We are deeply saddened to note the passing of our colleague and friend Rick O'Connell who died on April 2nd after a long and well-fought battle with cancer.  The EPS community is greatly diminished by this loss and we will all feel Rick's absence profoundly.   A message from Rick's family is copied below.  EPS will plan a gathering to note this passing and to celebrate Rick's life in the coming months.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 2nd as noted below.  Also, please note the article in the Harvard Crimson published on line on April 8th.

Richard John O’Connell, 08/27/1941 - 04/02/2015

Our Richard, “Rick” died peacefully with his usual grace on April 2nd at the Pat Roche Hospice Home where, from Turkey Hill, he could look out over a field to the woods and beyond to Massachusetts Bay and the entrance to Boston Harbor.  He was cared for by some of the kindest, most caring nurses and aides.

We want to thank all of you for your wishes, prayers, cards, and visits over the three year period during his brave, ever-cheerful, battle with prostate cancer.  Particular thanks go to all the oncology nurses and staff who administered to his needs and kept him smiling at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber, UCSF, and California Pacific. A special thanks to Drs. Marla Onishi, Mark Pomerantz, Tracy Balboni, and their teams for never giving up hope and always seeking the best solutions to combat an aggressive disease with sensitivity and the curiosity of research scientists. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 2, at 4 P.M. in King’s Chapel, 58 Tremont Street, Boston, MA.

We hope that when you see mention of Montana, or watch a sailboat tacking across the bay, or hear a particularly insightful scientific question posed, you will think of our “Cowboy Rick,” that the memory will bring a smile to your face, and you will consider raising a glass to a good  friend, colleague, father, and husband, who brought joy to all our lives.

 With love and gratitude,

Susan, Brian, and Lily