Richard Philip Rick Strain, 64, of Fishersville, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at the Golden Living Rehab Center in Buena Vista, VA
He was born April 24, 1947 in Califon, New Jersey, a son of the late Naomi M. and Arthur D. Strain, Sr. He lived in Hunterdon County, NJ until his marriage on August 2, 1969 to Susan Jones Strain. They lived in Frankford Township, Sussex County, NJ before moving to Fishersville in 2000.
Mr. Strain was a 1966 graduate of North Hunterdon Regional High School, Clinton, NJ. He received an A.A. degree in Park Management from Lake City Junior College and Forest Ranger School in Lake City, Florida and was a graduate of the NJ State Police Academy in Sea Girt. Rick was Chief Ranger for many years at High Point State Park before becoming Regional Chief Ranger until his retirement. After moving to Virginia he worked at James Madison University in Parking Services.
Mr. Strain was proud to have worked with several fellow rangers to get a bill enacted in the legislature which enabled the NJ State Park Police to become members of the Police \u0026 Firemens Union. He was a charter member and first president of the NJ State Park Police P.B.A. Local #222 and received a silver lifetime membership card in the local.
He enjoyed hunting in New Jersey for many years and was a lifelong NY Giants football fan.
Surviving family members are his beloved wife of 42 years, Sue; a daughter, Lara A. Strain-Layer and her husband, Christopher J. Layer and their son, Adam J. Layer of Cayey, Puerto Rico; a son, Adam J. Strain and his wife, Carolyne Cuzeau and their daughter, Siena-Claire of Philadelphia, PA; a brother David Strain and his wife, Helen of Douglasville, PA and their children, Deborah Kopp and her husband, Garry Kopp of Wiggins, MS and Karen Strain of Annville, PA; a sister, Barbara Cronce and her husband, Daniel of Easton, PA and their children, Lori Clark and her husband, Patrick of Easton PA and Bucky Cronce and his wife Amber of Easton PA; a brother, Arthur D. Strain and his wife, Kay of Milford, NJ and sister-in-law Kay Bell and her husband, Bob Viola of New Hope, PA.
The family is especially grateful to Dr. Christopher Heck, M.D. for his compassionate care of Rick over the years. They also appreciate the wonderful care he received from the doctors and staff of ICU at the University of Virginia Medical Center, the ER, ICU and 2 East at Augusta Health, Kings Daughters Health and Rehab Center, especially the therapists who worked with Rick, and the University of VA Transitional Care Hospital.
It is requested that memorial donations may be made to Wildlife Center of VA, PO Box 1557, Waynesboro, VA 22980 (www.wildlifecenter.org) the National Stroke Association, 9707 East Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112 (www.stroke.org) or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be private. Friends and family will gather at a later date in NJ to celebrate Ricks life.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton, is in charge of his arrangements.