Atlas Systems sadly announces the passing of Rich Stryker, a long-time member of the Atlas team and Ares Product Liaison. Stryker died on Monday, February 20, 2017 following an extended journey with a rare abdominal cancer (pseudomyxoma peritonei).
Atlas Systems’ President and CEO, Jason Glover, said Stryker exemplified a strong work ethic and dedication to Atlas and its customers. “Rich touched almost every member of the Ares community, serving as the liaison who walked interested prospects through the licensing process. His goal was to ensure that customers and prospects had what they needed to be effective in serving their communities.”
Dan Specht, CFO and vice president of sales and marketing, commented, “I always enjoyed watching people’s reactions when they met Rich in person for the first time. Since most of the initial dialog with libraries interested in Ares was done via webinar, people were amazed when they saw that the gentle, soothing voice from the webinar was attached to a 6-foot-4 rugged hockey goalie.”
Specht continued, “That voice and caring personality extended far beyond just the Ares community. Rich was one of those people you could always count on. He was a consummate friend, father and family man. The biggest thing I will miss about Rich is the way he had of making you smile and fostering a positive outlook, regardless of what was going on around you.”
His easy-going nature and wry sense of humor made it easy to get the Atlas staff and many members of the Atlas product community to rally around him during his illness. Team Stryker offered comfort and support for Rich and his family and raised money for the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center in Tennessee, where Rich was being treated. Over the course of his illness, the Atlas Systems extended family raised over $5,000 for the Sarah Cannon Fund.”
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 2:00 pm at:
Winfree Church
13617 Midlothian Tpke
Midlothian, Virginia 23113
The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers or other personal gifts, a donation be made to the Sarah Cannon Fund sarahcannonfund.org. Donations should be referenced as “Team Stryker” on the In honor of/In memory of line so that they can be accurately tracked.