Richard E. Wend (1921-2009)

By Roger Kolman

Dick Wend passed away Sunday, October 25, 2009, after a battle with lymphoma. For anyone who knew him a deep void now exists within. He will be sorely missed.

Dick was a member of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) for six decades and was a recipient of the Director's Awards for his lifetime contributions.

He was an avid observer of the planet Jupiter and served as the Jupiter Recorder for the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers.

He was a longtime member of the Milwaukee Astronomical Society and the Racine Astronomical Society and served as in officer in the RAS for many years.

He was a member of the Astronomical League for more than six decades and served as an officer of the North Central Region for many years. Additionally, he served as a member of the Leslie C. Peltier Award Committee from 1980 until his death.

He served as a volunteer at Volo Bog and received awards for his contributions to that organization.

He served on the Fox Lake Library Board from 1991 until his death and was a valued member of that group.

Any organization he joined became richer for his participation.

He was a valued friend to all who knew him.

May he rest in peace.