I've known Richard and his charming wife, Kathleen, for years. I was just so saddened to hear this news. Mr. Rasmusen did an excellent write-up. Thanks for bringing this news to everyone's attention.

I am sorry for his family and their current situation. However I do nkt have any concept as to why I am suppose to have ANY remose. The only restaurant identified I EVER ATTENDED was the Milton Inn. i HAVE never know of any of the other food establishments. There fore they have NO MEANING TO me. I grew up and lived on the west side of Baltimore County (Randallstown, Reistertown, Pikesville) NOT part of the community you defined. Am I suppose to have remose?

Besides my confusion over just what "remose" is, why on earth are you objecting to a bit of restaurant news on a blog sponsored by a newspaper, jjthomas? Are you saying you only care about things that happen on the west side of Baltimore County? And chewing out Elizabeth for telling us about something that happened outside of your neighbourhood?

My, what a narrow life you must lead.

Well, jjt, unless you somehow caused his death, remorse would indeed be an odd response to the news. You would not have had to leave your preferred neighborhoods to enjoy Country Fare, but then it's probably just as well for the rest of us that you stay put.

I worked for the accountant who did Richards books years ago. Richard was delightful as was the majority of the Country Fare group. I was very saddened by his death because he was a wonderful person.

And, I agree he and his partners were very important to the restaurant scene not just in the city but in the county, Columbia and even D.C. as you've noted, Elizabeth.

jjthomas, if you somehow missed out on Country Fare Inn and Fioris which were on YOUR side of town, it's sad for you because they were really outstanding restaurants compared to the rest of the county. But I agree with City Redux and it's probably better for the rest of us that you stay put.

El, many thanks for posting this news as I did miss Mr. Rasmussen's article. That list of restaurants brings back memories of special birthdays, my high school graduation luncheon, a dear friend's wedding reception and the memory of Harborplace when LOCAL merchants were part of the tenant mix.

I'm glad the Sun kept Fred Rasmussen at the paper. He is a skilled and talented writer. I'm sure writing obits is not easy, but he is very good at it.

I think jjthomas wrote the diatribe about Highlandtown vs Canton. He/she is trying to confuse us by saying he/she lives (and always has lived) in west Baltimore County. Whatever that means.