Richard Vorhes

Biography

Richard A. "Dick" Vorhes, 59, passed away at his home in Key Largo, Florida on December 26, 2009, with his wife and daughter by his side. Dick was born in Seattle, WA on August 12, 1950, the son of Arthur J. and Martha (Foote) Vorhes. He spent most of his childhood and youth in Jacksonville, Illinois, where he graduated from high school in 1968. He served in the US Army from 1970 to 1972 in Stuttgart, Germany. After spending 11 years together and traveling all the back roads of the country, Dick and Laura (Boye) were married on August 31, 1984 in Palos Park, Illinois. They continued to travel & lived in Illinois, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin finally settling in Key Larego, Florida in 1994. While living in the Keys he became a licensed cabinet & millwork contractor, working mostly in the Ocean Reef Community.

Dick is survived by his wife, Laura Vorhes and one daughter Traci Vorghes of Key Largo, Florida; his mother Martha Vorhes of Urbana, Illinois; brother, David Vorhes of Kenosha, Wisconsin; sister, Marcia Burns of Urbana and loving in-laws , nieced and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, father-in-law and brother-in-law.

Due to his early diagnosis, Dick was able to enjoy this last year traveling and visiting with many friends and relataives. At his request, there will be no service and his remains will be scattered on the waters by Key Largo.

Memorials may be given to the Boys Scouts of America, Troop 107 c/o Grace United Methodist Church, 400 W. Morgan, Jacksonville, Illinois 62650, an organization very dear to Dick's heart. He appreciated the vast expreiences and travel afforded him through scouting, and he took great pride in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout when he was a young man.

Online condolences may be sent to: beyerfuneral@terranova.net.

An excerpt from a poem that Dick sent to Laura when they first met becomes even more relevant today:

The waves echo behind me.
Patience-Faith-Openness is what the sea has to teach.
Simplicity-Solitude-Intermittrency...But there are-other beaches to explore. There are more shells to find.
This is only a beginning.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh