He was physically big and everything he did was big. Richard Bolles was a larger-than-life creative career professional, with over 10 million books sold. His June 17, 2017 memorial in Grace Cathedral was appropriate. Plus he had been a minister there.
Sitting in the magnificent cathedral, along with other career professionals, mostly from the San Francisco Bay area, but also from around the country and throughout the world, I listened carefully to the testimonials of family and friends. Marci read a beautiful love poem that Dick wrote to her. Then his sons and other relatives, friends, and clerical colleagues, talked about him.
Dick was well-loved by his children, but distant. He was always working, creatively. It was impossible to live up to his expectations, or even know what he expected of them. Gary recalled that when he asked his father what he expected of him, Dick replied, "More." To me, that meant to live up to your full potential, to be passionate about life and work and to make the world a better place by sharing your passion with others who need what you have to offer.
My husband Bob said, "I don't care about being as famous as Dick Bolles." Bob's world is smaller, a smaller group of friends, but deep, meaningful friendships. Bob has one wife, me. Dick had three wives, each special in a different way. Marci, the most recent, was the love of his life.
Christian Bolles, Dick's grandson, gave the last and most moving tribute to his grandfather. He recalled the joyful holidays, when the family got together, Dick's playful smile and humorous comments.
Christian's presentation was powerful. He reminded me of Dick. Did that make him better than any other the other children or grandchildren? No, just bigger than life, like his grandfather, Richard Bolles.