Rick Hube, RIP

Rick Hube was a friend of this site for the three years of its existence and a personal friend for far longer than that.  He was that rare thing in politics – someone incapable of malice.  Or, for that matter, defeatism.  He seemed more than resigned to the role of minority membership in the state legislature and could, at times, seem almost to relish it.  Far easier to propose audacious policies and programs if you knew that there wasn't much chance you'd be tasked with coming up with ways to implement them.  And he was always juggling more audacious schemes than he could keep up in the air.

"Hey," he would say over the phone, not bothering to identify himself since his sand-and-gravel voice was unmistakable, "what do think about this ..."

And he would be off. 

But that is not to say that he was not a thoughtful man or that he did not take his role as a legislator – and a member of the minority – seriously.  He didn't need the job which seemed to make doing it well even more important to him.  And that meant all aspects of the job – from policy-making to constituent-service.  If you were sitting with Rick in a public place, having coffee, you could be sure that a voter would come by with some complaint.  And he would listen patiently then make notes on a sheet of paper he tore from my notebook (he never carried pen or paper) and promise to look into it. 

"I'll get back to you," he would say.  And mean it.  The last time I saw him make such a promise – no more than a month ago – the constituent was a woman who was having problems with her telephone bill.

"Why didn't you tell her to call Fairpoint?" I asked, after she'd left, confident the matter was in good hands.

Rick shrugged and it was a big shrug. 

"Comes with the territory."

He was a large man and all his friends worried about his weight and what it meant for his health.  But if he was large, the term "morbidly obese" never applied to Rick no matter how heavy he got.  There was real athleticism in that big body and you saw it on the golf course and when he skied.  When you watched him, you were reminded of Paul Newman in the movie "The Hustler," when he studied Jackie Gleason stalking shots around the pool table. 

"Look at that fat man move," Newman says, in admiration.  Rick Hube moved gracefully through life.

He died earlier today.  In Florida.  Of an aneurysm.  The legislature will miss his brain and his energy. 

The rest of us will miss his very big heart.

Comments

[G. Cross]

This is very sad news. Rick was a great guy and damn good legislator. (Not that he and I agreed on all issues.) He will be missed.

[Chris Campion]

I did not know Mr. Hube, but after reading just a little about him and the obvious mark he made on the people he knew, I wish I had known him. My condolences to his family and his friends.

[Sabina]

He was my friend for more than 25 years and he was generous, caring, gentle and ... damn, he was smart. I will miss him.

[Tom Little]

Rick was a true gentleman, a loyal friend, and passionate in his love for Vermont. God bless him.

[Jerry Little]

Rick Hube, friend, neighbor, golf buddy, clear voice in Montpelier, but most of all a real person with an unbounded sense of humor that extended to any and all. Equally at home and adept on a golf course, legislative floor or pressing the flesh at local festivities, Rick brought intelligence, humor and uncommonly good common sense to all occasions. I'll miss looking out my window and seeing Rick in his office fighting the good fight, or just plain planning the next great adventure - he truly saw his life as one marvelous advenure to be savored.
Vermont has lost a truly great advocate and rational voice toward progress; I've lost a great friend.

[Frank Cioffi]

Rick Hube was one of the nicest, most genuine and fun people in politics and government. He always tried to make a meaningful contribution to making Vermont a better place. Vermont lost a really good person today and he will be dearly missed. I think that he made us all laugh and smile a lot, especially when we needed to.
Rest in peace Rick

[Darren Allen]

I agree with Frank completely. Rick was someone who really liked to poke holes in false arguments from all sides of the political debate, but he was never mean or strident. When, as a reporter, I first moved to Vermont, Rick was one of the first people to talk to me and point me into some provocative directions. I always enjoyed working with him. Much peace, Rick.

[Paul Emmanuel]

I just heard the sad news of Ricks passing. He and I were on opposite sides of the political spectrum but he was always considerate of my views and suggestions. I think we have lost a great asset in Montpelier. My condolences to his family. A truly sad loss.

[Jerry Goldberg]

Lovely tribute, Geoff. Southeastern Vermont -- indeed the whole state -- has indeed lost a giant.

[Cassandra LaRae-Perez]

That was the thing about Rick. You and he could be on polar opposites of an issue, and while he might poke fun at you, he would always listen with respect and offer thoughtful (if often humorous) arguments for his side. He was warm, funny, and brilliant. He had a sophisticated taste for scotch, a tremendous talent at athletics, a devilish sense of humor, and a deeper well of kindness and generosity than anyone I know. His passing is a great loss to the State of Vermont, and a personal loss to anyone lucky enough to have called him their friend. Thank you, Rick, for everything.

[Michael Gardner]

Wow,

Rick will be missed by many far and wide. Let's hope the legislature doesn't forget how well he represented many of the true Vermonters

[Lucie Garand]

Rick was an amazing friend, confidant and mentor. He was thoughtful, caring, generous and always gave sound advice. Life for many of us will never be the same. I can't imagine not seeing or talking with Rick on an almost daily basis. Cassandra hit the nail on the head, his passing is a huge loss to the state, and a personal loss to his many friends. Rest in peace my Dear Friend.

[Mike Dritz]

Rick was always looking for new ideas on how to help Vermont grow and prosper. His desire to create a better life for homeowners and vacationers was omnipresent. He understood the value of bringing both together.

To know Rick was to love him. We skied only a week ago and were looking forward to playing tennis. Rick was truly a wonderful athlete and an even more terrific human being. We will miss him dearly!

[David Sunderland]

I don't know what I can add to the comments already written here. I worked with Rick for all my 5-years in the House. He loved the challenge, loved the process, and most of all, loved the people. From the comments above, it is clear they loved him back. This is a stunning loss for our state.

I will miss his keen intellect, razor sharp wit, and infectous laugh. I'm proud to have had him as a friend.

My deepest condolences to his family.

[DJB]

You might as well throw away the mold that made him. No one in Vermont will be able to fill it - literally and figuratively. May God rest this merry gentle gentleman.

[Mike Bernhardt]

A shining star has fallen.

[Ralph Colin]

A shock. I was out of town and had no access to email. I learned of Rick's death through the newspapers; believe it or not, it was in USA TODAY yesterday.

I had lunch with him just two weeks ago, one of our regular periodic get-togethers to discuss
the state political situation over a period of many years. We worked together on the frustrating task of trying to reform and/or replace Act 60.

He was a dear friend, a gentle man, a man of great wisdom and compassion, and a truly honest and genuine statesman, one of a disappearing breed.

I shall miss him so damn much.