Dear TVTA Trail Members,
Long-term TVTA board member and dedicated volunteer Richard (Rick) Brocius passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at his residence. Rick served on the board of directors of the Tuna Valley Trail Association (TVTA) for sixteen years. From the very beginning, Rick coordinated the Adopt-A-Trail program working directly with numerous individuals, community organizations, and corporations. He was extremely organized and thoughtful. Everything he did was done with care and concern for others. Rick was always there to lend a helping hand at all of the TVTA events, trail maintenance, and construction projects. As a part of the TVTA’s adopt-a-trail program, Rick and his Bradford Sanitary Authority (BSA) colleagues adopted the Crook Farm Loop Trail several years ago improving its walkability and making it one of the most popular TVTA trails to walk.
“Rick was truly dedicated to his family, community, and his work at the Bradford BSA. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. On behalf of the TVTA board of directors, members, and volunteers, we express our very deepest sympathy to Rick’s wife Joy and their family.” Rick Esch
“Rick was always so friendly. I remember how much fun he would have working at the Regatta. He will be missed.” Julie Chartreau
“Rick became a leader on the TVTA Board almost as soon as he became a board member. He started the “Adopt a Trail” Program, worked on the trail events and helped to maintain the trail system through both his expertise and time. I fondly remember the Regatta events with Rick working with Jeff and trail volunteers to pull the homemade rafts, kayaks and canoes from the stream. His passing is a huge loss to our trail organization”. Sara Andrews
“I have to say that Rick’s passing was a tough one for me. While I did not consider him to be a close friend, he certainly was a good friend. I have known him for more than 30 years…I worked with him at Zippo for over 25 years before I retired 6 years ago and for well over a decade with the TVTA. I knew him well enough to know his love and dedication to his family, friends, community, the great outdoors, as well as his vocation. He could also strum a decent guitar…he was always enthusiastic and engaging when we discussed a situation or problem and his organizational skills were second to none. Rick was one of those folks that you knew was a truly good person almost the moment that you met him…” Steve Kresge
“Rick wanted everyone to be part of our beautiful natural world. So it was no surprise when he initiated our Adopt-A-Trail program.
A few years ago, with his organized and detailed folder Rick handed me the reins so he could take on different trail responsibilities.
Whenever we talked about the Adopt-A-Trail, he would instill in me that it provided much needed trail maintenance. He mentioned that trail work is a rewarding team building experience
Rick was a good friend whose life story was cut too short. The footprints that he has left behind will be a symbol of himself that will always remain on our trails—-a quiet reminder that Rick was there.” Susan Schenfield
“Rick’s compassion and optimism was a comforting force in my move back home to Bradford. He got me involved in TVTA and I admired Rick’s commitment to the preparation for the Winter Trek event held in February each year, and all TVTA events.” Jack Rae
Some pics from 2019 Winter Trek:
Rick’s obituary is available online at: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bradfordera/obituary.aspx?n=richard-brocius&pid=196114178