Richard K. "Dick" Dyer

I had the great pleasure of working many years with Dick at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site. He had boundless energy for engaging with staff and visitors alike. When he learned of your interests he would bring newspaper clippings of some new and often controversial take on a subject and, if time allowed, have an animated conversation about it.

Dick was a natural educator. Visitors enjoyed his easy way of welcoming them, his great knack for storytelling, his sense of humor and his steel trap of a memory. Dick worked what became Independence Park when it was still run by the city of Philadelphia. Staff loved hearing about all the ways history was interpreted there: some great, some not so.

He was devoted to his sister who predeceased him and was blessed to have Leo and Nan in his life. Dick made the world a better place and will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Teachers have an outsize effect on a life, and a great teacher like Mr. Dyer's effect on mine can't be overstated. It's because of him that I majored in history. He was a fellow transit nerd, and in part because of him I work for a transit agency. More than three decades after I sat in his class, I think of him frequently and owe him a debt of gratitude. Rest in peace, Mr. Dyer.

I first knew Dick as Mr. Dyer; he taught me American history at Kenrick, 1962; then as Dick when we rangered together at Independence. Memorable times with him: celebrating his 50th anniversary with the NPS, 2010, and giving park tours to the first group of young people from newly liberated eastern Europe, early 1990's. Those kids were both cheered and jeered by a gauntlet of folks as we walked from Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell; some particular folks could only see young communists walking by. "These kids are getting a crash course in freedom of speech," I said to Dick. "And they won't forget it!" he replied.

I only met Dick one time I was invited to attend a dinner in Dicks honor . At that dinner as the AFGE local 2058 President I presented Dick with several letters form our unions national office. Congratulating Dick for his 50 years of membership. I only met the man one time but I could tell I was in the presence of special gentleman. So on behalf of the three hundred thousand members of The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) we thank you Brother Dick for your service to our country , the National Park Service and our Local 2058.