Wednesday, October 4, 2023
I worked with Rich at US EPA. Together for over 20 years. Rich established several achievements, including the development of the branch wet weather research plan. He built the storm water research program from one (himself) to over 20 staff. He published widely, both research results and state-of-the-art books. He developed a post-doctoral research fellow program, bringing on outstanding trainees, some of whom became staff members. He led the international stormwater research program, bringing together universities in New Jersey with those in China and Thailand; leading several research trips overseas with EPA colleagues. We were able to promote Rich to the highest EPA pay grade, based on his accomplishments, which had never been done before at EPA. He represented the agency at professional societies. And through it all, Rich remained a valued colleague, always wiling to lend a hand and being the ultimate professional. And personally, he continually applauded his family, proud of his children's accomplishments and dedicated to his wife Joan.
I remember coordinating with Rich just last month, as he prepared for a presentation at a conference in the midwest that involved an airplane flight. I was amazed that he had the energy and werewithall to travel, at our age, and told Rich that. But that was him, always contributing and adding to our knowledge base. There will never be another Rich Field. Rest in peace.
