Family Service retiree honored

Yesterday Ed Rickert was recognized and honored at Family Service and Community Mental Health Center for his 30 years of service. A reception was held at 5:30PM for him at the Family Service offices in McHenry, where Ed was thanked (and lightly roasted) by co-workers and friends.

I met Ed several years ago, after I encountered a few snags in service to a family member and went over heads to the person in charge. Often I just asked to be directed to someone who would solve a paperwork problem, but Ed never passed the buck. Although he was a senior administrator by that time, he was generous with his time. He always returned phone calls and replied to emails and was committed to a satisfactory and appropriate solution.

At the time of his retirement on January 31 Ed was Vice-President of Special Programs. He had been heavily involved in the creation of McHenry County's Mental Health Court, and one of his final efforts was to see a veterans' program for mental health services get underway.

Recently I shared a story about Ed's help with a committee on which I serve at Family Service. Ed's understanding, compassion and listening skills led quickly from a family member's refusal to a complete resolution on a paperwork issue.

Ed's co-workers said that Ed will be missed. Here are some things to miss, Ed. Meetings that start too early or run too long. Many days of emails and phone calls to be returned by 5PM. And, most importantly, be sure to miss those little fish in the pond and hook the "keepers" with that new rod and reel. Thank you for your friendship and all your help!