29 Jan 2004 PTCRC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE RICH HORNING
After a courageous two-year battle with cancer, Rich Horning crossed the final finish line on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005. Our brother, friend, and comrade left us far too soon.
Rich had achieved many accomplishments in his relatively short lifetime: Eagle Scout, Air Force Academy Grad, Delta Pilot, Athlete, and Olympic Torch Bearer to name a few. But the honor of which he was the most proud, and which gave him no end of pleasure, was that of a family man. As husband to Sandra and father to Sheridan, Rich was complete in his joy. He was absolutely devoted to his family and said his only regret would be not seeing his daughter grow up.
Rich joined the PTC Running Club in 1994. He served as Classic Race Director in 1999 and 2000. It was for the 2000 event that Rich instituted the innovative wind shirt. A popular collector’s item, the shirt is frequently seen around town worn by those who were fortunate enough to earn one by taking part in the race that year.
Rich was selected to be an Olympic Torch Bearer this past year as the relay course wound its way through the U.S. on the way to the Athens Games. Rich was also one of only eight members inducted into the newly instituted PTC Running Club Hall of Fame this past December. In his remarks during the presentation, President George Martin stated, “Rich Horning was Classic Race Director for 1999 and 2000. He has also been very active behind the scenes as a coordinator in a number of different areas for the past eight years. And most importantly, over the past two years, Rich has shown us all the tremendous level of courage and tenacity that has been an inspiration to not only club members, but to anyone who knows Rich today.”
Rich was determined to fight his illness to the very end. His optimism and courage was inspiring to all who knew him. As Dave Piet so eloquently stated in his eulogy, “When the time comes for me to go, I can only hope that I show the same strength of character that Rich did.”
Rich, your comrades in the running club are unanimous as we salute you and say, “Well done good and faithful friend. You have fought the good fight and finished the race. Be thou at peace.”