From: Thompson Funeral Services Ltd.

Thompson Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Millie harper
Relation: An old friend And worker

Sharon I am so sorry, my thoughts and prayers are with out Hugs. Millie

From: Marnie Newcom

Sharon and Family,
It is with great sadness that heard of your son’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to your, your husband,and family Marnie From TOPS

From: Ellen Sedlack
Relation: School colleague

I’m so sorry to hear of Richie’s passing. I went to school with your son and he was always so friendly. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

From: Marsha Ottum owen
Relation: Friend from SVS learn and facebook.

I knew Rich from facebook, a fellow artist. I was so saddened to see the announcement of hsi death. My condolences go out to all who knew and loved him.

From: Laurie DeMott
Relation: Members of the online forum for the Society of Visual Storytelling

Rich was a member of the small online SVS (Society for Visual Storytellers) forum and many on the forum came to know him not only through his art but for his insightful and kind posts helping other artists pursuing illustration. When news of his death reached the forum, many people posted their sadness at his passing. On behalf of the forum, I have collected some of those responses to pass along to his family. May they find a measure of comfort and peace in knowing that Rich made an important impact on so many. (Laurie DeMott, SVS member)

Chip Valecek 
Fellow SVS student Rich Cartwright was active on the forums as well as always supporting fellow SVS students and forum users. My condolences to his family.

Whitney Simms 
Rich’s work was really great. We will being thinking about his family.

lmrush 
I was so sad to read of Rich’s death. Rich was an active part of the forum and I felt I knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed here at SVS.

Jessica Jolicoeur 
That is terribly sad. I offer my condolences to his friends and family in this difficult time.

Lee White 
Rich was a great part of our SVS family and it won’t be the same without him. : (

Sarah LuAnn 
People here on the forum are friends and we will definitely miss Rich.

KathrynAdebayo 
Here’s to a great person and illustrator! He will be sorely missed.

Tom Shannon 
Rich was a very nice person in all of his posts. My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family!

Eli 
Rich was such a big part of this forum and so supportive and helpful. He will be missed.

Charlie Eve Ryan 
I would have loved to see his books on the shelves. He’s been a part of SVS for a long time. My prayers go out to his family.

Johanna Kim 
This crushing and unexpected news makes me realize how deeply I care for our artists’ community even though we may never meet. My condolences to his family. Please know that Rich will be very much missed by his fellow artists.

Sas 
The art world is missing a good one.

MissMushy 
Rich was always so helpful and encouraging. One can become quite attached to folks you only know online. He shall be missed.

Judy Elizabeth Wilson 
Rich was a star on the forum. He helped a lot of people with his advice and I know he will be missed by many of us.

Spencer Hale 
Rich really made an impact here in our SVS community.
peteolczyk 

Rich was such a talent and a gentleman, I wish I’d got to meet him. So sorry everyone, deepest sympathy and respect to all his friends and family.

julian beresford 
I’m so sorry to hear this news and would like to pass on my condolences to the family.

nasvikdraws 
My deepest condolences to his family. His passion for art was really inspiring!

chrisaakins 
I am saddened by the loss. He was a great friend to all of us on the forum. He will be missed. I will be praying for his family.

From: Susan Keen
Relation: He was my cousin. Bill's sister is my mother.

Dear Bill and Sharon, I am so very sorry to hear of Richies’s passing. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

From: Jill and Gary Gabana
Relation: distant relative

So sorry to hear of the passing of Ritchie…our hearts go out to you Sharon and Bill…he will be in your hearts forever.

From: Grace Wilson
Relation: Teacher

Bill and Sharon, Richard was in my kindergarten class at Rosemont. While he reluctantly participated in music, he was always enthusiastic about art. I last spoke to him at LV Rogers. He had matured into a fine young man, one with a sense of purpose and self-confidence blended with gentleness. It was with sadness that I learned of his sudden passing from some students in that kindergarten class. We all shed some tears. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.