Dick hired me into his Business Financial Services group at Merrill Lynch in the late 80’s as a young banker. It was an exciting time as his WCMA product was a true innovation which allowed Merrill Lynch to compete against commercial banks for the first time in history. A few years later Dick gave me my first leadership opportunity, launching my management career that would ultimately change my life and the lives of my family. Dick could be tough, but he was always fair and had a good heart. I learned a great deal about being a good leader from him.
Years later Dick and Carol flew from Skillman to San Francisco to attend our wedding. When I thanked him for coming all that way, I remember him saying that it was important to be there for the special times in peoples lives - something that I have also tried to do.
Sonya and I extend our deepest condolences to Carol and the Hanson family. Dick was a good person who always saw the best in people - he will be remembered well.
