Richard Perry Behr died on August 24 surrounded by family and friends and much love. He was 77.

A resident of Charlottesville, Va. and Edgartown, Rick was born on August 9, 1948 in Boston. He attended Burgundy Farms School, Fessenden School, Avon Old Farms School and Colorado College.

He loved playing soccer growing up and was the captain of the undefeated varsity soccer team at Fessenden under the inspirational Coach Harry Boyadjian. At Colorado College, he was proud to be part of a team that developed the block program there.

Summers were spent on Martha’s Vineyard with family and friends, often riding his bike to Wasque to go fishing and riding his beloved horse Beetle alongside the “barn girls.”

An adventurer at heart, he crewed on a schooner in the Caribbean, led white-water rafting trips on the Colorado River, and finally found his true passion as a hot-air balloon pilot. He spent five wonderful years with the Buddy Bombard Society in France and Switzerland flying over castles, vineyards and the Alps.

After his return to the states, he met John and Felicia Rogan, owners of the Boar’s Head Inn. Friends from the start, John and Felicia persuaded him to begin a hot-air ballooning program at the inn, and Bear Balloon Corporation was born. Thousands of people have enjoyed the birds-eye, treetop view floating over the beautiful Virginia countryside during Rick’s magical 43 career in Charlottesville. A prominent member of the ballooning community, Rick earned the prestigious Ed Yost Master Pilot Award, given to balloon pilots who have demonstrated skill and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for 40 years or more.

Rick loved travel, bicycling, fishing, animals, apple pie and reading a good book. Most of all he loved his family, friends and cat Oscar. His two children Vanessa and Chris were the most important part of his life, and he let everyone know it.

Rick never met a stranger, and he developed many wonderful friendships over the years. His outgoing spirit led him to the community theatre in Charlottesville where one of his favorite roles was playing the wizard in The Wizard of Oz.

He also believed in charitable giving and in service to others. He flew his balloon at numerous charitable events and volunteered at area schools, where he taught children about the wonders and science of lighter-than-air flight. For 30 years, he led a monthly soup kitchen at Christ Episcopal Church. His spaghetti was always a big hit, and he offered a smile and a serving of hope with every meal.

The last months of his life gave Rick the opportunity for a long goodbye. Returning to the Vineyard this summer for the final time, he was able to visit his favorite places and share his memories with the special people in his life and they with him. In Charlottesville, he connected with the people in his life who had meant so much to him. He was very grateful for this time, and he treasured every memory and farewell.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents Frederic Howell Behr and Jeanne Perry White Behr and by his brother Peter. He is survived by his daughter Vanessa, his son Christopher (and his lady Ashton), his brother Eric and wife Nancy, his nephews and nieces (Fritz, Cassie, Alex, Matthew and Marcus) and their children.

Special thanks to his life-long physician, John Lanham, and the incredible team at Hospice of the Piedmont. Rick waged a hard-fought battle against pulmonary fibrosis, and he earned his rest.

His family and friends wish him fair winds and send him off with love.

A celebration of Rick’s life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you make a donation of your time or gifts to organizations that support people or animals in need.