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Richard Belcher Obituary
Chesapeake - died on December 20, 2011, surrounded by his loved ones. He was just shy of his 75th birthday. He was preceeded in death by his mother and step-father, Gladys & Bernard Tumlin (Buffalo, N.Y.); and Dr. Birgit Belcher (Va. Beach).
He is survived by his wife, Karen Belcher: daughter, Simone Belcher Mays; son-in-law, John A. Mays; grandson, Mason Mays; sister & brother-in-law, Helen & James Bryant (Buffalo, N.Y.) along with their children Marlo, Martin, & Jimmy; brother & sister-in-law, Bernard Jr & Ruby Tumlin; his best friend & surgeon, Dr. Cedric Pinckens; and countless other friends, colleagues, & patients.
Dr. Belcher was born in Alabama but spent most of his childhood in Buffalo, N.Y. He was a 1956 graduate of Bennett High School and a 1960 graduate of Howard University (D.C.). Thereafter he moved to Germany where he earned a medical degree and PhD at the University of Heidelberg in 1967. After returning to the U.S., he interned as a surgeon at New Rochelle Hospital and soon thereafter moved to Tidewater where he was in private OB-GYN practice for over 30 years.
He was also a musician who played the clarinet, piano, flute, saxophone, and vibes. He was a lover of jazz music & a Porsche fanatic.
We will celebrate his life on December 28, 2011, at the Hyatt Place Chesapeake/Greenbrier starting @ 5 p.m.
709 Eden Way North. Email [email protected] for inquiries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Belcher
Sponsored by Loretta I.Easton MD alias Shakye .
Deborah Brown
August 6, 2015
Oh my. Today I just found out about Dr. Belcher. He was my Gynecologist when I was much younger. We also worked together at Norfolk Community Hospital. He had a style that could not be duplicated. Coupled with his joy and professionalism., we have all been blessed. Life moves faster than we realize. Somehow we should all stay connected. He really loved his daughter. Such a blessing for you my dear one. Well done good and faithful servant. We will see each other again in heaven. Thank-you for the fond memories of one the best people I was fortunate to share the season of life with. Debbie.
Melia (aka Baby) Smith (Hurst)
March 30, 2015
As I approach my 76th birthday I began looking back on my days growing up in Detroit, MI. I was thinking about Richard "Dickie" Belcher and decided to "google" his name. That's when I learned of his passing. I remember when Dickie used to pay summer visits to his relative, Mrs. Ellen Atkinson, who lived next door to me on 22nd Street. We all thought Dickie was "way cool" because he lived in New York, always dressed sharp and listened to jazz on Mrs. Atkinson's record player. After I married and moved away I was told that Dickie was going to be a doctor. I am very happy to see that he was very successful as a doctor and had a beautiful family. The 22nd Street neighborhood is long gone but the memories remain.
Mona Thornton
June 15, 2013
Dr. Belcher, thinking about you today and fondly remembering the exceptional doctor and human being you were. Twenty six years ago in about twelve hours you performed one of your many miracles. Thank you.
June 6, 2013
Lieber Dick, so haben wir Dich in Heidelberg damals genannt - 1967. Eben, im Gespräch mit meiner Tochter über alte Freunde in Heidelberg, warst Du ganz lebendig in meiner Erinnerung. Im Internet haben wir Dich gesucht und auch gefunden - Du, lieber Dick, lebst nicht mehr, zu meiner Traurigkeit. Wie schnell kann das Leben sein.
Christoph aus Heidelberg
Karen Belcher
September 5, 2012
To My One and Only Love
Where can I go without you, your tender expressions of love will be with me to the day we meet again.My love you showered me with your wisdom,passion and guidance which will protect and stir me to whatever life brings.Every moment I think of you, until we united, the music never ends. Love your Wife!
Lawren Bellamy-Boykin
June 7, 2012
Dr. Belcher was a wonderful person, an inspiration to life.....A treasured friend, his ray of sunshine made days brigher....His spirit smiled at me today - I was blessed to have known him..
