Gary Richrath
October 18, 1949 - September 13, 2015
Atlanta, Georgia
How much fun my friends and I had and how we were so excited when REO played at THE RED LION INN in Champaign,IL. Terry Latrell on lead vocals and of course Gary on Guitar. What fantastic music. RIP Gary. You will never be forgotten by me. Much love to your family.
Posted by: DeDe Bencriscutto - Sullivan, WI - Acquaintance
Sep 12, 2021
I tried to call Wade,so so very sorry. I lost a brother last Sep. to.
Posted by: Eric Butler - Yuma, AZ - Friend
Sep 12, 2018
Thank-you so much for all the wonderful memories of watching you with reo speed wagon. You and your guitar created breathtaking entertainment. You always looked sexy but classy and that beautiful smile could tame the wildest mustang. You are sorely missed by so many people but you will live on in all our hearts that you touched so beautifully. May your wife and family, your friends and fans find peace and Gary, may you find your peace in the arms of the Angels. God Bless you, Gary
Posted by: Donna Cataldo - Brookfield, MA - Friend
Oct 19, 2016
I started playing air guitar because of Gary and later when I could afford it I began playing Les Pauls and emulating Gary... Seems like the best times of my life.
Posted by: Wes Jones - Elkhart, IN - Friend
Aug 09, 2016
To a man who inspired me in life and also had a part of who inspires me now do to the fact that I roady for a band with someone you use to play with I thank you for your influence and talent in this life and into the next!!!
Posted by: Timothy Musgrave - Milwaukee, WI - Student
Jan 28, 2016
You will be missed Gary! You were a very talented and under rated musician!!
Posted by: D. Bailey - Dedham, MA - fan
Oct 09, 2015
One of the most under rated guitarist ever he as well as the rest of REO should be in the R&R hall of fame already.
Posted by: Scott Hugen - Lovilia, IA - Fan
Oct 01, 2015
I first heard Gary in 1969 at Red Lion Inn in Champaign, IL.. It was love at first sight. I have had a crush on him all these years. Rest in peace and you will forever have a place in my heart. DeDe Burris Bencriscutto Sullivan, WI
Posted by: DeDe Burris Bencriscutto - Sullivan, WI - friend
Sep 29, 2015
I had seen Gary and REO numerous times in Kansas City and I am so saddened by his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his REO family and to all those whose lives were touched by his talent. His talent will live on! May God Bless his soul.
Posted by: Eddie Minor - Kansas City, KS - Fan
Sep 25, 2015
To family and friends of Gary Richrath. My deeply sorry for your loss. The world is losing a great guitarist. Music makes the heart have joy. May you have comfort with the words at John 5:28,29.
Posted by: gwen karl - stockton, CA - fan
Sep 25, 2015
A message of sympathy in the loss of Gary
May the memories that mean the most to you and your family live close to your heart along with" God promise to wipe away the tears from your eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be any more the former things have passed away."
Posted by: GS - Atlanta, GA
Sep 24, 2015
thank you for the music that you wrote Reo Speed wagon lost a great guitar player in u. my heart is sadden by your loss. I am a fan of Reo Speed wagon. You are playing music in heaven. prayers to his family n friends n fans
Posted by: Kathy Lovingshimer - Dresden, OH - a fan of his and the band
Sep 23, 2015
Talent never dies. Gary lives on, forever, through his music. Right now, someone is rocking out to REO Speedwagon & Gary Richrath. See you on the other side, my friend.
Posted by: L. Peterson - Boulder, CO - Friend
Sep 21, 2015
Your passion Gary for your music was won of a kind.The way you played your guitar. Oh my. Tears.. I seen REO in concert. RIP Gary. God bless you and your family. You rode the storm out..
Posted by: Charlotte Dixon - Lafayette, IN - Fan
Sep 21, 2015
Gary you and your band were really awesome Im a Big fan of REO speedwagon ,,,,,I use to play all of your music. I couldnt get enough... i have a few albums of yours. Prayers go out to the band members, freinds , and your whloe family. We will miss you.
Posted by: tammy bowers - Richmond, IN - no
Sep 21, 2015
Joining the prayers for Gary, his family and friends. The unbridled joyous energy of his guitar has always been pure adrenaline to me. Thank you, God Bless and Godspeed Gary!
