Rich is originally from Owosso, Michigan. In 1993, he came to Alaska to work with wildlife. Saying farewell to honey buckets and white socks, he soon became involved in science education. He is married to Dr. Alison Capitan D.V.M. and now spends time at home with his own wildlife: their 5 yr old son and 2 yr old daughter. He can often be seen on stage doing comedy improv here in Anchorage.