The Kohls Family introduced me to the wonderful world of eventing & horse trials. I was involved in a lesson program in Connecticut but when I met the Rick Kohls on Matinicus Island, Maine  (our summer home) - I found a new world of equestrian sport and one that holds my intrigue to this very day. Each summer Rick and I went off island to spend 2 weeks at the Junior Horsemanship Clinic held at the Green Mountain Horse Association grounds in South Woodstock, Vermont.  We had daily instruction in dressage, stadium jumping, and cross-country riding. We had 2 rides per day, horse care responsibilities, barn management chores &  each night our foster family drove us to a nearby lake to cool off before bedtime. We had a great time. Horses, riding lessons, and a 2-day horse trial competition culminated our stay in Vermont.  The memory of Rick's elegant posture in the dressage saddle and his confident jumping style over fences will stay with me forever!

When I was away at high school we talked on the phone and when we all got home for holidays we all partied at Rick's. We played poker, board games, watched the Muppets and Mork and Mindy on Sunday nights. We even pulled some taffy and made ice cream in the winter. In the summer we played softball or soccer on the West Side. Rick loved to play and was always at the games. He also loved a good game of Jeopardy. He was quick witted and well read. Tom McKibben and Chris Barry would come to his house to play the game with him.

When Merrill and I married, Rick was in the wedding. Then soon our kids were playing together. From our house warming party to our boat launching, Rick was always there for us. He was always fun at the parties and we have some photos to prove it!

He was always there when the island needed him. It was Rick who was with Vance and Paul when the tug boat Harkness sank and there were many other times that he was called on to help and was always ready to do whatever needed to be done.

 He was a good friend. I will so miss his quick wit and laughter, his dark brown eyes and his smile. It's hard to imagine I won't get to sit on the porch and visit with him anymore.