U.S. Army Sgt. Richard Allen Essex was remembered Saturday in his hometown of Kelseyville as a fearless "adrenaline junkie" who eagerly sought the door gunner position on the Blackhawk helicopter that crashed in Afghanistan Aug. 16, killing him and 10 others.
But he also was fully aware of his job's dangers, family members said.
Before leaving for his second tour in Afghanistan, Essex, 23, planned for his death, leaving his family a detailed plan for the memorial service that unfolded Saturday in the stadium at Kelseyville High School, his alma mater.
"What you are seeing today is what Rich had planned," Lake County Supervisor Rob Brown, a family friend, told the estimated 1,300 people who attended the full military service.
Essex had seen what families go through when soldiers die and did not want to burden his relatives with funeral arrangements, Brown said.
"Because of this, there was very little to plan," he said.
Essex's presence was palpable throughout the service, from the music played before and after the service to the festive leis his family wore around their necks, a tribute to time stationed in Hawaii.
The service evoked both laughter and tears as Essex' family and friends — people he'd specified in his final request — spoke.
They told stories about the likely illegal pranks he played as a youth, his zest for life and his serious side, which included advising friends, playing music and writing poetry.
"He inspired his friends to help each other," said high school buddy Billy Peacock.
"This kind of blows," said friend Zac Moe.
Rocky Cimina played an audio recording on which he performed a rap song based on the bedtime prayer: "Now I lay me down to sleep." He said Essex had encouraged him to pursue his music.
The speakers also included Army officers.
"We lost one of our best," Brigadier General Duane Gamble said.
Military officials presented Essex's family with 15 medals and badges, including a posthumous purple heart and a bronze star. A military guard then fired three volleys followed by a rendition of Taps.
The service concluded with two Blackhawk helicopters flying three times over the stadium and the release of red, white and blue helium-filled balloons, many bearing messages from friends and family as Essex had requested.
As his family followed the coffin from the stadium, the soldier's favorite song: "Sunglasses at Night," blasted from the loudspeakers, lightening the mood.
"I love you Rich," a mourner yelled out.
Essex's mother said she was overwhelmed by the ceremony and the outpouring of support.
"The community is just outstanding," Marion Hopkins said before heading to a private memorial gathering where Essex's favorite foods, spaghetti with meat balls and German chocolate cake, were to be served.
(You can reach Staff Writer Glenda Anderson at 462-6473 or glenda.anderson@pressdemocrat.com.)
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