Richard Napieralski, garden guru and longtime Grant Beach neighbor, passed away Aug. 7.
How do you sum up the life of one person? Richard “Locofoco” Napieralski left us after a short and sudden illness. The news spread as the primary polls closed and as many of us were wrapping up the National Night Out event at Nichols Park that evening.
As I tried to decide how best to honor the legacy of a man who has been a part of the Grant Beach neighborhood for decades and is well known around the city, I thought of all the roles he played in people’s lives. He was a son, a brother, a veteran, a husband, a father, a mentor, a friend, a role model, a gardener, a chef, a larper, a music lover, an activist for social and political change, a rebel, an individual, a teacher, a cheerleader, a worker, a giver, a neighbor, a champion of the democratic process, a leader, a doer, and above all, he was Richard.
Richard’s legacy in Grant Beach mainly revolves around the Grant Beach Community Garden and what has become known as the Produce Drop. He was the driving force behind the initial years of production at the GBCG. He was also instrumental in the early days of the The Fairbanks Market Garden and Springfield Community Gardens. He was involved in many gardens throughout Springfield. After the initial harvest of the GBCG, Richard saw the need was greater than the garden could meet and brainstormed the idea of partnering with Ozarks Food Harvest to increase the produce available for distribution. His vision was to help all who needed access to fresh food and turn no one away.
To honor and preserve this legacy, the Grant Beach Neighborhood Association has voted to change the name of the Grant Beach Community Garden. Look for a dedication in the spring when gardens begin to bloom and grow. All who loved Richard are welcome to join us in remembering him.