Book of Memories for Richard Harold Gattis

Condolence From Bruce Guyote

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 12:31:41 EDT

I don't believe I'll ever know a guy who knew more about more things than Rick. His memory was incredible and the topics he could speak about were endless. His integrity and love of this country was surpassed only by the love of his life and his childhood sweetheart, Dawn. I pray that his family finds peace and solace in his faith in God. Somewhere in heaven there's a guy named Rick running around looking for a McDonald's iced coffee, trying to tune in a radio in order to listen to Rush Limbaugh. God bless you Rick! You're missed terribly.

Condolence From Gary W. Page

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 17:06:38 EDT

I worked with Rick for years at the Blaine Service Port of Entry. He was kind, unselfish, and a truly great friend. We were often on the midnight shift together and we always enjoyed working with each other. He retired before I did. I immediately missed his great sense of humor at the work site. I am lessened by his passing, and saddened that I can't hear his voice any longer. We love you, Rick. The Page family

Story shared: Rick's Humor

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 11:12:14 EDT

Rick and I worked together many years and both of us enjoyed playing pranks on other officers.

During part of my career with US Customs I was trying to learn how to speak just a few words of each language of the people from other countries visiting the United States. I learned a greeting and how to say, “Where are you going” in each language.

One day I noticed that Rick was studying a book on the Chinese language Cantonese, I asked him if he could write down how to say, “May I see your passports please”. Well Rick wrote it down for me and I practiced getting to the point that when I spoke it sounded correctly.

Two young girls from China came into the facility to get documents in their passports and I seized the opportunity to try out my ability to speak to them.

I spoke in Cantonese what I had learned from Rick, both girls stopped in their tracks and with an astonished look on their faces just stared at me.

At first I thought they were surprised that I could speak their language, so I again spoke the words to them hoping they would give me their passports.

After a few more attempts by me they remained frozen and in English asked if I was speaking to them?

I smiled and said Yes, that I was trying my best to ask for their passports in their language.

They said, “No, no, you ask us, please take off all our clothes”.

It was right then I knew he had played a great joke on me and I turned around to see just about everyone including Rick laughing.

I’ll miss him and his humor.

Condolence From Robert Schaffner

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 01:33:42 EDT

Rick was one of the nicest persons anyone could ever know. He would help whenever asked and would listen to one’s problems and concerns with an open mind and heart, providing valuable advice. He did his job of enforcing the law with U.S. Customs with integrity and enthusiasm utilizing an abundance of common sense. His knowledge of how the government operated was enormous and many people learned very much from him. It was always a pleasure to come to work and see his jovial smile and upbeat attitude. He was missed when he retired and will be missed even more now. Yet he will never be forgotten.

Condolence From Keith & Kathy Wheeler

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 16:16:23 EDT

It's with a sadness in my heart and a deep feeling of loss, that Kathy and I send our condolences to Rick's family. He was someone I truly enjoyed talking with at work as the topics of conversation were always interesting. He was a "Rock" amongst his co-workers. Someone we each could count on in any situation. He will be missed. Rest easy Rick and God bless your family.