Rick Meier Windes, Masters Stalwart, Dies at 48

SAN FRANCISCO, March 18. IT is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of Rick Meier-Windes at the age of 48.

Rick was a stalwart of Pacific Masters Swimming for many years, having served in many of the leadership positions, including chair of Pacific Masters.

Rick also served on United States Masters Swimming committees including Officials and Legislation. He was the only person to be awarded the distinguished Pacific Masters "Contributor of the Year Award" twice (1988 and 1992).

A gifted long distance swimmer, Rick swam in the Olympic trials in 1972. A victim of AIDS, when he could no longer swim as well as he had in the past, Rick became a deck official. He worked many Pacific Masters meets and age groups meets. He became a National Championship Certified deck official (one of the highest rankings).

Rick continued to swim when his health would let him. He would enter the 500 and 1000 yard events with no hope of winning, but he swam just to participate. He swam just for the joy of the competition.

A founding member of Tsunami Swim Club, Rick served on its board and worked very hard getting all the records correct for Tsunami and for the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics group.

Rick was a tireless advocate for swimming. He was known for his forceful yet reasoned approach.

When information on a celebration of Rick's life is available, it will be posted on SwimInfo and the Pacific Masters web site.

For those who would like to send a note to Rick's partner, Cris Meier-Windes, the address is:
1543 LaSalle
San Francisco, CA 94124

I know he would love to hear from friends.

— Michael Moore, Chairman
Pacific Masters Swimming

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