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Richard William London
Richard William London
Obituary
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Richard London Obituary
Rit's life was filled with a profound love for his family and an unwavering commitment to service. He was a beloved husband to Ellen Jenkins London for 49 years and a devoted father to Krista London Couture and Dr. Tessa London-Bounds. His joy was multiplied by his grandchildren, Richard London Couture and Olivia Emma London Couture of Amman, Jordan, and Harrison Linton Cartwright and Freya London Bounds of Lexington.
Rit's career was a testament to his compassion and dedication to making the world a better place. He began his overseas journey with his wife Ellen, serving together as Peace Corps volunteers in Lesotho and Belize, and later medically served in mission hospitals in rural Kenya. His career as Medical Officer with the Peace Corps spanned three decades, with postings in Morocco, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Thailand, and assignments across Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
In 2017, he returned to the United States and worked as a Medical Provider for the Bluegrass Community Health Center in Lexington, where he continued to inspire and heal those around him. Rit's impact and legacy on humanity will continue to be felt around the world by thousands who were touched by his kindness, compassion, caring, and respect.
His passions included basketball, rock climbing, travel, hiking, always seeking the road less traveled, embracing every challenge and adventure that life presented.
Rit is survived by his loving wife Ellen; daughters Krista (Arthur) Couture (Amman, Jordan), and Dr. Tessa (Walter) London-Bounds (Lexington, Kentucky); grandchildren Richard London, Olivia Emma London of Amman, Jordan, and Harrison Linton, Freya London of Lexington, Kentucky; brothers Bradley Jack London and Roderick Craig London of Washougal, Washington State. We will miss him deeply. His love and loyalty to his family were unwavering.
A private memorial graveside service was held for immediate family October 18, 2024, at the Lexington Cemetery. Another service will take place in early June 2025 in Lexington as a celebration of life followed by a remembrance reception for family and friends. There will be subsequent services by private invitation at places close to his heart in France, Thailand, and Washington
two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
...........and that has made all the difference
Robert Frost
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30 Entries
Heidi Mahoney Ram
February 12, 2025
I know I'm not alone saying that Dr Rit left an indelible mark on my heart and memory of Peace Corps service (Thailand '09-11). He was magnetic, kind, smart, funny, nonjudgmental and completely full of life.
When it came time for our medical/ health part of pre-service training, Dr Rit was the only trainer who repeatedly got a round of applause before and after his sessions, and probably a standing ovation. He was simply the coolest and the best!
Wendy Cipolaro Haile
December 10, 2024
He was the kindest Peace Corps medical officer I interacted with!
Emmaline Hoskins
November 12, 2024
In memory of Richard London, whose life ended far too soon, I am filled with deep gratitude for even the brief time I had the privilege of knowing him. Richard left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. From my very first day working at BCHC, I felt the impact of his compassion - an authentic, heartfelt care that resonated with all who knew him.
Richard was more than a provider; he was a healer, a mentor, a friend to all who embodied the true spirit of BCHC´s mission. He had a rare gift of lighting up every room he entered, not just with his infectious humor and sharp wit, but with an energy that made you feel truly seen and valued. He treated every person with genuine respect, always seeing the human behind the chart, the friend behind the coworker. His laughter was a source of comfort, and his presence a constant reminder of what it means to live fully and serve others with every ounce of your being.
I admired Richard´s unwavering dedication to others. He lived with a healer´s heart, pouring his time, his talent, and his compassion into the lives of those others. His respect for every person was palpable, whether he was treating a patient, offering a kind word to a colleague, or simply lending a listening ear. It was his empathy, his humanity, and his genuine kindness that set him apart, making it a true privilege to be his colleague.
Though Richard´s time with us was cut short, his impact is immeasurable. He touched countless lives, not only through his exceptional care but through the kindness and laughter he shared so freely. His legacy is one of healing and hope, a testament to the power of a compassionate life well lived. He has left us, but the light he brought to this world endures, inspiring us all to live with the same generosity, kindness, and joyful spirit he embodied.
