To the editor:

Without a lot of notice or much public comment, Dr. Ric Prael has slipped into retirement. We can’t stand the idea of his retirement from the day-to-day Langley scene to pass unremarked.

First, Dr. Ric was the dentist for a generation or two of island children. His kindness, patience and skill dealing with terrified, squirming, crying children made him the dentist of choice for many island families. One may reasonably credit those children’s good adult dental practices and outcomes to Ric’s care and direction while they were children.

Ric was equally skilled with terrified, squirmy, biting adults, as this writer can personally testify. Always patient, kind and skilled, Ric made dentistry as pleasant as it can be.

In addition, throughout his tenure in Langley, Ric was an unwavering supporter of the arts. He provided financial and volunteer support to Island Theatre, Fools and others. The arts events posters that line the walls of his former practice on First Street are silent testimony to his long-time support.

Finally, Ric was a great Langley parent. When Ric’s kids, Tracy and Katie, were growing up, the Prael’s house was always a wholesome place Langley kids could congregate in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

When most people retire from public life, their passing is like a hand removed from a bucket of water —- after a moment, no sign remains. That will not be the case for Ric. His support of the arts, skill with kids and community-mindedness ensure the road that led to retirement is lined with milestones he left in his community and patient’s hearts (and mouths).

Thanks for everything you gave the community, Ric, and have a great retirement.

The Kimbell family

Clinton