Songs, Tributes, and Quotes
In loving memory of our friend
Master Aldwin Longwalker
(Richard Myrick)
June 30, 1963 - September 13, 2001

Page One       Photos       Words from His Friends

Click here to jump to the most Recent entry:  17 September, 2002

Drop my name in Heaven
by Master Efenwealt Wystle, OL
copyright © 2001 Scott F. Vaughan, Raleigh, NC 
wystle@ipass.net

 <spoken>An elegy for a noble man should be solemn and refined.
<singing>But this song is for Aldwin, so I hope that he won't mind
If I share with you my honest thoughts and great deeds that he spoke
Of barons and belly-dancers and all his favorite folk

Chorus
Hey there Master Aldwin, hear a prayer from me.
Drop my name in Heaven or wherever you might be.
Hope I'm on your short list of people good to know.
So I can get a good seat when its my time to go.

I know he'll get to heaven, despite his devilish grin.
He's chatting with important folk as the Saints go marching in.
He's waiting at those pearly gates with the other penitents.
I know he'll line 'em up by name and Order of Precedence.

"Hark" the herald angels sing. They finally got their boy!
His thunderous voice will join with theirs when they call out for joy.
His "vivats" were tremendous when he walked on the ground. 
(3 "VIVAT"s with a lot of hip action)
But now that he can fly he'll make a super-sonic sound.

They say that Heaven's like a dream where all good things come true.
That means that all the time now he can smoke and drink and screw.
Or sit naked in the hot-tub whilst snowflakes gently fall
With ladies nibbling on each ear and bouncing on his (pause) knee.

I don't think that he'll play the harp, though he might ring some bells.
And amaze the other angels with the tall tales that he tells.
He'll never have to dust the clouds or harmonize the spheres
<spoken>"I have people to do that for me" he'll say. "That's why God made Peers."

Master Aldwin Longwalker was a nefarious scoundrel, a hedonist, a self-righteous feudalist, and a dear friend.  He taught me more about living life to the fullest than anyone I've ever known. - Master Efenwealt

Richard's family has also asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the The Literacy Council of Wake County http://www.wakeliteracy.org/index.html, 3948 Browning Place, Suite 336, Raleigh, NC, 27609. This reflects Richard's career as a bookstore manager, and his love of knowledge.  

On Monday, 17 September at Camp Whispering Pines in Umstead Park, Cary, NC, Master Aldwin Longwalker's (Richard Myrick's) memorial service was held in a large but cozy wooden cabin in the middle of the woods.  The setting sun shone and the music of Lady Bryn y Pobydd's highland pipes wound its way through the trees.      

Aldwin's (Richard's) family had made two wonderful huge poster boards - one of pictures of Richard throughout his life (including a card from the game "The Great Dalmuti").  The other board had pictures that Aldwin had taken of many of his dearest friends.  His family hung a large set of wind chimes on the cabin porch.  There was a fire going in the fireplace during the service.  An altar draped with gold cloth was set up in a small alcove beside the fireplace.  It contained his pelican cloak (of which Aldwin was very proud), the claymore sword that his father had gifted to him, and flowers, candles, bells, probably a bottle of single malt scotch and at least one decent cigar and other tokens of affection.

Many people attended the service, but I didn't count their numbers.  There were something like thirty members of his family there, and his friends from the Raleigh Ringers, and his co-workers from Books at Stonehenge, as well as members of the Society for Creative Anachronism.  Some of the SCAdians wore bells, some wore black and gold ribbons (Aldwin's heraldic colors), and some wore patchouli in his honor.  His family asked Aldwin's protégée Lady Derdriu to sit with them during the service.

Aldwin's (Richard's) family had many great stories to tell.  It was clear that they knew full well what a treasure they had brought into the world.  A sigh of appreciation drifted through the audience as one of the older gentlemen who stood up to speak told us that he was one of the regulars at the book store where Richard worked.  He talked fondly of sharing a cup of coffee with him and the lively conversations that they'd shared.  Many SCAdians shared their stories.  We all saw new sides of Aldwin, and of each other and ourselves as we spoke and listened.  Aldwin was a bright light who will continue to teach us as no one else ever could how to live life as fully as humanly possible.