Richard´s memory will forever remain in our hearts, a guiding force that will continue to inspire us to touch the lives of others, just as he did.
Adria Monroy
November 6, 2024
Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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Julia Dixon
November 4, 2024
I'm pretty old and have seen many doctors in my time, but Richard practically bounded into the examination room just brimming with enthusiasm for helping low income people and an absolute passion for medicine. He knew so much about so many things, and boy did that man love his family. Just learned today that he fell ill and has left us. I am so sorry. I would have followed him anywhere because of his enthusiasm for medicine and the way he could make a client feel heard.
Michelle Gray
October 31, 2024
Rit, your positive influence has been ongoing over the years and I´m sorry I never got the chance to personally thank you for it. Rest in Peace to a PCMO legend.
Linda Sears
October 31, 2024
Dr. London became my husband's physician when he joined the practice of Bluegrass Community Health. He was so kind, compassionate and empathetic that I decided to become his patient as well. Dr. London always listened to our concerns and provided the best possible care. "We" found him to be an amazing medical practitioner and caring human being. He will be greatly missed at BGCH. My sincerest condolences to Dr. London's family and friends.
Thanks for sharing your husband, father and grandfather.
Linda Sears
Kiki Bayisa
October 31, 2024
Rit was a gift to the world. I met Rit in Peace Corps in Woliso, Ethiopia. He was our Medical Officer. We all revered him. He was so knowledgeable, compassionate and kind. He helped us through the big and small things. I admired his love of adventure and love of family. My prayers are with his family.
Linda simmonds
October 31, 2024
He was mine and my husband´s doc at bluegrass clinic and my husband passed away in August and he didn´t want to see any other doc but London he really liked him! He was a great guy! He will definitely be missed by me! Great doc!
Daniel Han
October 27, 2024
Rit had a way of sharing his love and warmth with us PCVs that were starting new journeys in a foreign country. He always made us feel welcome and never skipped a beat in treating whatever illness or ailments we came down with. Rest in peace, Dr. Rit! And thank you so much for being part of our Peace Corps journey!
Dan Han
PCV 117 Thailand
Dawn Alam
October 25, 2024
Rit was my PCMO in Bangladesh. What a kind, compassionate human being. I came into his office one day when we´d only been in country for a few weeks, I was very sick and feeling very far away from home, and he took care of me like I was one of his own. I will never forget that. I will also never forget his ability to insert humor into a situation at just the right time to bring you back to earth. I am one of many RPCV´s who was blessed to cross paths with him.
Christopher Westerman
October 25, 2024
I have always said that each of us has our own story and that our story always intersects with others and affects their story. This is for sure what Rit London's story has been all about. Rit always had a good story to tell about an adventure he had here or there. I think the real story was that he was always helping others out. Buying their prescription or talking with them with respect when no on else had. Encouraging others to be their best. I would always run to help Rit with his patients when he needed because he was so fun to work with. He will be missed greatly at BCHC by his patients and co workers. I know if we miss him his family misses him even more. Thank you Rit for letting us be a part of your great story.
Tara Dermott
October 25, 2024
Rit was magical. When scared, he made you feel safe. When sad, he made you laugh. He also had tons of very practical tips for thriving in rural areas and life in general! I am grateful to have had the chance to know Rit when volunteering in Thailand. His memory will live on in the hearts of so many of us. Sending warmest condolences to his family and community.
Marilee McClintock
October 25, 2024
I am shocled at the early loss of this wonderful human being and grieve for his family at this time. I served on PC staff in Thailand with Rit and experienced his attention to the needs of all those he touched, well beyond the job description of a PCMO. He helped people through crises and inspired and assisted them to reach new future goals. I think many people chose a future in health care who wouldn't have otherwise because of his example. This service extended well beyond Thailand as we were a regional medical center for PC and his vast experience in much lesser medically served parts of the world provided leadership and support to volunteers and staff throughout our region. RIP Rit and my heart is aching for his closest loved ones.