Stephen Eason
March 6, 2012
Dear Karen and Simone, no one told us Richard passed, and as his neighbor (to the right), we loved having him next door as he looked out for my family and home. What a great guy! I miss him daily as I leave and return, and my wife Linda and talk of him often. God speed my friend! Stephen & Linda Eason & Family
Simone Belcher Mays
February 8, 2012
Love and miss you greatly! Miss you calling me Simona Citrona and asking What's up, buttercup? xoxo - Simone, your one and only favorite daughter :-)
EMMA SIMMONS
January 29, 2012
to the BELCHER FAMILY you have my deepest sympathy, and my prayer are with you, Dr Belcher was my GYN in the 70's i had a big crush on him. he was a really good doctor with a good bedside manner. R.I.P. DR BELCHER, GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.
Thomasina Mallory
January 23, 2012
He was born with the gift of laughter,
and a sense that the world was mad.
What a unique and remarkable person.
Addis Taylor
January 4, 2012
To Richard's family. My deepest sympathy to you. We spent many days growing up in Buffalo in our homes during grade school and high school.
Emmett Walker, LTC Ret
January 3, 2012
God Bless You Richard. Richard was a dear friend of mine in Germany. I was in the US Army stationed just south of Heidelberg. Many weekends we spent together especially in the Cave - a Jazz club with him playing the flute and I the piano. Unfortunately our paths did not cross later in the USA. My condolences to his family. Emmett Walker
Liz Eason-Cross
January 2, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bob and Lois Johnson
January 2, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the family. We last spoke to Richard in August, 2011 regarding the birthday celebration for our friend Emmett Walker. We regret he was unable to attend. We always marveled at his ability to master the German language in order to earn his medical degree at the University of Heidelberg. He will be sorely missed as an Uncrowned King of Buffalo, New York.
Warm regards,
Renee Coles
December 30, 2011
Karen,Simona & Family,
My heart is very heavy in learning of Richard's passing. I'm very sorry that I was not able to attend " The Celebration of his Life" or speak with either of you personally during this time. Richard was very special to me and had a very big impact on my life. His class, style, sense of humor and zest for living life to the fullest will be missed by all whose life he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Simona, sorry I did'nt get to see you.
Karen,I'm sure we will see each other & catch up .
God Bless.
Pamela Kessler
December 28, 2011
Although I only had the pleasure of being in his company a handful of times, I often think of his big smile and love of life. Simone, your stories of your father make me smile! Sending love and support to his family.
Pamela Kessler
Natalie J. Ford
December 28, 2011
Simone, I know how close you and your father were. I know there are no words to adequately comfort you at this time. Treasure the memories and great times you shared and know that he was so proud of you and loved you deeply. I'm so glad I was able to ,wet him and know him. What a wonderful legacy he leaves in you and your son. I'm here for you whatever you may need. Love you!
Evadne Smith
December 28, 2011
My sincere prayers are for you Simone and your entire family. "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal."
Delcina (Adel) Felder
December 28, 2011
My condolences to Simone and family. While I did not know your father, knowing you and that we all have experienced loss - my prayers are with you.
December 27, 2011
My condolences to Karen, Simone and other family members. I was truly saddened to learn of Richard's passing. He was a good friend and I shall always remember the good times from Howard U.on.
Sincerely, Toni DesVerney Hawkins-Bennett
Arlina Staton and Family
December 27, 2011
I deem it an honor to have been accepted into Dr. B's family. He was genuine, sincere, loving, compassionate, eclectically knowledgeable and a true gentleman. To my sister Karen, Simona, John, Mason and the extended family. His legacy and spirit will continually play (VIBES) in my memory.
Loretta Barnard-Hanley
December 27, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
December 27, 2011
To the entire Belcher Family: I was so saddened to learn of Dr. Belcher's passing. He was a kind and fair man and a great physician. I will forever remember his interesting life stories and the way he used to make us laugh at the office; he should have been a stand-up comedian! May God continue to bless you all and strengthen you through this transition.
