First of all, he was graced by a rich, deep, voice and I suspect he cultivated it to enhance the image which he tried so hard to project, that of a tough and often skeptical observer of the scene around him. He wore this cover most all of the time.

It even seemed to suit him, but he donned that persona as would a welder wear an old and trusted pair of heavy gloves. It was his principal protection for the true character within, a kind, vulnerable man, whose generosity was legend.

When Dick Chastain chose a cause, he put his mind and energies to it to the maximum. As an example, his dedication to the notion of educating youngsters in the science of fluid power caused him to strongly support the Fluid Power Educational Foundation, and ultimately to serve that body in all its offices, inclusive of three years as its President.

No only did he give greatly of himself in that endeavor, he always set the standard for financial support. Dick would have called it "putting his money where his mouth was." His small company, throughout my recollection, was always the most generous Distributor donor to the Educational Foundation, and his giving was traditionally on par with those Fortune 500 companies who have most firmly supported FPEF. For Chastain, it was "just giving something back."

Fluid power has lost a unique and valuable friend in Richard Chastain. We’ll miss the gruff voice, the joke, the handshake, and above all, the unconditional friendship which he always proffered.