Gilpin

I remember Mr. Gilpin. He was a good band director. He was tough when he had to be, but a good, genuine guy. My sincerest condolences to his family.

RIP Mr. Gilpin. It was an honor to have you as my band director and mentor in Jr High and at LCHS. I will never forget you.

Our deepest sympathy for the Gilpin family. You are all in our prayers. Rick was a fun loving guy whom we all loved.

Tom and Stephanie Couste

I am saddened to hear about your loss. I was in the Lake Charles High School Flag Corp. Mr. Gilpin was passionate about music and 'spirit' had to be the center of music for each of his students. Spirit made the instruments play louder and the flags snap harder. My best childhood friend and also my sophomore year Flag Corp Cohort, Sally Seegraves, and I felt blessed to be under the tutelage of Mr. Gilpin. He wanted us to shine and he hoped we would see how capable each of us were within ourselves. We have so many wonderful memories with Mr. Gilpin. I remember one in particular of the LCHS Band going to perform in a parade in downtown Lafayette, LA. It turned out to be a gusty day. We positioned ourselves between tall buildings as we made final preparations to march and it felt like heavy duty wind machines blowing against us. The wind funneled around us like little tornadoes wrapping our five foot flags around us and our six foot poles. Sally and I were already so nervous when Mr Gilpin walked up to us two sophomore youngsters, looked us dead in the eye and said, "I want to see those flags pop". Sally and I looked at each other and cringed. Sally was already a snap to it girl so he must have directed that instruction toward me, I thought. We couldn't even giggle it off if we tried. The parade starts. I see Sally snap to Flag Corp attention. My heart thumped so hard. It's time to march. I follow suit. Mr Gilpin raises his hands, looks our way then grins and winks. I could feel determination well up inside me. We struggled at first in that wind but I kept hearing that voice telling me, "I want to see those flags pop". Suddenly, I was so focused on the band playing and me marching as I worked that flag to the beat of the music that I lost all fear. At the end of the parade, our fearless band director started passing out accolades. He made his way to us then walked up to 'me' and told me "Well done, Nicholas. That's how you make a flag snap." Oh my gosh, I melted with pride. Thank you, Band Director Richard M Gilpin. I pray more people are called to have passion like you did. God bless you.

Janet, Jennifer and Erin,
Patty and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of our long-time friend. When we lived in Lake Charles our two families were so often intertwined in church, community musical and school functions. Thinking back on those days we shared now brings back such fond memories. The Glenns were so blessed to have Rick in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now.

Sending our prayers and condolences to Janet and family. Rick will be sorely missed, and especially in the chancel choir at UUMC.

Hello Janet & Girls: My deepest condolences.......such a great guy.......a true friend, collegue, etc., etc.......will be greatly missed. I summed him up to be a true Gentleman to all mankind!!! So sorry, I will not be attending services......I had a triple by-pass heart surgery in late August. I do not get out much due to this Covid 19 pandemic......My prayers and thoughts are with you now and always!
God Bless

Rick was such a wonderful man to so many. He will be remembered for the gracious christian life he lived. His beautiful family has so many precious memories to carry them forward. So sorry his earthly life was cut short. Our thoughts and prayers are lifted for each of you.

I knew Rick for many years. He was a fine man, always a gentleman and a pleasure to be around with his upbeat personality and great sense of humor. His Mr. Money presentations were the best. My students and I always looked forward to his visits. My condolences to the Gilpin family.

I first met Mr. Gilpin when he guest conducted at LCHS in my Sophomore year back in 1972. He also chaperoned on our band trip to Monterey Mexico that year. He seemed strict but had a funny side too and we had fun on that trip, playing cat and mouse as he tried to keep us from sneaking out. Next year he became our full time Band Director and we butted heads a few times, mainly because I went through a rebellious period. But it actually strengthened our relationship as we bonded and became good friends through the years. He still kidded me about chewing gum all the way through, lol. He was good man and looked out for his kids. He even came to my Moms funeral. In addition to knowing me, he knew my wife Cathy Brooks, class of 77 from the Flag Corp and they were fond of each other. I know he'll be missed very much. We need more guys like Mr. Gilpin, he was one in a million. Our prayers go out to Janet and the family. Billy & Cathy Flowers

My enduring memories of Mr. Gilpin are that of soft spoken, serenely self confidant man, comfortable with himself in any situation. As a band student of his at Pearl Watson I was a recipient of his skills as an educator and was in awe of his talent as a musician. He added a pep band, on his own time I'm sure, that allowed us to play a few popular jazz arrangements, and graced us with his fluency on the alto sax. A couple of teachers and coaches at Pearl Watson drove muscle cars to school but when Mr. Gilpin traded in his Toyota Corolla and showed up in a baby blue Cutlass with white leather interior, it was by far the finest car on campus. He truly carried himself with Pride, in every step he took.
It was an honor and a privilege to play under his baton once more at the Lake Charles High School Band reunion and to see him honored alongside Russell Cronin and Tom Fraschillo. He had taken over the Band at LCHS at a relative low point and brought it back to its full glory.
Through the the years I treasured the times when we would meet by chance. He always asked me to call him "Rick", but to me he was, and will always be, Mr. Gilpin.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Janet, his children and entire family. I know you will miss him forever but also know that he will be with you, and with us all, in our thoughts and beautiful memories, forever.

