On Friday, May 12, 2017 I was honored to be able to attend the Mountain Motorcycle Association of Arizona’s (MMAA) run to honor the life and times of Richard Melvin Tush.
A few words about Mr. Tush.
Richard (Rich, Dick) Melvin Tush born Pittsburgh, Pa on 10/1/1936 passed away peacefully in his sleep on 4/22/2017 shortly after moving from Show Low, AZ to Hollister, CA
Rich graduated from Oliver High School in Pittsburgh, PA. After HS he joined and served from 1955-1960 in the US Air Force where he was stationed in France. In 1962 Rich was appointed to San Jose Police Department and became a Motorcycle Officer until he retired in 1988. He was an active member of the Municipal Motor Cycle Officers (MMOC) where he served as president 1978, 1982 and 1992. Still, after retiring, he purchased his own Harley Davidson and never gave up the ride until he was physically not able to any longer. Also after retiring, he started his own private investigations company and ran it for several years until he decided to move South West to Show Low, AZ where he spent over the last 22 years of his life. In Show Low he was an active member of the MMAA and Governor of the Moose Lodge in Show Low, AZ. Rich loved riding the roads on his Harley and he also enjoyed big get-togethers and barbeques, any reason to have a BBQ was a good reason. He was the King of playing cribbage, those who dared played against him would have to stay on their toes!
Rich is survived by his 3 daughters, Kimberly Tush of San Jose, CA, Shelley Carol Tush (Chris) Gerber of San Marcos, TX and Stacy Laura Tush (Joe) Jenkins of Hollister, CA; grandchildren Kevin (Kristin), Nicole (DJ), Ashley, Brittany (Anthony), Melissa, Kaylene and Joey and great grandchildren Kaylee, Kole, Kynsley and Kandis.
In the white mountains of Arizona, Mr. Tush was known as Dick. He was a co-founder of the MMAA and from the turnout, on a Friday afternoon, at the Moose Lodge in Show Low Arizona, Dick was extremely well liked and respected.
The ride into Show Low was escorted by the volunteers with the Navajo County Sheriffs Department. These deputies are to be commended for their professionalism and extremely well executed control of  traffic at each of the several intersections that had to be crossed. Thank you!
At the Moose Lodge a short but very warm and sentimental ceremony was conducted. Included was a 21 gun salute by a well trained color guard followed by the plying of Taps.
Several family members were present and friends and family alike were given an opportunity to say what they thought of Dick and why they would miss him.
After the ceremony there was a pot luck lunch and many stories and smiles were shared.
It is clear from the reaction of everyone present, Arizona has lost a great man. Rest in Peace Airman, Officer, Husband, Father and friend. You will be sorely missed.
For a few photos from the ride and the ceremony, follow this link.