Richard Alan Sachs

Florida native Richard Alan Sachs, 72, gently passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 25th, in Deerfield Beach, surrounded by loving family who accompanied him during his courageous last battle with cancer. A real-life Marvel-type superhero, massively muscled Rick was also known as Big Richard. That's his name to a YouTube fan base of thousands who followed his workout routine/faux smack-down talks and vulgar verbal exchanges with friends at his local gym. Surely, larger than life.

Born in Miami on June 3, 1949, to Hope Miller Sachs & Walter L. Sachs, Rick was third of four children, growing up with older sisters Suzanne Sachs (Shapiro) and Stephanie Sachs, and younger brother Ronald. He was a product of Miami-Dade public schools, graduating Miami Norland Class of 1967. He left an indelible impression on all who knew him. After graduating high school, he boldly chose to become an independent spirit, moving to New York and later California, where he became an icon in the clothing industry as a top salesman who looked the part of a rock star or movie star.

When he returned to Florida, he studied to become a stockbroker and served in that profession at an accomplished top level. He later applied those same skills to be the best salesman in anything he pursued. He was married for 12 years to the wonderful Linda Gray and their union produced what would become the central focus of his life going forward: a very beautiful, intelligent, and kind daughter, Allison Michelle Sachs. Rick and Linda remained close friends for life, even after divorce. All of her adulthood, Allison and her Dad enjoyed a truly unbreakable bond and regular weekly Dad/Daughter dates for meals, movies and other fun times. Richard was renowned for his love of motorcycles, cigars, fast cars, a deep and hearty laugh – but his greatest passion was always his devotion to family and friends. His generous and loving nature always involved showering them with little and big gifts, often as surprises, but no gift as wonderful as his steadfast love and friendship.

Though he was a tall, lanky youngster, as an adult Richard made working out his daily regimen as an early-morning pre-work appointment that resulted in him becoming a soft-hearted, often-funny-but-fearsome awesome natural physical specimen. His friendly, often salty banter with younger gym friends included the so-called 'Delray Misfits' videotaping his rants and taunts in a series of bawdy "Big Richard" clips on YouTube consumed by thousands of fans across the country and beyond. (Surely, Rated R material, if you choose to find them.) He was acting a part – and all delighted playing along. Without even trying, he became a legend in this way, too.

Exposed to too much direct sun as a frequent beachgoer and surfer in his youth, Richard developed skin cancers that dominated his physical path for decades, with multiple surgeries that he bravely and repeatedly faced, stoically, without complaint. He battled the monster cancer over and over – and, arguably, finally beat it on his own terms by charting his own path to eternity during the last weeks of his storied life.

He was fortunate to find the great love of his life these last several years in the smart, funny, beautiful and generous Stephanie Strange, who was lovingly at his side as he passed, along with his daughter, Allison, brother, Ron, and sister-in-law, Gay. Richard came to also love Stephanie's family – daughter, Eden, son-in-law, Doug, and their amazing little girl, Isla.

He was preceded in death by parents Frank B. Gray and Hope Gray, and birth father Walter Sachs. He is survived by wonderful daughter Allison; his beloved Stephanie Strange; brother Ron Sachs, (Gay Webster-Sachs); Ron's daughters, Samantha Jane Sachs; Aimee Nicole Sachs; Julie Sachs Hunter; sister Suzanne Shapiro (Leonard), and nephew Jeffrey Shapiro and niece Jennifer Shapiro; and sister Stephanie Sachs, and legions of friends.

During a hospitalization last month, before he went home for his last days, Richard said that he saw clouds forming in the ceiling of his room and felt himself being gently lifted up toward them before being returned to his bed. He was not prone to creating fiction about such things – and his family is comforted that he was comforted by that experience about what hopefully awaits us all.

You will always be remembered, loved and missed, Rick, and your impact on our lives has made all of us better for knowing and loving you. Safe journey – and we will see you again.