Mrs. Etter,

I was so sad to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

My sympathies go out to Richard's loved ones. I used to work with Richard in the Navy. He was a great guy and he will be greatly missed.

Richard was a good friend and respected colleague, with whom I enjoyed many good times and worked on many important issues for the Navy. I respected him and viewed him as a mentor. He will not be forgotton and is very much missed.

Audrey--
It is with deepest sympathy that I write this note. I had the honor of working with Richard in Crystal City and relied on him enormously for his depth of technical knowledge but even more for his phenomenal leadership gifts--once a Marine, always a Marine, he loved his people and took good care of them while completing the critical mission he was entrusted with!

I had the pleasure of meeting you as well and marvelled at the Etter family...meeting life head-on with passion, energy and a hefty dose of good humor!
Condolences,
Kathleen Dussault
RADM, SC, USN

Audrey,
As are all of Richard's friends, I was shocked and saddened to learn that Richard had suddenly passed away. Unfortunately, I was out of town for Richard's memorial service. I remember the first conversation I had with Richard. I had recently reported as the new XO and was getting familiar with Richard's team. The first thing Richard showed me was his org chart. What struck me then and has stayed with me since is that unlike traditional org charts, Richard's was inverted. Richard explained that in his mind he worked for those depicted above him as they comprised his team. My thought then was, "wow, this guy really gets it!" I didn't appreciate at the time how astute my observation was. Some smart person once said something about the value of a person's life is measured in how much one touches other lives (or something close to that). Anyway, in Richard's case, his life, while too short, was of the greatest value. I'm so lucky to be one of those he touched.

We extend our heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathy.

Dear Audrey, The times I got to spend with you, Richard, and Kathy were always filled with such laughter. Most of all it was clear you were Richard's best friend & brought him such great joy. You were the most entertaining Pictionary Team ever (even when Richard cheated to hilarious effect).

Kathy, I can't tell you how sorry I am for you and your whole family. But am also grateful you introduced me to Richard & Audrey so many years ago. He was a gentleman in every sense and such a pleasure to have known. Glad you all have such happy memories of a great brother.

My deepest sympathies to all of the family. I know this is a very difficult time and I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Audrey,
Although I did not know Richard that well, what I got from our many conversations was that he was a descent, kind and loving man, husband and friend. You and the "children" were lucky enough to have spent many wonderful years with him. Always remember the good times......Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you now and in the future. My thoughts are with you!

Although I did not know Richard well, I had the pleasure of meeting him on several occassions while at NELO and know first hand his tremendous contributions to the Navy and this Nation. Richard will be sorely missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing or working with him. God speed. My heart goes out to his family during this very difficult time, CAPT Gary Broadwell, USN.

To the Family of Richard Etter.

I will always remember Richard as a great leader and a wonderful story teller. It is a rare combination for an individual but the stories he told still make me laugh.

Audrey,
One thing was certain, he adored you. I am honored to have worked with him at the Navy. Our heart goes out to you and your family.

Kathy,

I was really sorry to hear about your brother. Jan and Richard worked together for many years at the Navy and she spoke often about "Richard." I didn't realize he was your brother until Lydia mentioned your brother had died and Jan mentioned his full name; Richard Etter. I guess I must not be much of an intel analyst. Jan spoke very highly of Richard and had a great deal of respect for him. As you can tell by the turnout at his memorial service, he touched a lot of lives. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

Bill & Jan Pugh

Audrey, we were so saddened to hear of Richard's passing. We will remember him as a kind and mild mannered gentleman and a very devoted husband. Sincerely, Don and Angela

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Etter. He was a great man and will be missed.

It was a pleasure working with Dr Etter in the Information Assurance community. He truly had the best interests at heart for the Navy and Marine Corps. It is rare to find someone of his caliber within our arena and he will be greatly missed. He served his country with Honor, Courage, and Commitment. God's peace and comfort upon the Etter Family during this time of tragedy.

Dear Audrey,

Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. For approximately 7 years, my office was 2 doors away from his in the ISAT workspace. I talked to him every day, and always will treasure our many conversations and the friendship we established. He was a great man and will be missed by his friends and his Country.

Ralph Olson

I met Rich while working in the Navy Human Resources Office in Crystal City. He was one of my very favorite managers. He would always take the time to answer my questions when I needed assistance on a professional and personal level. I remember him taking the time to provide some very valuable advice to my son who was seeking his master's degree. That advice paid off in advancing my son's career. Rich was a person who truly made a difference in the lives of many. His good deeds will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you all through this very difficult time.

Kathy and family,
Was sorry to hear of the passing of
your brother. He was too young.
My condolences to you and your family.
Nancy Dunegan

Kathy and family,
Was sorry to hear of the passing of
your brother. He was too young.
My condolences to you and your family.
Nancy Dunegan

I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to Dr. Etter’s family. In working for Dr. Etter in ISaT, I saw the positive change and growth that took place under his leadership in the IT environment and beyond.

Audrey,
We were deeply saddened to learn of Richard's passing. We will miss him very much. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless and keep you.

Dr. Etter was an inspired leader whose passion for excellence, intolerance for half-measures, and willingness to go the distance to do things right were and inspiration to all of us. He was also a very nice person, who treated all with courtesey and respect. He will be truly missed and my prayers are with him.

Dear Audrey,

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Richard's passing. He was a kind and gentle soul, who worked diligently to bring others together to solve challenging issues facing the Navy. He will be sorely missed. I will keep you both in my prayers.

Dr. Etter and I shared our professional lives from 1994 through 2003. He was a wonderful boss, mentor, and above all else a reputable person you could always trust to do the right thing. I will miss his quick wit, charm, and wonderful smile.

Mrs. Etter,
I was saddened to hear of Dr. Etter's passing. I worked with him briefly while I was at the DON CIO. He was a man of great character. My prayers are with you at this time.
God bless you.

Dear Audrey, Family, and Beloved Pets,
Richard’s untimely passing is a great shock to us on the DON CIO IA Team, and to me personally. He was an inspiring leader and daily exhibited such concern for his teammates. I can say I truly loved the man as our leader, and will sorely miss him. Our prayers to you, Audrey, and God bless you.