Obituary: Richard Kirchner ‘wanted to see others succeed’
Barbara Kirchner will never forget the close connection she and her husband, Richard, had with Central Michigan University.
Though Richard died Dec. 2 at 79 years old, she said the memories of his career as an athletics coach will always be close to her heart.
Richard was born in Schenectady, N.Y., on Feb. 17, 1930. He worked at CMU for 36 years as the founding chairman of the recreation and park administration department before retiring in 1992.
He was recruited at CMU as the head wrestling coach, a position he held for eight years.
Richard finished his coaching career with a winning record of .721 and was inducted into the Central Michigan University Athletic Hall of Fame. Barbara, whom he married on Feb. 2, 1951, said he developed a strong relationship with his players during his coaching career.
“He had a bond with his team. He was very close with his players,” she said.
Barbara said Richard was a very kind and dedicated person. She said he was always thinking about the well being of others.
“Richard was a great family man,” she said. “He had great concern for other people. He wanted to see others succeed.”
Kirchner was deeply respected by his players. Barbara Kirchner counted numerous times when he was approached by past players and thanked for his dedication.
“Past players would see him and say to him ‘If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am today’,” Barbara said. “It always meant a lot of him when it happened.”
