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Kentucky Derby Day 2014 -- some of the gang held Katie's hand for Good Luck.
It's the last time ever we saw Rick, he's on the far right, next to his buddy Bert. |
A single red rose laid over a racing form foretold grim news at the Canterbury Third Floor Race Book. Regulars knew the rose marked the place where Rick Brown always sits, studying the odds, measuring the possibilities, and picking the best horses from the nation's stock of racing thoroughbreds. He always sat there laughing and arguing with colleagues in bantering rounds of raucous bully, building loyal bonds with a surprisingly large group of friends. They're all a bit superstitious, habitual, ritualized, repetitive at the third floor book. Maybe that's why he always sat in the same place, it seems so.
The chair was empty today.
The brotherhood was clearly shaken, quietly sharing details and stories and thoughts of their departed buddy, remarking how much they miss him already, certain he can never be replaced at their round table.
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| Posted in 2010 |
We don't know Rick well; met him by chance when we dropped in to harass our old family friend, Don Kieger, usually on fall and winter Sunday mornings over the past few years. The old gang of regulars is always in position, betting and winning and losing and lying, and Rick was right there with them, a polite, unassuming gentleman with a wry smile and a quick wit. Thinking back, he actually sort of classed up the joint somewhat, which, of course, was never much of a reach in this sweatshirt and jeans crowd.
His omni-present baseball caps revealed some of what we know: A New York Yankees fan, a broker with Oppenheimer Funds. Brown, 70, died with little warning on May 20. There's a Memorial Remembrance for him tonight in the Resident's Association Party Room near his son's home.
Rest in Peace, Rick Brown. They're going to miss you a lot upstairs, the regulars will, as they sit carefully choosing the best horses beside an empty chair.
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We posted this photo of Rick and some of his mates on Oct. 2, 2011. Same chair.
The story was about family friend Don Kieger, far right, or Katie's classmate Bob, next to Rick. |
