It is with broken hearts and unspeakable sorrow that we share the devastating news that the body of our beloved father, Richard Pagard, has been found and recovered following the catastrophic flooding in Kerrville, Texas. After days of uncertainty, hope, and anguish, our worst fears have been confirmed. Richard is no longer with us in body, but his spirit — his strength, kindness, and unwavering love — will remain etched into our hearts forever.
This loss has shattered us. It is a grief that cannot be explained, a pain that echoes in every quiet moment and every breath we take. To lose a parent is to lose a foundation — a compass, a comfort, and a living reminder of who we are. And Richard Pagard was all of those things and more. He was our shelter in life’s storms. Tragically, it was a literal storm that took him from us.
A Tragic End to a Noble Life
The recent flooding in Kerrville, brought on by unprecedented rainfall and river surges, left many families displaced and in fear. In the chaos and destruction, lives were upended in mere moments — and among them was our dear father’s. Richard was last seen trying to navigate the rising waters, doing what he always did in a crisis: staying calm, trying to help, and doing his best to get to safety. Search and rescue teams worked tirelessly in dangerous conditions, and we are forever grateful to the first responders, volunteers, and local authorities who did not rest until he was found and brought home.
His body was recovered with care, surrounded by those who understood the weight of what he meant to us and so many others. We can now give him the dignity he deserves in death — the same dignity with which he carried himself in life.
A Life Built on Integrity and Love
Richard Pagard was a man of quiet strength and gentle wisdom. A father of deep devotion, a friend of unwavering loyalty, and a neighbor who always showed up when it mattered most. Whether it was helping a stranger on the roadside, offering advice to a friend, or sharing life lessons with his children, he did so with humility and sincerity.
He taught us how to stand tall in the face of adversity, how to work hard and treat people with respect, and how to lead not with words but with action. He believed in community, in compassion, and in faith — not just in name, but in practice. The love he gave to his family was fierce and unconditional, and he made sure that we never doubted how proud he was to be our dad.
A Community in Mourning
The impact of Richard’s life extends far beyond our family. In the days since his disappearance, messages have poured in from across Kerrville and beyond. People shared stories of his kindness, his warm sense of humor, and his ability to listen when others simply couldn’t. Friends and coworkers described him as someone you could depend on — someone who led with quiet example and never asked for anything in return.
Our family is deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support. Your prayers, your words, and your presence have helped hold us together in these darkest of days.
What Comes Next
As we prepare to lay our father to rest, we are reminded that grief is not the absence of love — it is the continuation of it. It is the echo of all the moments we shared, the lessons he taught, the values he passed on. We will carry Richard’s memory with us always — not just in our tears, but in our actions. In the way we treat others. In the strength we show. In the love we give.
Funeral and memorial service details will be shared soon. We ask for privacy as we gather as a family to mourn and remember. In the coming weeks, we plan to honor Richard’s legacy through a community effort to support families affected by the flood — just as he would have wanted.
Rest Now, Dad
You braved life with dignity, and you met its end with courage. The flood may have taken your body, but nothing — no storm, no tragedy — can ever take your soul from us. You were our anchor, our guide, and our heart. And now, you are our guardian.
Rest in peace, Richard Pagard.
You are deeply missed, endlessly loved, and never forgotten.