So sorry for this tremendous loss to your family. Mr. Gilpin was a mentor to so many, teaching us more than just music, he made sure to grow us and teach us life lessons. One of the most respected men I have ever met.

Janet, Jennifer, & Erin, We're sorry to hear of your loss of Rick. Not only was he a great friend but an even more remarkable family man. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. His sense of humor as well as his kindness always drew others to him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

My sincere condolences, he was such a good and strong mentor. RIP

Mr Money was the best! The children of Eastwood loved him and always was so excited to see him. Janet know that my prayers for strength and peace have been for you and the family. Rick was a wonderful caring person. I know he will be missed by many. God’s Blessings to you. Jennifer “Jenny” St. Mary Bellow

Please know our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May the Holy Spirit fill you with Peace Comfort and Strength as you navigate through this most difficult time. We pray that memories sustain you and provide you with moments of happiness and joy.
In Christ,
Lisa and Michael Sober

I’m so saddened to hear this news. I can’t begin to imagine how much he will be missed.
Love and prayers,
Darci Ensminger

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Aunt Janet, Jennifer and Erin we are so sorry for your lost,

Uncle Rick, was loving caring and funny. He was always there for me and my sister. I will never forget all the things that he taught me and all the fun we had on his boat when I was younger. He even took me to my first major baseball game in Texas to see the Astros. I will never forget him and there will always be a place in my heart for him.

RIP Uncle Rick,
Your nephew Dave and Roseann

Janet, Jennifer & Erin, I am heartbroken over the loss of Rick. He was always a joy to be around. I loved his wit and sarcasm. We will miss his smiling face and tenor in the UUMC Chancel Choir. Please accept my love, prayers, and sympathy.

My condolences to the Gilpin family. I was fortunate to first meet Rick back in 1968. This was shortly after the Lake Charles Civic Center opened. In those years if you played a musical insrument and were a member of the musicians union, sometimes You were hired to play the shows that came to town. Rick ,Ed shutz and myself played many times together. To this day I have never laughed harder in my life. On stage and off! Rick and Ed were college buddies. Their clarinet playing was outstanding. Rick did many successful fundraisers for my school Band program. The students enjoyed him and we all loved his wonderful humor.

Mrs. Gilpin,
Please accept my condolences and prayers. All of the students and teachers will miss Mr. Money

Rick was always fun to be around. Whether it was early on with him in his time at First Methodist, playing vacant lot touch football in the 70's, helping me with fundraising for my choirs in DeQuincy in the 80's, or just shooting the breeze with him in all the years since then. It was always a joy to see his smiling face. He surely will be missed by all whose lives he touched and there were so many.

Janet & family, I am sorry for your great loss. I hope all the wonderful memories y’all made as a couple & family will give you comfort. Love; Raedonna

Mr. Gilpin allowed me to join band at Pearl Watson even though I had never played a musical instrument! He helped me with the flute, and not too long after I was 1st or 2nd chair! I loved this man!!!

Praying for peace and comfort for his family.

Rick and I became friends at Pearl Watson JHS where we both taught. We, and a few other teachers who were single, played tennis, basketball, ping pong, and touch football often during those years. He was such a neat guy and I always admired his musical talents and sense of humor. He did a wonderful job at LCHS later and I didn't see him very often after that. Please know that he and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Good memories for our Mr. Money candy man. Love and prayers of stregnth for you.

So sad to hear of Mr. Gilpin passing away - what a good and kind man he always was with a lot of memories growing up and seeing him in action at LCHS along with Dad - for sure they are striking the band up there together in Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was the best of the best band leaders ever. He was the band leader at LCHS while I was there. My brother was in band and I remember Rick took his band to Disneyland and while there they recorded a album. I know he will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers for the family in this most difficult time.

I was in Mr Gilpin’s inaugural class at Pearl Watson. I was a black kid in a newly integrated school. Frankly some of the teachers were not very welcoming. Mr Gilpin was the exception. He made me welcome and really taught me to love playing music. He was a very special person and I still appreciate how he handled the situation at the time. He was a rarity at Pearl Watson. I guess he was the pearl of the school and I have no doubt he is playing his clarinet and shooting off puns in heaven. My prayer go out to all of his family for your loss.

