It is difficult to imagine a vibrant Historic Meridian Park neighborhood without the presence, support, and generosity of Lamar and Jean Richcreek. Lamar, a long-time HMP resident, passed away unexpectedly in late May. He touched so many neighbors along the way and our collective hearts are sadden by this missing cornerstone.
Lamar was one of a handful of residents to start a neighborhood crime watch block club which led to early conversations and the formation of a group of residents to conduct the research necessary to put Historic Meridian Park on the National Register of Historic Places. As a result of his efforts, HMP was placed on the Nation Register of Historic Places for its American Arts & Crafts Architecture in 1990. The Richcreek’s welcoming front porch and gracious back yard have been central gathering places to establish and renew friendships among the neighborhood residents since the 1970s.
The outpouring of love from residents was swift with many tributes on the HMP Facebook page.
“Lamar was the perfect neighbor. We were so blessed to be within his circle”
“Oh no! The world has lost a lovely soul, kind and always with a ready smile. Upbeat and creative. So many other words are inadequate to memorialize Lamar. He will be greatly missed.”
“Oh, I am without words. I’ve known Lamar for over 20 years. He taught me a good deal in that time. I’m so sorry.”
“A wonderful neighbor and really good person…we have known these two since the day we bought our first house in the neighborhood…together they loved life and embraced so many great adventures, touching the hearts of dozens of students around the world with their hospitality. Hugs to Jean for now and friendship always!”
“Although still reeling from the news, it occurs to me through the shock and grief that this man who always approached life with gentle kindness and sincerity has managed, even in his passing, to do so with such grace and quiet dignity. Truly a wonderful person. He and Jean have been and always will be two of my favorite people in the world. Please let us know what we can do to help…”
“Fighting thru the tears to remember how incredibly lucky we were to live next door for the past 25 year to most wonderful neighbors in the entire universe. When I was deciding to move to HMP, I visited Lamar & Jean’s home and was totally inspired that if my fixer-upper could be half as beautiful as their restored A&C home, I was making a great decision. When I married my husband, he wanted us to move into his Forest Hills home. Several months later, a baby shower thrown by Jean & Lamar for us changed his outlook that this fixer-upper was indeed the place he wanted to raise our family. We will miss Lamar’s quiet, thoughtful presence & words, adventurous spirit and his gentle, reassuring smile. We love you Jeannie and pray for your ongoing strength and courage thru this difficult time. We’re here to help, however needed, along with the many neighbors you have inspired along the way with your welcoming front porch and generous heart. ~The Vavul Family”
Lamar Richcreek, 71
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Rodney Lamar Richcreek passed away on May 30th 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. He was born on February 9, 1947 in Marion Indiana to George Edgar and Virginia Ribelin Richcreek who he lovingly advocated and cared for until their deaths. He was a devoted husband, brother, son, teacher, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years and best friend, Jean (Foxworthy) Richcreek, Brothers Gary (Judy Skaggs) Richcreek and Ron (Debbie Blair) Richcreek. He was a most special uncle to nieces Dana Counts, Donelle (Jay) Chisolm, Darci (Greg) Caesar, Dori (Brad) Johnson, Sarah Richcreek, Claudia Burns, Hillary Burns, and Malory Mason and nephews Drew Richcreek, Aaron Richcreek, Benjamin Burns, and Gordon Mason as well as 14 great nieces and nephews. He was always ready to play when they were young and ready to listen when they grew up. He was blessed with many friends and colleagues who will miss him terribly.
He and Jean bought a house with their dear friend Mary Sinnock in Historic Meridian Park in 1978 with the idea of creating a communal family. They devoted countless hours to renovating their 109 year- old home in a way that respected its craftsman style history. Lamar and Jean fell in love with the neighbors and the neighborhood and have remained there for 40 years. They shared their home with others throughout their marriage; Friends and strangers found warmth and acceptance as part of their family. They hosted international students from across the world, becoming surrogate parents to them and later, grandparents to their children.
In addition to welcoming the world into their home they traveled the world to 39 countries. Lamar was often described as a quiet and gentle man but he had a strong love of adventure. He and Jean would often go to countries without reservations or a daily plan. Whether climbing Mayan ruins in Guatemala or driving through France, the goal was always to truly experience the local culture – even it meant sleeping in shacks, forgoing hot water and electricity and (often) getting lost. Every mishap was just another adventure. Lamar also enjoyed scuba diving, yoga, biking and gardening. He was passionate about the arts; In addition to the visual arts he loved all types of music – from classical to techno and theatre – the more edgy the better.
Lamar served his country in the Army and was stationed in a MASH unit in Korea. Lamar was “Radar” to his Colonel and his entire MASH unit.
Lamar earned a BS in Business Administration from Ball State University in 1969. His first career was as a banker at People’s Bank and Trust for 21 years. For his second career he followed his life-long passion for photography and in his 50’s returned to school for a Masters in Fine Arts from Vermont College of Fine Arts. He was a fine art photographer and an adjunct professor of photography at Herron School of Art and Design on the IUPUI campus for 20 years. His students described him as “A passionate and tireless teacher who inspired the best work from his students. More importantly he was a good soul with a kind heart and charming personality that kept his students spellbound.” And, “truly an amazing soul – best teacher I ever had.”
Lamar lived his life modeling his values for lifelong learning, an appreciation for people of all types and cultures, the power of the arts and the importance of integrity and respect for all.
A celebration of his life will be held later in the summer.
Condolences and memories may be left at CrownHill.org/obituaries.
Memorial tributes may be made to the American Pianist Association, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble Music Society, or Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky.