Richard Boebel Obituary

Richard "Rick" Brainard Boebel passed away Monday, February 12th, 2024, while skiing in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado at the age of 73. He was a beloved son, brother, father, and friend. Rick is survived by his sister Amy Jean Boebel of Baltimore as well as his daughter Helen Suman Boebel of New Orleans and his son Richard Suman Boebel of Philadelphia, both children of Margret Suman.

Born in New Orleans on July 26, 1950, Rick's life was a testament to curiosity and adventure. His early years were spent fishing in Louisiana and helping out on the family farm of his mother, Helen Jean Boebel, in Wisconsin. Rick shared a passion for knowledge with his father Richard "Dick" Wallin Boebel. Together, they attended the opening of the New Orleans Central Library in 1958, where Rick spent countless afternoons.

After high school, Rick got his first taste of travel which became a lifelong passion. He worked on a seismic vessel off the coast of New Zealand and then continued to hitchhike through Australia and Asia. Rick visited countless countries throughout his life, always looking for an opportunity to bring his fishing rod. A student of history, he could also give a short (sometimes not so short) lecture on each of the countries he had visited.

Upon returning to the United States, Rick graduated from Colorado College ('74) and received his MBA from the University of Chicago ('76), making lifelong friends and attending more than a few Grateful Dead shows. Rick completed his PhD in Financial Economics at the University of North Carolina in 1991, where he was reluctantly bestowed the title of Dr. Boebel. A career in teaching led him back to New Orleans as a professor of economics at Tulane University. He then moved with his family to Dunedin, New Zealand where he taught at the University of Otago.

Once on a rafting trip, an observant guide pointed out that beyond Rick's rough exterior, he was "a big old softy at heart". Those who knew him recognized his loyalty, care, and quiet generosity. In his later years, Rick was rarely seen without his beloved Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Sadie, and spent his time listening to music and enjoying the outdoors with friends and partner Audrey Marnoy.

Rick will be deeply missed by those he left behind. Rick's irrepressible spirit endures in the mountains of Colorado and the many places he called home. A celebration of life will be held in New Orleans in the spring. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your local library is preferred.