If people could write down some of the great stories that they shared at the service and wake, his family and friends would love to see them here.  Richard's Dad, Don Myrick has offered me space on his server to preserve this site online in the event that I run out of space on Geocities.  If we move the site, I'll keep a pointer here to get you to the new location.

Baron Alejandro Mateo Ramirez y Mendoza (Rev. William Hamm) did a fine job in leading the service and in coordinating the logistics.  He told me after the service that he'd been terrified, but none would ever have guessed it.  Richard's sister Rachel told me at the wake that he'd done a wonderful job  and that he'd brought up some great questions that the family would never have considered.

Thanks to Lord Dunstan (a ranger at Umstead park) for getting the site for the service on such short notice, and to him and the other members of House Bayard for preparing the site for the service.

Aldwin's (Richard's) wake was held at the home of Bob Mankoff in Raleigh, NC.  There was lots of food (I heard a lot about the great lasagna) and drinks.  Baron Alaric passed around a bottle of single malt scotch and many of us took at least a puff on the cigars people had brought.  Lady Briana brought her "Daiquiri Whacker," (a gift from Alejandro) a gasoline-powered blender with a pull-starter that sounds like a chain saw and is controlled by two handles that work like the grips on a motorcycle.  It was here that Master Efenwealt Wystle gave the first public performance of a song he wrote for Master Aldwin: "Drop My Name in Heaven" (lyrics above).  There were candles and flowers and more laughter than tears, but we've still got a long way to go.

Memorial Service for Richard Myrick
Also known as Master Aldwin Longwalker, AKA "Scruffy”

I would like to thank Lady Bryn y Pobydd for piping at this service, especially at the last moment.

1.      Piper plays from 5:45 pm until 6 pm.

2.      Welcome;

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Family, and Friends. Thank you all so much for coming to the memorial service of Richard Myrick. I know that many of you have traveled, some from a great distance. We are blessed to have friends and family from as far as Nebraska, Florida, Washington, Pennsylvania, and other places I hope you’ll forgive me for forgetting. Condolences have been sent from even across the seas, from South Africa and the British Isles. It means so much to his family and friends for everyone to gather together to relieve our sorrow, to share our stories, our laughter, and our love.”

3.      Biography

“Richard Alan Myrick was born on June 30^th, 1963 in Redondo Beach, California. Soon after, he and his family relocated to here in Raleigh where Richard attended high school. After that, however, he began to earn his other name of “Longwalker” by attending Boise State University, where he majored in political science. He went on to serve his country by enlisting in the Air Force, with whom he was stationed at Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he discovered his flair for public performance with the Stage Crafters Community Theater. After that, Richard was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska. That, I am led to understand, was one of his less fun jobs. It was about this time that Richard discovered the Society for Creative Anachronism, a historical re-enactment group in which he remained active throughout his life. He attained one of the Society’s highest honors by becoming a member of the Order of the Pelican for his tireless efforts and aid. When Richard moved back to Raleigh, he developed a great love of scuba diving, an art in which he became accomplished. Continuing his varied interests, he also was active with The Raleigh Ringers, where be became an excellent church tower bell ringer, as well as being the Raleigh Ringer’s "favorite roadie.”

He is survived by his loving family; parents Donal and Jeannie Myrick, Dick and Sherry Graham. His sisters, Rachel Hearn, Emily Graham, and Amanda Giles. His grandparents, Clarence and Julia Graham. His nephew Alden Hearn, as well as numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved friends. 

4.      Eulogy by Family Members; what was said here was not recorded, but will be forever etched in our hearts.

5.      Stories from friends. These stories by our friends will not be written down, but forever told by those who were fortunate enough to count him as a friend.

