Financial analyst, expatriate, raconteur.
Richard Holly studied at the University of South Carolina’s MIBS program, which sent him to Belgium and Europe. After returning briefly to Tulsa, he landed a financial analyst job with Engelhard in New Jersey, then transferred to Paris in February 1992 — where he stayed for at least five years. His letters are distinctive: typed formal openings, handwritten continuations, always signed “Your friend, Richard.”
By Paris he was deep into the life: apartment in a wholesale district, ten minutes from the office, escargots, learning Lotus and DOS. Five years in: “I will always be a foreigner here.”
He flew from Paris to California in July 1997, stayed in my room at Amy's house. Amy made waffles. He returned to Paris the following week. Last known contact.
He always told me I had a knack for writing. “Your friend, Richard” — he meant it.