 |
|
|
 News from Around Banderas Bay | February 2006 
Celebrating the Life and Times of Richard Kaplan
 Peter Wells Scott - PVNN
He was a mountain of a man. Fifteen years ago we met in front of the office of a local newspaper. I introduced myself, he said "I guess you know who I am." His comment put me on notice. From his comment, I assumed that most people knew who he was even though I didn't.
By the time I met him, Richard was already well established in the Puerto Vallarta community. Over the 30 years he spent on our shores, he built a reputation as part of a singing duo with his brother Ed, as a real estate guru, and as an aficionado of the arts.
From humble beginnings of a straw hat, a beach chair, an umbrella, and a pencil and paper, Kaplan Real Estate touched the heights in the Marina and elsewhere. He sang and played his guitar at Playa de Oro. His radio show was epic, as was his presence at many local events.
He entertained many a visiting dignitary, and the walls at Kaplan Real Estate were filled with pictures of his many friends. Some say that he made a lot of money. His life style was never a testimonial to that. He was a bon vivant of more than life sized proportions.
Over a period of time, we shared our experiences. He had gone to high school in Des Plaines, Illinois, while I attended Lyons Township High School. Our schools were competitors in the same conference.
Richard was a stateside wrestling champ in the heavyweight class. I was all conference in basketball. Richard lost his final match after going undefeated. My team won 23 straight games before losing in the final game of the year.
With so much in common, Richard and I gradually softened our edges and became close friends. In fact, he described me as "his best friend." During the last three years Richard spent in Vallarta, we had a Sunday ritual which included watching the religious service conducted by Joel Osteen on RTHE tele, followed by a lazing day at the pool at Bay View Grand.
He was always in the company of "Sunshine," to whom he was emotionally dedicated. They ran a wedding service together, and married people at services as far away as Careyes, and at beach side locations such as Le Kliff and in front of Bay View Grand. As a lay minister, Richard conducted the services.
Richard had some health problems in the past few years, so last year he moved to Denver, Colorado to live under the care of his brother Ed. He passed on last New Year's Eve from a massive stroke while in the hospital, and he will be sorely missed.
Friendship is a rare commodity which must be worked at. The more that it is worked on, the richer it becomes. Richard and I still maintain a rich friendship which will be preserved for all time. His friends wish him safe passage as he plays his guitar and sings to his new found friends.
Celebrating the Life of Richard Kaplan
Join Richard's family and friends at El Dorado Restaurant on Thursday February 9th, at 5 PM as we celebrate the life of Richard Kaplan and all the gifts that were ours as a result of his time with us.
If you would like to share your memories and anecdotes regarding the life and times of Richard Kaplan with our readers, send an email to the BanderasNews Team at memoriam@banderasnews.com. |
| |
|
Vallarta Weddings
Marilyn Grande - Let's Remember
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us