Sad News about Major Dick Culver

[barretcreek]

Posted by request



Thanks for the heads up. Dick is one of my "Brother Rats" from VMI, a fellow Physics major, Class or 1958. He would be 78 now.

He was one of the most loyal Marines you can imagine. Every year while we were at VMI he went to a Marine summer camp. When we graduated, during the summer he was at Quantico, he invited me up to shoot in the Eastern Regional Pistol matches. I was sufficiently a tyro that I brought my S&W 357, now called the Model 19 and a hat full of heavy loads, 158 gr Keith semi-wadcutter in front of 12.5 gr. of 2400. After the first flight, the range officer asked me to shoot something a little quieter. Shot Dick's 1911.

While he was there I got him a date with a cute girl that lived on my block in Richmond. Was a short lived passing fancy.

He is an unusual guy. Someone most folks would be proud to call a friend.

Convinced me that when I went, I wanted it to be in a violent firefight.

Alex

[2flasargent]

In my 23 years in the Navy, I've known some exceptional Marines. I'm sure Major Culver would stand with the best. God willing when my time comes too I'll be proud to stand with him. Prayer in the times of transition.

Respectfully
George Scott
LCDR, USN (Ret.)

[BruceHMX]

The Culver's helped me to sell an entire gun collection many years ago. My wife was ill and we needed the money. I'll never forget how both of them would email me and help with the posting of the guns on the old web site. Heartfelt prayers out to both of them.

[John Sukey]

Barretcreek, Odd you should mention that, We might have met back then. I was in the band, (same class) but only spent one year there.

[Bob K]

My prayers go out to the Culvers.

[Dan In Indiana]

Semper Fi !

[Jefferson Adams]

Folks, a little bit of an update: Gloria told me last night that the doctors had just told her it looks like 4 to 5 days at most, his body is basically shutting down. He's unable to talk or move much at all.

Thank you all so much for the remembrances and the comments - I know they're going to be a comfort to Gloria when she has a chance to see them, since she's currently internet-less. If she hasn't scrounged up a mailing address by the time Dick walks through The Gates, I'll post mine here so you can send cards or whatever to her through me.

Thanks again for your thoughts, prayers, and comments.

[bd1]

We all appreciate your help to the Culvers and keeping us apprised.

[da gimp]

Jeff, Post office boxes often prove to be one of the safest ways to do it..........they are cheap & do not have to be kept forever.........unless they're needed....... that way, neither her address nor your street address appears on the net, providing a place that professional burglars would want to seek out, as either would/will yield high value items that could easily be fenced..............

just an old deputy's thoughts that keeping things private, is often the best way to go............of course my ultra liberal cousin says I'm just paranoid............

[RoninPhoenix]

add my name to those to pass along to gloria. Both of them at various points over so many years have demonstrated kindness to me. I wish the major an easy transition in his journey.
Through the years a lot of knowlege has passed through this site, on many many topics.
ron

[Brad in Idaho]

Sad news indeed. We have had the honor of meeting The Major (Dick) and Gloria, spending some time with them, and hearing some of Dick's stories, told masterfully. We will keep the Culvers in our thoughts in this difficult time, especially Gloria.

Thanks to Jefferson for keeping us posted.

Brad & Jean Manau

[tatonka]

Thoughts and prayers for the Culvers, many thanks for all you have done for us.

Jeff, +1 on what da Gimp said, the PO box would be a good way to go.

[John Kepler]

I've been privileged to meet and talk with the Major on a number of occasions.....up to and including him cutting grass on the Camp Perry Ranges so ORPA would have a semi-decent environment to shoot State Matches in! The last time was when he was at the Nationals with "Dad" Farr's rifle....a rare, "bucket list" treat for those idiots that try to shoot Long Range Service Rifle. Dick is one of those unsung jewels of the shooting community that if you are VERY lucky, happens once a generation or so. Dick and a handful of others did a great deal to not only save Highpower Competition shooting, but advanced it as a viable sport in the 21st Century. The entire CMP Games Matches are largely Dick's doing. I was one of the "Beta-testers" of the concept, shot the very first JCG Match later that year.....and was also one of those predicting a VERY short, highly acrimoniousness lifespan for the idea., and felt that Dick and the supporters were as visionary as they were terminally naive. It was Dick's unwavering optimism that put their stamp on the venue and made it the unqualified success it is...and I was never so happy to be so wrong in my life! It could have gone either way, and but for men like Dick, I'm fairly sure my cynical view would have prevailed, and the Games Matches would be nothing but a shooting footnote. And Dick rarely says a word about his involvement in developing the entire concept!

[Mark in Ottawa]

Our thought are with you at this time

[Weasel]

My thoughts and prayers are with the Culvers.