In Memory

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September 12, 2007 - 05:57 PM
Mary Powers Hunley

What a fantastic teacher Mr Laughlin as we knew him in 1972 at North Central in the Debtones. His funny arraingements he would share with us. We had such a good time in his class. Now he will be singing and playing his funny songs in heaven.

Thanks for the memories.
Mary Powers Hunley Class of 72
North Central High School

September 12, 2007 - 04:19 PM
Brad

Wow, what an extraordinary man. My family hails from Terre Haute area, I went to North Central High School, graduated in 1971. Attended performances at Beef & Boards, CTS, IRP and how lives cross with out knowing. Without knowing he made my life experiences at these venues wonderful. I am so sorry for his Partner's loss and his Family's loss. I guess there will be more beautiful music on the other side of those Gates. God Bless

September 12, 2007 - 04:03 PM
Gregg Jackson

I sang with Dick's Music Men at North Central in 1967. One little episode has stayed with me because it so typified his attitude toward his students and, apparently, everyone he came in contact with. Dick came into class and as he did so often, passed out one of his terrific new arrangements. We read it through and really liked it. Unfortunately, after thinking it over for a minute, he told us we weren't going to do it. Why not? "Because it sounds like a piano solo with vocal accompaniment." No matter how terrific the music, if it didn't show off his singers, he wasn't going to do it.

Thanks for the music, Dick. Be seeing you.

September 12, 2007 - 03:54 PM
Kevin Sandorf

Best part of North Central High School for me in 1973? Choir in Room M174 with a teacher by the name of Richard Laughlin...he didn't need any teaching method class in college...teaching was a given talent to him. I hope I am half the inspiration to my students at Howe Academy that he was for me at NCHS.

September 12, 2007 - 10:19 AM
Karen Sargent Lang

I remember Dick with fond memories. He was a very special friend when we were students in the Odon-Madison Schools. We also took piano lessons from the same teacher and played duets in recitals. I had gotten to see him from time to time in the past few years when he was at the Beef and Boards to renew old friendships. I have always marveled at his talent and accomplishments and feel my life was a little richer because of knowing him. The world is going to miss him and we thank him for the things that he left behind for us to enjoy.

September 09, 2007 - 03:26 PM
Tom Bozell

I first met Dick in the early 60's. I was a high school student in Terre Haute who loved movies, muscials and show tunes. I didn't have a lot in common with most of my fellow Hoosiers. Dick had returned to Indiana State on a fellowship to get his masters degree. To suplement his fellowship income he became the choir director at Montrose Methodist Church where my parents and sister sang in the choir. They fell in love with him and the family sort of adopted him. Dick loved movies, musicals and show tunes---and we hit it off immediately. He was the first person I ever knew with whom I could talk about the things I loved in life.

I passed out during football practice one very hot afternoon, decided that perhaps football was not my forte and auditioned for a production of Li'l Abner at the local community theater. I got a chorus role and, lo and behold, our new family friend was also in the chorus. That's when we became close and Auntie Mame opened my eyes to worlds I never new existed.

Dick was a profound influence in my life. We had great and not so great times but never, for a moment, did I not value the times we had together. Contact between us waned after I moved to Chicago and subsequently New York. But when we did get together if was sort of like putting on a great, comfortable old coat and for a few hours you could go home again. As anyone reading this knows, Dick had a remarkable spirit and I hope that we are all lucky enough to have some semblance of that spirt live on in all of us.

September 09, 2007 - 05:36 AM
Paul Palombi

I met Dick in 1969 when he lived in Broad Ripple.He shared many things with me the most memorable were my first Blood Sweat And Tears concert,Siamese cats and the Keenan compound at Lake Lemon. His cabin was just down the road from mine and I could hear him play and compose. He would come down the road to my place for some Italian food and a chat on the deck.

Rest in Peace my friend

September 08, 2007 - 01:33 PM
Wayne Fischer

I had the pleasure of meeting Dick in 1965 while in college. We shared a life together for about one year while residing in Broad Ripple.

If I only had one thought to express about Dick it would be about his ability to light up a room with his personality. The passion he had for music gave life to so many social gatherings. Memories of events with the Keenan family will always be alive in my heart. Were it not for Dick, I would never have had the opportunity to know them. I shall be forever grateful to Dick for guiding me through a very formative time in my life.

So, Dick, in saying good bye, I would also like to say, thank you for your influence in my life. You touched many lives while you were on this earth. I know you are up there right now playing the piano and telling funny stories. You will always be remembered for the joy you brought to so many people. Thank you so much.

September 08, 2007 - 04:27 AM
Dan Scharbrough

I first met Dick while doing a production of THE KING AND AND I at CTS. It was my second show in Indianapolis(outside of college). I was only 19 and had such a wonderful time on the show, and a lot of that was due to Dick Laughlin.

We worked together subsequently many times, mostly at Beef & Boards during the 1990's. He was a true gentle man, and a friend.

He will be sorely missed.

September 07, 2007 - 08:34 PM
Sara Krieger

My first memory of Dick Laughlin was a slightly nervous one. It was 1971 and I was a fifteen, about to turn sixteen year old junior at North Central High School who wanted to audition for the “Big Musical”. I was told that I couldn’t audition for it unless I was in a choir. I was also told to audition for “Mr. Laughlin”, because he was so cool and such a nice guy. I remember sitting down next to him and pulling out my sheet music. I had never auditioned for anyone before. I sang “That’s All” and I remember him accompanying me as if we were going on a great ride together. At the end of it, he turned to me and said “Good God, child! Where did you come from?” and just smiled at me, with those sparkling eyes. He made me feel instantly comfortable, competent and capable, none of which I felt before meeting him that day. I got to know “Dickie Lee” not only a magnificent teacher, but also a tremendous mentor, nurturer, confidant and friend.

There are, if we are lucky, a handful of people who grace our lives and imprint it in the most valuable of ways. When the Gods smiled upon me that day in that choir room by putting Dick Laughlin in my path, I became blessed with the gift of musical confidence and exploration, a gift that eventually led me to New York and to a 35 year career in the arts. And although our paths crossed only occasionally in the years since I moved from Indianapolis, I never forgot or neglected to appreciate the little leprechaun who generously and lovingly started me on my way.

I will never, ever forget you, Dick.

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