Linda Mason
Marion Daniels
December 27, 2011
Dr. Belcher was truly a great friend and an awesome doctor! I was truly saddend to hear of his passing...for some reason, I thought that Dr. Belcher would live forever! My deepest, sincerest condolences go out to the family. What can I do to help?
J. Fletcher Robinson
December 26, 2011
Dick Belcher was one of the best. To know him was to love him. We started Howard together and had the best of times in the halcyon years. He will be missed and till we catch up I will be thinking of him. My condolences to his family.
Rhonda Porter Wood & Clifton Wood
December 26, 2011
"To the Belcher family,please know that my husband and I were sorry to learn of Dr.Belcher's homegoing.Quite often I enjoyed the stimulating conversations we had while employed at Norfolk Community Hospital and my husband Cliff would frequently reference dialogue he and Dr.Belcher had surrounding jazz. His impeccable professionalism and distinctive personality shall forever remain near and dear to our hearts.Please know that we shall keep the entire family in prayer during this difficult period of transition.
Mona Thornton
December 26, 2011
Dr. Belcher will always be remembered in the hearts of many. He is a legend and the best OB/GYN that ever lived. I will treasure my fond memories of him. He dearly loved his family and was a blessing to his patients, Rest in peace Dr. Belcher.
Monica Wilson
December 26, 2011
Wow simone, we've REALLY got some history going here! I was reflecting on your dad and we date all the way back to ROCKY!!!
I remember every time that I would come to the house, he would just have us laughing.
Well, he is laughing with my grandma and all the other jazz greats up in HEAVEN!!!
Love, Monica
Eric and Carol Crowder
December 26, 2011
"To the family, you have our deepest sympathy. Dr. Belcher was unique and special man. We are honored to have known him. We will miss hearing his voice and his helpful advice. He will be missed dearly but, he will not be forgotten, for his kind nature and his generosity will be remembered for all time." May God continue to comfort you and bless you during this difficult time. Eric and Carol Crowder and Family (Chesapeake)
James & Misty Bryant
December 26, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Richard was such an important part of ours lives and will be missed tremendously.
Linda Forbes
December 25, 2011
Linda Forbes-Blair and Curtis Blair would like to express our deepest sympathy on the passing of Dr. Richard Belcher. He was a great friend and we have shared many fun memories of good times with him and his family. He will truly be missed.
Chiquita Ellis
December 25, 2011
I truly loved every opportunity to spend time listening to Richard's stories of life. He loved his beautiful daughter, his handsome grandson, and his wonderful son-in-law. I am saddened by the loss of such a wonderful man, but honored to have known someone with such a zest life. His life could serve as a guide to all, at birth. Find your passion, pursue it, then make your transition with courage and grace. His spirit will definitely live on in all who were privileged to share in his life. Chiquita Hicks Ellis
Chiquita Ellis
December 25, 2011
In life there are very few people who leave lasting, positive, inspiring impressions. I am honored to have met Richard, as a part of my extended family. He shared his love for his daughter, Simone and grandson, Mason. He also shared his love and respect of his son-in-law, John.
I believe that Richard's life could be a guide for all, from birth to death. Richard lived with zest and vitality, while being a loving father to his beautiful daughter. I loved listening to his stories about raising Simone. Then, for as long as his health allowed, he was always present and involved in Mason's activities and events.
Again, what a great life! A person who lived life to the fullest, with love, courage and great dignity!
Aquira Ellis
December 25, 2011
So sorry to hear that your father passed away. I enjoyed meeting him at Mason's parties. I know that you have many great memories. With Love,
Aquira
December 25, 2011
Cee Cee Tucker and adult children - Karen, Kelly and Kimberly would like to express their deepest sympathy on the passing of Dr. Belcher. He was a friend of the family, and beloved father of their friend, Simone and beloved friend of their father and husband, BJ Tucker who also loved jazz and Porsches.
Dee
December 25, 2011
Dr. Richard Belcher was a wonderful doctor. I was a patient of his for many years. My condolences goes out to the family.
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