There was a short story I read for a creative writing class last year called "In the Gloaming" by Alice Elliot Dark. It was about a mother spending time with her adult son, who was dying of AIDS. At one point in the story, a friend of the dying young man mistakenly heard that the son had passed away and sent the mother a sympathy card. In the card the friend said of him, "[He] was the most vital, funniest person I ever met."

That quote not only describes the character in the story, but it fits Richard as well. Everything I've read about him, from the tributes here at Muppet Central and at Emmy's site, to what was said about him at MuppetFest and written about him in Of Muppets and Men and Jim Henson: The Works portrays Richard as a kind, funny and generous man who loved what he did for a living and the impact that it had.

Like most people, I didn't learn about Richard's passing until I saw the dedication in the opening credits of Muppet Christmas Carol. Being a fledgling Muppet fan (born the year the Muppet Show ended its five season run, barely remembered Fraggle Rock or the first three movies but knew Muppet Babies), I didn't really know who Richard Hunt was until I heard Statler's voice and knew that it was different. So I surmised that Richard had been Statler's performer the same way Jim was Waldorf's. At the time I had no idea of big a hole Richard's passing had left in the Muppet family.

I think maybe that's why I was so pleased to see Scooter back in the fold, so to speak, in IAVMMC. Not simply because he's my favorite Muppet and it was his first appearance in ten years. But because, in a way, it feels like Richard's spirit is back with the Muppets as well.

So here's to you, Richard. I hope you're bringing as much life and laughter to Heaven as you brought to us here on Earth.