Richard 'Dick' Wendel Eschliman of Columbus, passed to his creator, Thursday, September 17, 2015, at his home in Friendship Village of Dublin; he was 90 years young. He was better known as Esch, Dad, Papa, and Uncle Dickie, and had such a positive impact on all who knew him. Esch never forgot a name and was quick to tell you his "joke du-jour" or favorite limerick. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends. Dick was born February 9, 1925 in Wooster, Ohio to Jonas and Lillus Eschliman. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and beloved wife, Jean Ellen Clemence, who passed in October 2013. Dick is survived by their four children; son, David (Karen) Eschliman; daughter, Lynn (Patrick) Cahill; son, Dean (Pat) Eschliman; daughter, Susan (Duke) Dahlen; six grandchildren, Sean and Carley Cahill, Keely and Kristen Dahlen, Eric and Emily Eschliman; as well as one sister, three brothers, and many extended family and friends. Dick grew up in Canton, Ohio and attended Timken High School class of 43'. After graduating, Esch served in The Army Air Corps as a navigator and Second Lieutenant Bombardier. He then married the love of his life Jean, September 4, 1948, and they moved to Columbus so Dick could return to THE Ohio State University Architectural School. The couple settled in Upper Arlington where they raised their family and made many long-lasting friendships. They loved hosting get-togethers among the neighbors and friends. Dick and Jean were active members of First Community Church and The Stardusters Dance Club. Esch enjoyed playing the drums through the big band era and would pick up his drumsticks whenever given the chance. Dick loved his career as an Architect and won many awards and accolades while working in Columbus. Dick's first major office involvement was ten years with Dan A. Carmichael, Architect, working mostly on hospitals and schools. Dick was a Senior Associate with Ireland & Associates/Architects & Planners. This firm won many AIA and local design awards for projects on The Ohio Historical Center, PERS Building, and several local churches and residences. He then started his own Architectural Firm where he was President for 13 years of Eschliman Associates Architects Planners, Inc .. The firm designed a variety of projects including, land and community planning, multi-family housing in three states, schools, colleges, and commercial sites. Some projects included: Weigel and Hayes Hall restoration and renovation, Bolton Theater, Kenyon College, The Marconi Building, and several projects for Columbus public schools. While in private practice and subsequent to providing architectural services to the Ohio State University, Dick was asked to join them to become the University Architect. During his eleven years with OSU, he elevated the status of his office to Assistant Vice President/University Architect, and directed the design and construction of projects valued over five hundred million dollars on the University's many campuses, research facilities, and properties. Dick designed the concept for the ultimate expansion of The Ohio Stadium and was instrumental in the formation of the international symposium, "Preserving a Quality Environment for Learning". His nationally acclaimed design guidelines and building design standards have been used as a national model. During his service to OSU, Dick received many personal awards, honors, and recognitions for his contributions to the profession, THE University, and the construction industry. He was very involved within the profession and a member of: The American Institute of Architects (Columbus Chapter); AIA Ohio (served on several committees); The Association of University Architects; OSU (Knowlton) School of Architecture Alumni Association (membership committee); OSU Alumni Association and Faculty Club; The American Arbitration Association (panelist and given service award); The Construction Specification's Institute (two 4yr terms, Columbus Chapter); and The Building Industry Association. Dick was chairman of the Cultural Arts Committee of THE Ohio State University Retirees Association, and served seven years on the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission under an appointment by Mayor Tom Moody. Dick was also a Board Member of his and Jean's condo association, Trotters Chase, as well as a volunteer to The American Red Cross Blood drives. Jean and Dick were members of Premier Athletic Club where they enjoyed their water aerobics classes and friends. They traveled extensively though Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, and Mexico and loved spending winters with their "Florida family" in Siesta Key. Esch loved to sail and is a past commodore of the Alum Creek Sailing Club, where he raced weekly. He always cheered for his Buckeyes, and his children and grandchildren at Upper Arlington and Gahanna. We will always remember our Dad and Papa's contagious smile and ability to make all who knew him laugh. He was truly one of a kind. As he and Dick Rowan would always say, "Say Goodnight Dick!" Friends and family may gather Saturday, October 24, from 10 am until the time of celebration of life service staring at 12 noon at O. R. WOODYARD NORTHWEST CHAPEL 2990 Bethel Rd. Everyone is invited to bring a memory of Dick to share, due to time constraints and the love for Dick the family asks you write these down in case we are not able to share them all during the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dick's name can be made at Arthritis.org or P.O. Box 96280, Washington D.C. 20077. Previous Events Gathering of Family and Friends OCT 24. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (ET) O. R. Woodyard Co. Funeral & Cremation Services - Northwest Chapel 2990 Bethel Rd Columbus, OH 43220 Loading map Celebration of Life OCT 24. 12:00 PM (ET) O. R. Woodyard Co. Funeral & Cremation Services - Northwest Chapel 2990 Bethel Rd Columbus, OH 43220 Loading map