Rolly, We’ll Miss You
By Mark Matlock on February 10 2012
Heaven welcomed Rolly Richert early this morning after an ongoing fight against cancer. Rolly has been a significant influence on TheNational Youth Worker’s Convention, DCLA, Dare 2 Share and countless other events. For YS he was an advisor and producer of the Big Room sessions at NYWC.
I’d always heard about Rolly in the youth ministry universe, but didn’t meet him until early 2001 at a DCLA planning meeting. In 2002 after the non-profit I founded went through traumatic post 9/11 losses at our events, Rolly happened to call. I instantly felt I could trust him with the financial plight we were in, and Rolly was quick to share wisdom from his own historythat literally changed the course of my life and ministry. Already this morning I have spoken with many other ministers who have had similar encounters with Rolly.
Rolly loved the gospel and loved seeing people know the power of a life lived by following in the way of Jesus. Rolly was a servant, and while Heaven welcomes him, we will miss him for the brief moments we remain on this earth.
If you have any memories you'd like to share, please leave them in the comments below.
Comments
From Kurt J on February 10, 2012
I never met Rolly, but this little tribute sure makes me wish I had.
From Jonathan McKee on February 10, 2012
We’ll miss him.
My last conversation with him was about planning big events. I asked him what got him started as the guy behind the curtain in big events. He told me, “I went to a James Brown concert and my eyes were opened!” :)
Great guy. Behind the scenes on more events than most people realize.
From Doug Fields on February 10, 2012
Had a great conversation with Rolly at our last YS Convention in Atlanta! He was a warm, caring & passionate person. We talked about his excitement of student leadership and how much he loved producing DCLA. His team loved him and he infused the gentle spirit of care and professionalism into Ryan (who is a great man himself). A major player (behind-the-scenes) in youth ministry left us today!
From Chris Weide on February 10, 2012
Working behind the scenes with Rolly has been one of the greatest blessings of YS events. I will miss his gentle spirit in the midst of production chaos, and his vision for creating worship out of production.
From Rick Whitmer on February 10, 2012
Rolly was a tremendous friend, mentor, co-worker, ministry partner, church youth leader, missions trip leader, and more. And that was just for me. The line in heaven is long with the lives he has touched and influenced. Rolly believed in me, recruited me into ministry, and challenged me to “think big.” Recently I heard him say, “I have no regrets.” Wow. How rare. Rolly will be missed in big ways. We rejoice with the years he was with us, celebrate the lives he has impacted, and are challenged and motivated to carry his legacy forward.
From Terry Linhart on February 10, 2012
My first months in Youth for Christ 26 years ago, I connected with Rolly on a flight to Orlando (it was a United Airlines DC 10) and we struck up a friendship and he became a wise and encouraging friend to me as a young youth worker. I relished the chances to sit and talk youth evangelism with him at various YFC conferences.
Rolly was one of those people who are the ‘glue’ - they hold things together and for the better. As I have become more involved with Youth Specialties over the past 10 years, it was special to reconnect with Rolly and watch him coordinate the big room sessions.
Thanks Rolly for modeling Christlike service and leadership for the rest of us. Your love for Jesus and love for youth was evident and will be carried on.
From Irene Cho on February 10, 2012
Dearest Rolly, I will cherish your wonderful bear hugs, love and warmth. You were the embodiment of grace, mercy, servanthood, wisdom and patience. You will be dearly missed but I’m thrilled that you’re having a blast with Jesus. Love you dear friend.
From Mark Sumpter on February 10, 2012
As part of the student outreach and discipleship of the 1980s with and through local churches, Student Venture, YFC and others in North San Diego County, we lived in the shadow of Rolly and his ideas, brainstorming and enthusiasm. I remember the words, “Let’s run this (idea) by Rolly.” May Jesus Christ be praised; indeed, may his dear loved-ones be comforted.
From Jill DeHaven on February 10, 2012
I had the honor of working with Rolly during DCLA ‘94. It was so many years ago and just a few days of work, but he made a huge impact on my life and ministry.
From Scott Jagodzinske on February 11, 2012
Early on in my ministry Rolly gave me some great advice, prayed with me and just listened to my story when I was suffering from burn out in ministry. It was at a NNYM gathering in Colorado Springs. That has been over 10 years ago. Thank you Rolly, this life was helped by your kindness, and giving spirit.
From howie snyder on February 11, 2012
Never met him - but obviously I was a beneficiary of some of his ministry in the conventions I’ve been to - so very appreciative of this kind heart and servant of God - thanks for sharing Mark! Prayers for his family at this time.
From Mike Liebler on February 11, 2012
Thanks Rolly
For your wisdom, servants heart and willingness to think through and implement some different ideas.
Mike Liebler
From Chris Renzelman on February 11, 2012
The Lord must have some really big project going on….that he wants to have Rolly on hand for…..definitely our loss to have you gone. Thanks for remaining faithful in the life and mission you lived. The impact of which you now may begin to see. I’m already missing our little catch up chats we always seemed to get either before or after some conference we were both involved with. Ryan, Lesa & Barb….you are in our thoughts and prayers.
From Mike Flavin on February 13, 2012
I’m grateful for the friendship I had with Rolly and will deeply miss him. He was one of those rare people that could make a brief encounter at a crowded convention seem like an hour chat at Starbucks. A great guy that radiated Christ, cared about people and was a world class talent at the craft that he loved. Just imagine the incredible productions he’s working on in heaven…
From Joe Zablocki on February 14, 2012
Every year at YS it was always a highlight to have a couple of minutes to talk with Rolly. Although it was always a very busy time for hime he had time for a smile and a brief chat. He will be missed, but Heaven’s big room will never be the same…..
