The first thing I wanted to do upon returning to Los Angeles was weight-lift because Richard Braden showed me how gratifying a weight-lifting routine can be. I went to the YMCA today, happily anticipating I'd see him (my first and only trainer) tomorrow... Richard being the highlight... I almost wrote of the YMCA but he gave me and so many others throughout his years, starting at his own clubs in America and abroad, the inspiration and tools that made weight-lifting a joy and a highlight in my life, making me stronger and more confident. He worked with Jack LaLane and would tell me stories of how Jack would say, I'm probably misquoting, but, "eat it, and wear it tomorrow". I always joked I had a "body by Richard" and it was true.
He's helped me get more tone and feel good that I'm hopefully warding off osteoporosis that older women and women with thyroid challenges (me) can succumb to. Mostly, Richard was a pure joy to be around. He was helpful, always going out of his way to show me and others the tricks of his fitness trade to do movements just right. This man changed more lives for the better than maybe anyone else I know. How ironic that such a strong and loving man succumbed to whatever it was at a relatively young age. He'd just turned 75 and he trained many people much older than that. But Italian-descent Richard, of the thick wavy white hair and kind turquoise eyes, notoriously hated going to the doctor. I learned he complained of stomach pains that became so bad it was hard to sleep. But it was in his sleep last week that he passed away. Hopefully, peacefully.
Richard was a peaceful man despite fact he was raised in Lincoln Heights, a rough area with gangs. He said he was a scrawny kid (hard to imagine) who learned weight lifting to defend himself. If only he could have defended against whatever got him in the end. He used to love taking the boat to Catalina with his grandpa, and if I recall right, he played the accordian. I'm sorry he didn't take after his mom who lived a very long life.
I will miss Richard so very much. As I know everyone at the YMCA will, too. I can't imagine how painful this must be for his wife.
Richard left a magnificent legacy.
I'll venture to guess that tens of thousands of people exist today with stronger bodies and hearts shaped to one degree or another by Richard Braden.
Richard, you will be missed, but never forgotten as your kindness, memories, and weight-lifting routine will live on with me, and judging by the tears flowing at the YMCA, countless others.
Weight-lifting won't be the same without you, but when I do my routine crafted by you, I'll remember your twinkly, generous personality, and be inspired to press on. Thank you.
