Our Story

A note from David…

The Kurt Rieschick Memorial Fund was established soon after the sudden and untimely death of Kurt Rieschick, a husband, friend, colleague, and genuinely beautiful person whose goodness touched those around him in meaningful ways.  Whether it was just his beaming smile, a willing ear or thoughtful advice, his friendship, love and wisdom was felt by everyone he met.

Kurt Walter Rieschick, Jr. passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday, January 16, 2021 at just 50 years old. Kurt was a native of Columbia, Maryland and graduated from Hammond High School before later receiving his B.S. in Business Administration from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.

He began his career at the Bureau of National Affairs in Washington, DC but soon after, found his true passion working in the real estate industry. As one of the first employees of McWilliams|Ballard, the leading new home sales and marketing firm in the Washington DC metro area, he went on to win multiple sales awards and accolades over his 15 plus year career. The team at McWilliams|Ballard, including founders Ross McWilliams and Christopher Ballard, became family to Kurt. 

 Kurt’s passing in the middle of the night during a peaceful sleep was the result of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).   SCA is not the same as a heart attack, I have since learned, SCA is when the heart suddenly stops beating, but quick treatment with a defibrillator increases the chances of survival.  If I had access to an AED (automated external defibrillator), perhaps he would be with us today. During a SCA event if someone does not receive a shock across the heart within the first minutes of his/her heart stopping the person has less than a 12% chance of survival. 

Unlike a heart attack, SCA provides little to no “warning signs”.  Time is of the essence (as is said with so many things in life), and with every minute of not being defibrillated, the survival rate drops exponentially.  A home AED device is as small as a handbag, equipped with a long-lasting battery, which tests itself monthly, and is very easy to use.  Even if you’re in disbelief of your surroundings, watching this happen to your loved one, initially not knowing what to do, the AED is fairly simple to operate.  If it isn’t SCA, the AED won’t send the shock.  I will never know if Kurt would be alive today had I had an AED, or had my building had one in the lobby.  He could still have passed away, despite my best efforts. 

With the creation of the Kurt Rieschick Memorial Fund, we are confident that the Funds’ mission of education, awareness, and prevention will have the opportunity to possibly save a life.  With your help, Kurt’s passing will not have been in vain.  While routine check-ups are the first step at prevention, education and having the necessary tools to combat SCA are paramount to the Fund’s mission.  

Kurt, my soulmate, was with me for nearly 23 years.  Frankly, we were inseparable - two people intertwined as one. We lived and worked  side-by-side at McWilliams|Ballard, and shared the same passions; travel experiences, often sharing these priceless moments with an entourage of great friends, learning French, enjoying our city, our cats, and our lives together.

Kurt was a bright star to so many people who were fortunate enough to spend time with him. He was gifted with intelligence, unqualified compassion, and a gentle, loving soul. He was the ultimate Libra - calm, balanced, non-confrontational, and a forever peacemaker (with a touch of heartwarming procrastination). He will be known and remembered for his tender smile that would light up the room with radiance. He had an unparalleled gift of creating and cultivating relationships, and Kurt was respectful of all living things, and he tried to always see the good in others.  Simply stated, Kurt was a good man. 

 Join us in honoring his life and legacy.

 —David Klimas