Ric Latham took his final bow on June 28, 2026, transitioning with comfort of body and spirit. He loved life and clung to it, conquering many medical setbacks. As he often said, “We’ve done some sh!t.”

Born in DC, Ric was raised in Virginia down the road apiece from the Quanders. He graduated from Groveton High School in 1968, where he further developed his love of theatre and the arts. His love of puppetry began with his marionette performance of Amahl and the Night Visitor (Menotti). He further honed his theatrical and musical talents while dazzling the DC Drag scene. Both his female (Kate Stewart) and male (Richard Stewart) personas held many titles and awards. He was renowned for his directing, pantomime, scenic and costume design. He was a Queen and King maker.

His heart was filled with compassion, and he sought liberty and justice for all. He served and supported many charities that served the gay, homeless, and pet-loving communities.

There are many traits that endeared him to friends and family. A stranger was just a friend he hadn’t met. These very same traits could make you an enemy if he believed you deserved retribution.

A firm believer that there are good reasons why some species eat their young, yet he doted on his niece Teresa (daughter of his brother William and Diana (nee Cornelison). Often referring to her as “a lotus that bloomed in the mud.” He was so proud of her accomplishments as a Nurse, PhD, and now professor, DNP, CCRN, NI-BC. He was so proud of her family: husband Danny Niblett and their two sons Shawn and Jack.

Other family members came and went in his good graces.

He leaves behind lovers; Jon Larimore (former) and Steve Cheifetz (current). Preceded by James Mc Cassie. And countless others that we need not mention. Let’s just say, the body that reached his embalmer was one that had known how to live.

Ric would like to thank some of the people he stepped on to get to where he was:

His Spiritual Mentors, The Three Wise Men – Charlie McClelland, Jim Adkins, and Lynne Moore. 

His high school chums - Bonnie Jo and Linda. 

Academy Friends past and present – Mame (Karl Rizzi), Kim Novak (David Ramsey), Leslie Gore (Ken Brown), Michael Kazan (Don Bouchelle), Sam Harris (Chris Pedersen), Barry White (Patsy Saxon), Holi Wood (Charles Sloane), Kelly Garrett (Joey King), Sting (Karl Lacour), Ricky Van Shelton (Michael Deyeeen) 

And other assorted characters:

Laura Berney and Family, Jeffrey Cheifetz, Bill Christ, Joe Constentine, Cheryl Geter, Dawn Kennedy, Jeniffer and Jeff Klusak, Joel McCassie, David Meeker, Kathy Mierke, Kathy Neal, Blair Osborn and Jerry Pace, Tracy Sherman and Noah, Joe Stabile and Michael Dunkleberger, Fred Young, the Gang at Ginger Cove, the parish of St. John’s Episcopal Church, the staff of the Hospice of Chesapeake (Charles County), and assorted nieces, nephews, and cousins.

If you feel you have been omitted from this list, let us know in the Guest Book.

In lieu of flowers or shiva treats, please make a contribution to your favorite charity.

Life is eternal

Love is immortal

Death is only a horizon

~ Carly Simon

(No, you look like Carly Simon)