IN MEMORIAM

In the past few months, ChamberFest Cleveland has lost three pillars of our extended family: Richard P. (Rick) Goddard, Barbara S. Robinson, and William P. (Bill) Blair III. Their infectious enthusiasm, wise counsel, and generous support played an immeasurable role in our success, and we remember them with deep fondness and gratitude.

Richard P. Goddard, Board member and past Chair of the Board of ChamberFest Cleveland, passed away on March 9, 2023, in his Cleveland Heights home following a short illness. Born and raised in Indiana, Rick graduated from Oberlin College in 1974 and Washington & Lee University School of Law in 1979. He joined the Cleveland law firm Calfee, Halter & Griswold in June 1979, where he became a partner in both the litigation and labor departments. Rick and his wife, Anne Unverzagt, were among the original supporters of ChamberFest Cleveland. As housing hosts, they graciously welcomed a multitude of guest artists into their home beginning in ChamberFest’s first season, developing close friendships with several returning musicians who stayed with them year after year. Rick financially supported the organization both personally and as a corporate donor through Calfee, Halter & Griswold, and he made it possible for ChamberFest to hold several benefit events in the firm’s lobby throughout the years. As annual Ambassador Pass holders, Rick and Anne could be found in the audience at every festival performance. We will be eternally grateful for Rick’s generosity of time and expertise as he supported the organization on so many levels. Rick will be dearly missed by all of us at ChamberFest Cleveland.

Born in Cleveland, Barbara S. Robinson was celebrated for her devotion to culture and the arts in Ohio. She was at the forefront of efforts to promote and support arts and culture locally, regionally, and at the state and national levels, with an extraordinary record of leadership. She served as Chair of the Ohio Arts Council for many years, was named one of Cleveland Magazine’s “Most Influential” people, and was the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Cleveland Arts Prize, Cleveland Institute of Music Luminary Award, the Ohio Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Cleveland Heritage Medal. Barbara was instrumental in the development of ChamberFest Cleveland, serving on its Advisory Board since the organization’s inception. We are grateful for her love and commitment to the arts in Cleveland and beyond.

William P. Blair III passed away on February 2, 2023. Born and raised in Canton, Bill was a proud alumnus of The Ohio State University, where he received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts in History and Government, Master of Arts in Public Administration, and Juris Doctor from the College of Law. He was dedicated to his hometown and to his state, and served with distinction as Executive Counsel to the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Canton City Prosecutor, private practice attorney since 1977, and as one of the state’s most dedicated arts and culture advocates. A passionate supporter of classical music, Bill was a member of ChamberFest Cleveland’s Advisory Board since the organization’s start, lending his voice and expertise to strengthen and further its mission. His legacy of arts advocacy will be appreciated for years to come.