Now, hearing of Rick's retirement, I find it hard to imagine Sydney Lewis Hall without him standing guard over the Law Center, or in the dean's office, or from some other nearby vantage point. If Washington and Lee is lucky, Rick will continue to play a role in the welcoming committee, making a welcoming place even warmer. Knowing Rick's commitment to the law school there, I have no doubt he would embrace the role.

While those of us that consider Rick a friend and colleague greet news of his retirement with a reluctant happiness, there is one group that cannot help but be saddened by Rick's return home: the Japanese beetles that assault his roses. Rick takes a stem approach to those beetles, removing them by hand, one at a time, without pesticides. Rick's colleagues may miss his advice and guidance, and his students may miss his insightful discussion and caring attitude, but I know that the roses will be very happy to have him around in retirement.