It falls to Gossips to share the heartbreaking news that Rick Rector died yesterday.
Before settling in Hudson in 2010, Rick had a brilliant career in the fashion industry. Gossips knows little of that, except to say that, over the years, he shared one or two stories from his days of working with Calvin Klein. (Rick was, among other things in his stellar career, corporate president of retail and retail development for Calvin Klein.)
Since settling in Hudson in 2010, Rick's life has been all about devoting his passion and expertise to the betterment of Hudson. In 2011, he became a member of the Historic Preservation Commission. He chaired the HPC from 2013 to 2015, when he became an alderman for the First Ward. In 2017, he was elected mayor of Hudson. His campaign theme was "One Hudson."
After leaving office as mayor, his commitment to being of service did not waver. He was currently serving on the board of the Columbia County Industrial Development Agency and was vice chair of Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC).
His public life aside, Rick was a remarkable human being and wonderful friend--affable, considerate, generous, and kind. Rick and I met for the first time, soon after he'd moved here, while walking our dogs in the early morning--Rick walking his beloved Lucy, I walking William. In the years since, Rick became a beloved and treasured friend. The loss of this dear man for me and all who loved him defies expression. The loss for our community is profound.
What an untimely and staggering loss for our community. Rick was unfailingly polite and always just about to laugh. He was the rare human with a great deal to brag about who never bothered to brag. His devotion to our city was strong and rooted in love. We’ve lost a good one.
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news Carole. Rick was an amazing man. Your tribute to him brought tears to my eyes. He will truly be missed.
ReplyDeleteRick was indeed a special human with a deep love for and commitment to the betterment of this City. What sad news and a huge loss for Hudson.
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute, Carole. Rick was a real gift to Hudson, a city made much stronger by his work, and a community brighter by his elan. We were very lucky to have him for the time we did.
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ReplyDelete"Mayor for life"--that's what I said to him on his last day in office.
His texts and conversations began with a healthy "howdy" or some other Midwest expression and ended with platitudes galore and best wishes for my "lovely family."
Our final conversation was about my daughter, Gillian. She graduated from the University of Rochester last year and moved to Dallas with her sorority sister last fall.
"Really? . . . Where's she living?"
I replied: "Deep Ellum."
"Oooh, downtown. Well, she is a beautiful young girl, and she will love that part of Dallas."
Every discussion ended the same. I felt much better than I did before we spoke.
--Rob Perry
Mayor Rector was the living example of how we should all treat each other. He was thoughtful, lighthearted, and a good listener. His penchant for jumping out to direct traffic at car accidents or arriving at the station late at night to support our officers after some stressful incident led us to present him with his own police jacket...which he wore proudly. Godspeed friend.
ReplyDeleteRick Rector was the finest of men. I will cherish every memory of him - his gentle and good humor, his deep humility and his ability to make everyone he knew feel loved and welcomed in his company. I am filled with gratitude for having been fortunate enough to share a small corner of the world with him even for a short time. He will be missed beyond measure.
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ReplyDeleteI am so very sad to hear about the news of the passing of Rick.
When he was elected mayor, I also started my first term on the council. I remember fondly, our conversations sometimes talking about City business in the office. But, most times just talking about life, his listening skills and compassion for others was amazing. Yes, no matter what the conversation was via text it always started with "howdy." After he left office, I still would get check-ins from him to see how I was doing. I saw him a few months ago and passing through between a County IDA meeting, we shared brief conversation, hoping to catch a moment over coffee. Regretfully that didn't happen, and now I feel some sort of emptiness as I always cherished our conversations.
Once again, I'm left with that regret of letting things get in the way of a moment that would've been a cherished experience.
--Dominic Merante
Wow what sad news. Rick also worked many years during the 8o' and 90's at Bergdorf Goodman where I met him and he was my boss. A trip to work for! In the best of ways. I'll miss that sassy southern drawl.
ReplyDeleteI met Rick while eating lunch one day at Bruno's, just prior to his run for Common Council. On that first encounter, he acted like we were old friends. I subsequently was proud to work on his mayoral campaign. Rick was unfailing kind, generous, warm-hearted, funny, and sharp. I'll miss him tremendously.
ReplyDeleteI'm sick to my stomach with this shocking news
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear that news but the heartfelt comments are uplifting. I didn't know him well but was sad when he didnt' run for Mayor a second time. I can see he will be a huge loss for Hudson as well as all his friends and family.
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ReplyDeleteI am saddened to learn of the passing of Former Hudson Mayor Rick Rector. Mayor Rector served the City of Hudson with honor and distinction. Always with a welcoming smile and a sense of pride for the City of Hudson, Mayor Rector will be remembered as an advocate for the City he proudly called home. May we pause today to remember his many contributions to the City and reflect upon his distinguished service.
Former Mayor Bryan F. Cranna
Tivoli, NY
While the untimely loss of Rick may be sad, we must look upon the impact he has made upon each and everyone of us and how he has shaped others lives. His contributions to the community and others are immeasurable. Rick was a true gentleman and a friend. May his memory live on to continue to shape and bring others together.
ReplyDeleteWhat shocking news and a terrible loss. I met Rick when he first moved to Hudson. Somehow he got the idea in his head to run for Mayor. He loved Hudson, he really did. He always had a good word to say about everyone and did his best with everything he did. I’ll miss him.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to learn of Rick's passing. Always a smile and a handshake upon meeting him. So sorry Carole for the loss of your dear friend. Hudson has lost an asset to the community he served and loved.
ReplyDeleteFew who have applied themselves to serving our city come close to Rick’s generous spirit or his desire to put himself to our service. He looked for the best in us and for us. That was his nature, along with experience and a strong desire to work with people. That is what he brought to Hudson. That was his gift. He talked of his initial uncertainty about leaving New York for this notion, this dream of a dynamic little city. But as he was generous, so he was also a lover of ideas, core things like getting along with your neighbors and working with them. He fell in love with his new home, its culturally diverse, ambitious, messy self, with all the best possibilities in reach. All of it. Bless you. You were a dear friend and a man of real character and stature.
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