6.      Time of reflection; piping by Lady Bryn y Pobydd.

“This has been a tragic week for those near and far. Each of us holds in our hearts a wish, a blessing, a prayer, a dream for Richard Myrick. Now is the time to bow our heads, and silently send those thoughts to him, wherever he may be. “

7.      Eulogy

“How can one sum up a life lived with such a fullness and splendor? How can one demonstrate the exuberance that Richard Myrick showed everyone?  How can one illustrate such diverse elements in a man that showed the greatest love of knowledge, of life, of family, of good friends, fine times and pleasant laughter? Richard Myrick was a man of love enough for the whole world. A love that he shared like a fine wine poured into the cups of all our hearts. We have drunk deeply, and never got our fill of the quality he brought to our lives. Our hearts are stronger for his coming, but our cups are emptier for his passing. Yet our presence here today shows that his love is not forgotten, that through him our cups will never be dry. Our comfort to each other ensures that.

Every death of someone close to us brings with it feelings of guilt. We have the feeling of  “I should have been there”, or “I should have done more”. We all have those feelings. The important thing to remember is that we all gave back to Richard as good as he gave to us. No one could ask any more than that which we have already given. Richard Myrick’s passing was as sudden as a summer thunderstorm. And though his death was tragic in its unexpectedness, we must remember that he was surrounded by friends he loved, and who loved him. This is as much as any of us can ask for when it is our turn.

A friend of mine said two days ago, ‘I never had a bad moment in his company’. A fitting epitaph for a man who was a brother, a son, a cousin, an uncle, a mentor, and a boundless friend. His unique style of living life made him precious as a rare gem. Like a precious gem, he reflected the light of the world around him, and increased it. And though his gem is gone, his light stays with us. That light of his enthusiastic character always made bad times seem good, and in these times especially we need him more than ever and are sore for losing him. Gems like him are in short supply, and we must value those like him more precious than any piece of jewelry.  He has enriched the world with his presence. More importantly, we must preserve his memory and his spirit so the light and goodness that he brought to the world will never die.

When I became a minister, I had never thought to be giving the memorial service of a good friend. This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Yet this is the best service I can render him, the best tribute I can make to such a finely lived life. Richard, Aldwin, Scruffy, we are gathered here to remember you, to celebrate your memory, and to say our goodbyes to you. You will live on in each of our hearts and in our remembrances. Though your body has failed you, your spirit lives in each of us gathered here, and will remain there forever. We love and miss you.

Let us now have a moment of silence.

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for joining us here today. Richard’s family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Literacy Council of Wake County. And of course, in this time of national need, please also donate your time and a pint or two of blood to your local Red Cross chapter.  For those who wish, a proper wake for Richard will be held directly after this service. All are welcome to attend, directions are available beside Richard’s memorial. Thank you.”

Rev. William L. Ham, III, Raleigh, NC
(Baron Alejandro Mateo Ramirez y Mendoza, Free Scholar
Canton of Elvegast, Barony of Windmsaters' Hill, Atlantia)

Make a Joyous Noise
a song by:  Lord Dunstan LeHeryngmongere, AKA Keith Edward Nealson, who grants permission to perform it at any time for any reason, provided Master Aldwin is remembered fondly for it.  This song written 14 September, 2001, the day after the passing on of Master Aldwin Longwalker (Richard Myrick) in his honor.  As long as there are names to be learned and friends to be made, he  will always be around.

If you were here you might be telling us a story
If you were here you would be instigating fun
If you were here you could be mentioning a friend you knew from way way back-
‘Cuz you were friends with everyone.

If we were gathered here today to throw a party
You’d be laughing right out loud- your voice was deep and proud
If you were here you would be telling us not to cry-
You’d say ‘Make a Joyous Noise and say Goodbye’.

If you were here you might be smoking a cigar-
If you were here you might be - In Scuba Gear
If you were here we could use a couple of extra chairs.
One for your body . . . one just for your hair.

It you were here there would be absolutely no doubt
Who would have the loudest voice when we all shout.
We can’t shout with you now but still we have to try
To make a Joyous Noise and say goodbye.

People come- people go- now you’re gone.
Life tastes a bit less sweet.  But it goes on.
So raise your glasses to our friend up in the sky
Make a Joyous Noise and say Goodbye.
            Make a Joyous Noise and say Goodbye
            Make a Joyous Noise and say Goodbye

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This page is maintained by Ursula von Bremen and was last updated on 3 December, 2006