It was very sad to learn of Rick’s passing. During my time of working in the office at Dolby Elementary, I met Mr. Money. From the first, he became a special friend and was so much fun to work with.
Please know you all will be in my thoughts and prayers as you face the future without him.
He was a special kind!

He will always be remembered as a true friend, wonderful family man, and great supporter of all he believed in. Janet, Erin, Jennifer, Beau, Ethan & Emily were the light of his life and his #1 reason for all his accomplishments in life. The many stories we shared around the camp site will be forever in our hearts and shared for a good laugh now & then. One last GEAUX POKES for you Rick!
The Friesner Family

My prayers are with Rick's family. We will certainly miss his beautiful voice in the UUMC choir.

Some of my happiest memories were from MANY years go, traveling and playing in the Rapides Symphony, and having Rick (and others) around for all those times. We had the best times at the weekend rehearsals and concert. I'll never forget his sense of humor combined with professionalism. What a great man. Condolences to the family.

Words can't describe what its like to loose someone so special. 6yrs ago I met Mr Money, he hired me (Futboleros) to come entertain his schools. I clearly remember meeting him. He had a smile that could not be missed and a heart of a lion! He was full of life and believed I could spice up his fundraising, which I was honored. I will never forget you Rick, you were a great guy and I am very lucky to have met you. You will be missed by everyone you touched in so many ways. May you Rest In Peace and watch over us. Till we meet again! Your friend James "Hollywood"! Janet, no words can easy the pain of your husband passing.....I am here if you need to talk anytime. My wife Kate, was always thankful to both of you for treating me like family. Love you!

He was the best band director! We were his “children”! He was such a comic. Many days were spent in his office sharing jokes. He will be deeply missed by many. RIP Mr Gilpin

Rick and Janet have been a part our lives from early on. From hosting the DCI Finals party in Jennings to being band parents in Moss Bluff. Rick would receive the "crying towel " award every year and yet his bands were wonderful. I was always encouraged as I looked up from the stage into the director gallery at McNeese auditorium and see Rick holding up five fingers. His professional approach to fund raising allowed me to devote my time to teaching. I watched his presentation 6 times a day and was mesmerized by each one. His sense of humor and warmth will be missed. Prayers for Janet, Jennifer and Erin.

Mr. Gilpin was the band director during my high school years. He was a mentor, gentleman and wonderful teacher. Learned a lot from him. Rest In Peace, Mr. Gilpin. Prayers for your family...

Rick was a true friend during my Lake Charles years in the 1970's. Happy memories of good times on his ski boat on Lake Charles. Sincere sympathy to his family as you celebrate a life well lived

Rick was an amazing man. I enjoyed listening to his stories. Prayers for Mrs Janet and the family.

I was a band student of Mr. Gelpin. He was an awesome director and I was always amazed when I saw him after graduating from LCHS he remembered me by my full name. He is gone but never wii be forgotten. RIP Mr. G. until we meet again. Donnie Lewis-Page.

Mr. Gilpin was my band director at Pearl Watson Jr. High. He was my one point of light at school with his constant support and giving me the confidence to succeed in learning an instrument. I will never forget his class and the fun I had learning. So sorry for your loss and my prayers to your family.

Janet, Jennifer, and Erin, we are so very sorry for your loss. Rick was a stellar person who touched many lives with such a positive light. He leaves a legacy of kindness. You are in our prayers.

Janet, Jennifer, and Erin...I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. I enjoyed getting to know Rick, as Mr Money, as I taught at Maplewood. His fundraising rallies were the best! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing, as we say in Jewish tradition.

Oh how this loss hurts. Rick was very special to me in my formative years. His patience was par none in teaching me how to play the trumpet and then the baritone at Pearl Watson Jr. High. He then transitioned to Lake Charles High one year before I hit the scene. He nicely inquired if I would be joining the band...and I am sure it was a great relief to him when I said I would be joining the Debate Team instead. Thus the nurturing of a great relationship from student and band director to genuine friends!!

Our paths crossed many times in many ways through the years. Susan and I have fond and treasured memories of social events with Rick and Janet in the early days of our marriages. While geography kept us apart for many years, we have kept in touched via modern technology...though that was not the same. A smile always comes to my face when I think of Rick. I loved his manner...his sense of humor...and how his face would always light up when he talked about Janet and their family.

My thoughts, prayers and sincere sympathies go out to Janet, his family and to all those closest to him at this sad time.

Janet I am so sorry for your loss. Please know I will keep you and you family in my prayers..

Rick was a great friend and mentor to me at the the beginning of my band director career and beyond. Thanks Rick