Posted by: Tom B - St. Louis, MO - Lifelong Fan
Sep 18, 2015
Rest In Peace Gary, have seen You n Reo Speedwagon lots of many times as growing up. loved your music..have all Albums as well.Our thoughts n prayers goes out to the family,And your legend will mostly live on..
Posted by: sherry k - ora.gevale, CA - biggest fan
Sep 18, 2015
Sending prayers for Gary and for his family and friends!!! He will be greatly missed
Posted by: Tracy Gruver - Allentown, PA - Fan
Sep 17, 2015
Rest high on that mountain Gary, your job is over here now and there is no doubt that I, along with millions of others, were entertained from the time you first took the stages with REO and will continue to enjoy your hot licks and unique style of guitar playing until we also join you in eternity. May our loving father hold you in his arms now and give you peace.
Posted by: Joe Richards - columbus, OH - fan
Sep 17, 2015
Rest In Peace Gary. You are miss. I will "Ride the Storm Out" in your name. God Bless
Posted by: Warren Bechtold - Hemet, CA - Biggest Fan
Sep 16, 2015
I have been having an REO Marathon. Listening and watching Gary play is a classic Rock experience. Love you Gary RIP BRO -
Posted by: Richard Weygint - Los Angelos, CA - Not related
Sep 16, 2015
Will be sadly missed by our family and friends
....
Posted by: Don Balch - nashville, TN - friend. fan
Sep 16, 2015
It makes me so sad to hear of Gary's passing.He was a great guitarist and brought a lot of joy to a lot of People !R.I.P. My friend!
Posted by: John T - KY - friend
Sep 16, 2015
"RIP Gary, You were the greatest"
- Jim C. Rochester Hills, MI
Posted by: Jim - Rochester Hills, MI - fan
Sep 15, 2015
Selfishly saddened to hear about Gary's death. No offense to other band members, but Gary was REO (I have seen them many times before and after his departure). Sympathy to his family, friends, and fans. Rest in jamming peace with your Les Paul.
Posted by: Oz - Elizabethtown, KY - fan
Sep 15, 2015
Smiling thru tears at the wonderful memories of the many REO concerts my husband and I attended..last being just last year in Ft Myers, FL.
The Speedwagon has lost a piece of its heart.
Hugs being sent from Naples, FL from two grateful fans
Carl and Kandi Brown Sept 14, 2015
Posted by: Kandi - Naples, FL - fan
Sep 15, 2015
so sad what an awesome guitarist i have loved you guys since i was a teen love your band... the angels have gary so dont be too sad he is safe
Posted by: marquita mcneill - houston, TX - fan
Sep 14, 2015
Thank you for the music and happiness you brought to us all! May God grant peace to your loved ones.
Posted by: Maxine Fitch - Fan
Sep 14, 2015
Rip you will be greatly missed :(
Posted by: Larissa - framingham, MA - Fellow Fan
Sep 14, 2015
"So sorry for the loss...There is a party in heaven May he rest in Peace"... forever fans Ilia Pelliccia & Ricky Montanez - San Juan, Puerto Rico 09/14/15
Posted by: Ilia Pelliccia - Catano - Fan
Sep 14, 2015
So sorry for your loss, may he rest in piece . It's been a very bad three years for both of us Wade. If theirs anything we can do please contact us. Again we are so sorry.
Posted by: Eric Butler - yuma, AZ - Step Brother
Sep 14, 2015
So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort give you the strength to endure. Please know that our Loving Creator never intended for death to be a part of life. He promises us, " from the power of the grave I [ God ] will redeem them. " Hosea 13 : 14.
Posted by: O. Miller - NY
Sep 14, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to all of Gary ' s loved ones. He is family so there will always be a void in our family.iP Gary.You made the world a better place.
Posted by: Wayne/Ellen Butler - Pekin, IL - stepbrother
Sep 14, 2015
First concert I saw was REO Speedwagon at Alpine Valley in Wisconsin in late 70's. Gary's guitar solo left a lasting forever impression on me and to this day I still listen to REO Live - You Get What You Play For! One of the BEST Albums ever recorded. RIP Gary!
Posted by: Michael Znaniecki - Olive Branch, MS - music
Sep 14, 2015
