There are no words to adequately describe who Richard Deyo was, or what he meant to the Ames community. The outpouring of love on social media following his death and the many stories of how his love and kindness touched so many lives in our community has been beautiful. This shared grief and gratitude reflect an undeniable truth: Richard’s presence was a miracle for our town.
Richard was a familiar face around Ames, spreading love to every single person he saw regardless of how they treated him. Barely a day went by that he wasn't opening the door at city hall or sitting downtown just waiting for someone to sit with him and talk. He didn't want a handout, he wanted connection. He wanted to share his poetry and his songs, to hand out buttons and let you know you mattered. And if you were lucky enough, he would share about his life. About the little 6-year-old girl named Jackie who inspired him to wear dresses, about his travels around the US, about his upbringing, but mostly his stories were about hope.
Despite the joy he brought to others, Richard faced his own mental health struggles, often navigating a reality darker than the one perceived by those around him. The saddest part of his passing is the thought that he may never have fully understood just how deeply he was loved and appreciated by the community he gave so much to.
It has brought me so much joy to see all the stories of how Richard touched the lives of those in our community, and how so many people made an effort to connect with him while he was here.
The world needs more love, more acceptance, more connection, more happiness. Richard gave all of us that even if we didn't deserve it or didn't know we needed it. I propose the installation of a memorial bench in Ames. This bench would serve as a lasting tribute to Richard, a place where anyone can sit, reflect, and be reminded to carry forward his spirit of love and connection. A constant reminder for all of us to be a little more like Richard... because he would never want us to forget, Happiness is Important.