TP Hankulwatana
October 24, 2024
Dr. RIT London, a colleague and friend from my time at Peace Corps Thailand. Dr. RIT had a great sense of humor and loved sports. He made everyone around him laugh and feel good, even on hard days. He wasn´t just a great person to work with-he was a true friend who was always there for you. He will be missed, but the good memories of him will stay with us forever.
Nuttaporn Ooppapan
October 24, 2024
It´s my honor and privilege to have served with you at Peace Corps in Thailand. Dr. Rit was more than a friend or colleague, you were my big brother! There are too much memories, smiles and laughter images running through my mind as I´m writing this. I would rather that you´re still here and travel all over Thailand with me, sharing precious moments as we did together for many years. Rest well in heaven big brother, I love you always. My deepest and most sincerely condolences and prayers to the London family. And thank you for sharing Dr. Rit with us and during this difficult time
Seth & Luke
October 24, 2024
Rit was our PCMO in Thailand, group 116. He was amazing and loved by everyone. He helped so many of us as we navigated our peace corps experience. We were so grateful for him- all of us.
To his family: Luke and I (both PCVS from 116) send you our deepest condolences and please know how much we treasured him.
Robert Valaas
October 24, 2024
Energetic; intelligent; blessed with immense wit; admirably curious about the world; and INCREDIBLY respectful of every other human he encountered, Dr. Rit was a very inspirational (and immensely helpful) part of our Peace Corps service in Thailand from 2005 to 2007. Our condolences to his family on their loss.
Joe Guay
October 24, 2024
Joe & Adrienne Guay
Rit and I became partners at the very beginning of PA school at Medex NW. During school you had to partner up for history and physical exam practice and role playing. Then we ended up at the same clinic for our clinical year. Growing up in the woods of northwestern Maine I loved all the incredible adventures Rit had done. I have told many many people over the years about having a friend who climbed to the summit of Mt Rainier 14 times the month of September 1988 while working for a guide service!!! This was the month before we started PA school. Rock climbing was totally foreign to me, so on our lunch breaks Rit would try to describe to me how to rock climb, then while walking up to a red brick office building he starts climbing up the wall like spider man to about 5-6´ before jumping down!!! I was absolutely amazed, then says he could go much higher if he had his climbing shoes. I loved hearing Rit´s adventures while in the Peace Corp traveling all over the world and going into the deep jungle with Ellen to learn how to survive in the jungle. Getting there was quite the adventure bushwhacking through the jungle and getting lost then ending up at the right place. Then there was his time working for Outward Bound in Alaska. He was the lone adult with a group of kids crossing a lake when a storm came up and swamped the boats he saved all of these kids from drowning in the middle of nowhere Alaska and hours from help. Anyone who knew Rit knows that he did not brag or boast of his experiences and always wanted to know about everyone else´s lives and adventures! What an incredible man and friend!!! A True quiet and humble Hero!! I apologize for the rambling but so many memories come flooding in.
Adrienne and I were fortunate enough to spend 10 incredible days with Rit and Ellen in Thailand. A trip we will never forget. Rit´s passing is an incredible loss to Ellen and family and to anyone who had the pleasure to know him and called him friend!!!
John and Julie Perry
October 24, 2024
I remember the first day Rit walked into the clinic to check us out. Was struck immediately by his kindness and zest for life. Loved hearing his stories about far away lands and a life of adventure and love. His patients and his co-workers love him and the care he took to make everyone´s day better. He was patient, kind and the best of humanity. John and I are heartbroken at his loss and continue to lift up his precious family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jane and Tony Williams
October 23, 2024
Rit and Ellen "retired" to our Kentucky neighborhood to live near one of their daughters, and we saw him and Ellen walking their dog, welcoming local and live- away family like a normal neighbor.
We knew he had come from Thailand and the PC - but none of us could have imagined the service he provided for so many years to PCV´s, the people in the countries where he (and Ellen) served, and recently to the clinic where he worked. What a wonderful neighbor - he leaves us with the inspiration and obligation to leave the world a better place however we can.
Iliana Parrillas
October 23, 2024
I had the luxury of working with Rit for my first year at Bluegrass Community Health Center. His zest for life and overall kindness inspired me from the day I met him. When I found out his age I was in shock as he always had way more energy than me, but that is truly a testament to his passion for the great work he did. I also enjoyed hearing his stories and about how much he loved his family. He always showed appreciation for the pharmacists and pharmacy staff. He will be missed so dearly... BCHC has not been the same since he left. His family and friends have been in my thoughts and prayers. I hope they are able to find peace in knowing how much he is loved!
Vanessa Cortez
October 23, 2024
Rit was truly a one-of-a-kind human. If it was possible to bottle up 1% of his kindness, generosity, and authenticity, the world would be a drastically better place. He has to be one of the best men I ever had the pleasure of working with or knowing. Losing him is such an immense loss. My heart is with his loved ones, there was never a day I worked with him in which he did not mention how proud he was of his wife, children or grandchildren. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Bonnie Fontana
October 23, 2024
First memory was serving our entire PC group chocolate pudding in stool sample cups. Most lasting impact was the encouragement and the professional references that got me into nursing school upon returning home. So thankful to have had him in my life and much love to his family.
Katie Ezell
October 23, 2024
He was the medical officer in Thailand while I was a Peace corps volunteer. I had a medical emergency while at my site and he was amazing helping me navigate the medical system and checking in on me afterwards. I will always have fond memories of him and his positivity!
Ashley Mills
October 23, 2024
Rit was one of the kindest people I´ve ever met. I was a scared and anxious PCV in Thailand from 2004-2006 and I´m sure I was a pain in the butt, but I was always treated with so much warmth and kindness. It´s because of him that I finished my service. He was my support in so many ways. Thank you, Rit for all of your time, your efforts, and everything you sacrificed (the PCMO job is HARD!) for all of us. Your memory is a blessing and I feel so fortunate people like you exist in the world.
Elizabeth Kinney
October 23, 2024
Rit was so kind to me from the moment I started at BCHC. He was always so positive and supportive! Loved hearing his adventures! He is missed by so many! Sending love and prayers the family during this difficult time!
Brian Kaderli
October 23, 2024
I hope Rit realized how much of a difference he made in so many lives, specifically during his time as a Peace Corps medical officer. I was a young, unskilled but idealistic kid roaming around rural Thailand when Dr. Rit told me I should consider going to med school. He said he knew I'd be a good doctor because he'd seen me play basketball. And I've never really understood what that meant, but I took it as a compliment. He and his family were always welcoming and we always joked that the only person more interesting than Dr. Rit was Mrs. Dr. Rit. I am incredibly grateful to have known him, and owe him so much. I cannot emphasize how important he was in my life and my journey, thank you!
Noah Barclay-Derman
October 23, 2024
Rit was amazing! I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand from 2003 to 2005. We joked about the power that a 5-minute visit with Rit would give us! You would come into his office with a GI issue or whatever, shoulders hunched over, feeling like you just needed to go back home, and you would walk out of his office a few minutes later, head held high, feeling like you could take on the world! His enthusiasm for life and his love of people came across in every interaction he had! Additionally, he was an incredible basketball player and there was nothing more we look forward to as PCVs than a bball tournament with Rit.
I can't imagine what an amazing husband and father and friend he must of been if just in a short time in his professional life he left such an enduring memory and has been a life-time role model for me!
Noah Barclay-Derman
PCV Thailand 2003-2005
Angi Arnett
October 22, 2024
I loved hearing Rit´s stories. Always told him he should make a book of them. He always made me laugh. He´ll be so missed. Sending prayers to his family.
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