S ince his passing on September 8, 2003, at the age of 86, there has been a great deal written and said about our long-time friend and neighbor Walter H. Richter.

    First there were tributes flying around the Internet: "A giant has fallen", wrote political consultant Alfred Stanley. "One of the world's sweetest men ... always upbeat and positive", chimed in civic activist and fellow Yellow-Dog Democrat Anne McAfee.

    Then there was the lengthy obituary in the American-Statesman, touching on the myriad highlights of a long, accomplished and illustrious life: Walter's multiple achievements and contributions at his beloved alma mater Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) university, both as an undergraduate and thereafter; his naval service in World War II; his stewardship of the Stockdale Star, which both reflected and enhanced a lifelong love of journalism; his distinguished service in the Texas State Senate; his oversight of the Texas Office of Economic Opportunity; his good work(s) at the UT School of Social Work Research; his vigorous chairmanship of the Travis County Democratic Party; and his multitudinous memberships, affiliations, and awards. There was also an eloquent tribute on the Statesman's op-ed page, noting that "Richter's greatest talent was just being a good person", and concluding thusly: "... Richter exemplified a kinder, gentler era. But he personified timeless ideals that would serve any of us well."

    Then there was the memorial celebration in the State Senate chamber on the afternoon of Sunday, September 21, which packed the chamber with a host of friends, colleague and neighbors, and featured a virtual "Who's Who" of Democratic (natch!) political luminaries -- including U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, former Mayor Kirk Watson, State Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos, and State Rep. Eliot Naishtat. Son Gary led off the tributes by noting that his dad had been a "lucky man", because "he was able to live out his core vision -- that we're here to help each other". M.C. Cactus Pryor called his lifelong pal "... one of those who DID give a damn ... a gentleman who was a gentle man"; and neatly characterized his 62-year marriage to Dorothy as follows: "Dorothy laid down the law; Walter passed it." Other tributes came from Liz Carpenter, who called him "Texas' Will Rogers"; Congressman Jake Pickle, praising him as "One of the true gentlemen of our time"; former State Sen. Babe Schwarz -- "He was too good for the Senate"; former SWT President Bob Hardesty -- "a true servant of the people"; and Rep. Doggett -- "He and Dorothy have been role models for us all."

    In sum, a rich trove of tributes, richly deserved. But thus far, not much has been noted about Richter's exemplary citizenship at the neighborhood level, so we're happy to have a chance to fill in that part of the picture. First, of course, he served for 62 years as loving spouse, inspiration, partner, and