Rich was an active member of the Society for Create Anachronism. In that medieval recreation organization, he achieved its highest honor for armored combat ability. Along with martial prowess (both armored and fencing), the SCA has pinnacle honors for research/craftsmanship, and service. To receive one of these honors elevates a person to the status of “peer of the realm”.
As a peer, Rich (otherwise known as Syr Aradd Ffestiniog) had his own SCA household – those people he invited to share in his hospitality, guidance and friendship. One’s SCA household is frequently thought of as a chosen family.
In 2003, Rich and three other peers – Master Kevin of Thornbury, Sir Colin Gordon and Sir Andrew Grey – decided to combine their households into a formal alliance, and as such was created the Consortium Turrium which is Latin for the Company of the Tower. The Consortium Turrium, or “CT”, was composed of the four peers, their spouses and children, the peers’ chosen students and those students’ families. Over the years, the bonds of family and friendship strengthened. Often times, members of the CT would gather and share holidays without any SCA involvement at all.
This past Saturday, the CT gathered to remember and celebrate the life of their fallen brother. Many representatives, and from all four member households, (along with cherished non-SCA friends) filled Master Kevin and Maestra Giuliana’s home to enjoy good music, good wine, homemade Mexican food, card games and an appropriate Monty Python movie. The laughter outweighed the tears and common bonds were renewed.
As long as we hold Rich in our hearts, he will never die.
