Richard
Richard Coullahan
d. March 9, 2013
Richard Mark Coullahan
Richard “Rich” Mark Coullahan, 46, of Walkersville, passed away peacefully on
Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Frederick Memorial Hospital.
Born on July 20, 1966, in Mobile, AL, Rich is survived by his mother, Lucile Coullahan,
of Gallatin, TN, formerly of Walkersville; his father Richard Coullahan and step-mother
Joan Coullahan, both of Ashburn, VA. He also leaves behind his childhood partnerin-
crime and loving sister, Sandi Coullahan Weigle, formerly of Walkersville, brotherin-
law Bryan, niece Nicole, and nephew Kevin, all of East Palestine, OH. Brother
David, sister-in-law Patti, niece Abigail, and nephew Sean reside in Leesburg, VA. Two
young people he helped raise and of whom he was very proud, Anastasia and Josiah
Bausum of Frederick, will greatly miss hisparticipation in their lives.
An avid dog-lover, Rich leaves behind Cheyenne (“Shy”) and Big Money Coullahan, his
cherished canine family who accompanied him almost everywhere.
As a teen, Rich moved with his family to Walkersville after living in Alabama, Texas,
Massachusetts, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Japan as an Air Force brat. A graduate of
the Walkersville Class of 1984, Rich lived in Frederick County for the rest of his life
claiming he knew every inch of it like the back of his hand through his work and his
appreciation of the county’s beauty and history.
A respected land surveyor, Rich worked for 23 years at Harris, Smariga & Associates.
Known for his daring nature, he scaled great heights like the Brunswick water tower
(where he took wonderful photos of Brunswick and surrounding areas), worked in
hazardous conditions with relish, and traveled beneath the streets of Frederick, doing
what needed to be done for the job (or simply for fun).
Rich was passionate about local politics, often contributing to internet forums and radio
call-in programs as 1RMC. His witty zingers and candid observations about politicians
and issues angered some but rallied others in the community.
A prankster by nature, Rich achieved local fame in 2011 when he and his survey crew
began submitting creative original classified ads to the Frederick News Post. The ads
gained a following, even appearing twice on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
Subsequently, he and the crew were featured in two articles in the FNP. Rich struck gold
again the Summer of 2012, this time ribbing local morning radio personality Bob Miller
by posting public signs in different languages urging folks to call Bob about everything
from lost animals to second-hand furniture. “If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it
right,” was one of Rich’s mottos.
As Rich would say, he “liked doin’ stuff.” He could be found anywhere there was a
festival, outdoor concert, or charity event. Known as “the tuxedo guy,” he participated
for many years in Brunswick’s Freezin’ for A Reason, plunging in to the frigid Potomac
River on New Year’s morning to benefit area charities. A generous person, Rich was
always quick to lend a hand to anyone in need, friend or stranger, by offering his time, his
considerable talents, or his wallet. He will be lovingly remembered by many for his
acerbic wit, sly smile, and gentle manner. He will be particularly missed by a close circle
of long-time friends.
The family will be hosting a celebration of Rich’s life (i.e. share fond memories and
funny stories – there are many) at the Village Tavern in Walker’s Village Shopping
Center on MD 194 in Walkersville between 2-4 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2013. All are
invited and encouraged to come and share in this gathering.
In memory of Rich, the family encourages contributions in his name to local charities
There will be a private memorial service for family and close friends
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com .
Richard “Rich” Mark Coullahan, 46, of Walkersville, passed away peacefully on
Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Frederick Memorial Hospital.
Born on July 20, 1966, in Mobile, AL, Rich is survived by his mother, Lucile Coullahan,
of Gallatin, TN, formerly of Walkersville; his father Richard Coullahan and step-mother
Joan Coullahan, both of Ashburn, VA. He also leaves behind his childhood partnerin-
crime and loving sister, Sandi Coullahan Weigle, formerly of Walkersville, brotherin-
law Bryan, niece Nicole, and nephew Kevin, all of East Palestine, OH. Brother
David, sister-in-law Patti, niece Abigail, and nephew Sean reside in Leesburg, VA. Two
young people he helped raise and of whom he was very proud, Anastasia and Josiah
Bausum of Frederick, will greatly miss hisparticipation in their lives.
An avid dog-lover, Rich leaves behind Cheyenne (“Shy”) and Big Money Coullahan, his
cherished canine family who accompanied him almost everywhere.
As a teen, Rich moved with his family to Walkersville after living in Alabama, Texas,
Massachusetts, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Japan as an Air Force brat. A graduate of
the Walkersville Class of 1984, Rich lived in Frederick County for the rest of his life
claiming he knew every inch of it like the back of his hand through his work and his
appreciation of the county’s beauty and history.
A respected land surveyor, Rich worked for 23 years at Harris, Smariga & Associates.
Known for his daring nature, he scaled great heights like the Brunswick water tower
(where he took wonderful photos of Brunswick and surrounding areas), worked in
hazardous conditions with relish, and traveled beneath the streets of Frederick, doing
what needed to be done for the job (or simply for fun).
Rich was passionate about local politics, often contributing to internet forums and radio
call-in programs as 1RMC. His witty zingers and candid observations about politicians
and issues angered some but rallied others in the community.
A prankster by nature, Rich achieved local fame in 2011 when he and his survey crew
began submitting creative original classified ads to the Frederick News Post. The ads
gained a following, even appearing twice on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
Subsequently, he and the crew were featured in two articles in the FNP. Rich struck gold
again the Summer of 2012, this time ribbing local morning radio personality Bob Miller
by posting public signs in different languages urging folks to call Bob about everything
from lost animals to second-hand furniture. “If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it
right,” was one of Rich’s mottos.
As Rich would say, he “liked doin’ stuff.” He could be found anywhere there was a
festival, outdoor concert, or charity event. Known as “the tuxedo guy,” he participated
for many years in Brunswick’s Freezin’ for A Reason, plunging in to the frigid Potomac
River on New Year’s morning to benefit area charities. A generous person, Rich was
always quick to lend a hand to anyone in need, friend or stranger, by offering his time, his
considerable talents, or his wallet. He will be lovingly remembered by many for his
acerbic wit, sly smile, and gentle manner. He will be particularly missed by a close circle
of long-time friends.
The family will be hosting a celebration of Rich’s life (i.e. share fond memories and
funny stories – there are many) at the Village Tavern in Walker’s Village Shopping
Center on MD 194 in Walkersville between 2-4 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2013. All are
invited and encouraged to come and share in this gathering.
In memory of Rich, the family encourages contributions in his name to local charities
There will be a private memorial service for family and close friends
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com .
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Coullahan, please visit our flower store.