Richard,

Thoughts from NZ come to mind, as observed by Kipling and exemplified by you: ‘If you can dream and not make dreams your master, if you can think, and not make thoughts your aim, if you can force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve your turn long after they are gone, and so ‘hold on’ where there is nothing in you except the will which says to them ‘HOLD ON’ It has been great knowing you through the meditation group, as a helping hand with my work, and with Laura joining your family celebrations for your anniversary and later on our wedding. You are a lovely friend, husband and father – we will miss you – with love Marya and Andrew

Andrew Smith

I have the privilege to treat some remarkable people, remarkable because of their intelligence, accomplishments or amazing personalities. Richard was all of that and therefore one of my favourite clients because he was one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever known. He was a true leader teaching with his way he dealt with his diagnosis, the way he grew as a person, his utter positiveness, rarely complaining about anything. He always led me to learn more about how to handle my life. Richard’s death sure leaves a big hole, but I just feel so glad that I knew him. He will continue to inspire me daily and I will carry on thinking of life through Richard’s eyes, hoping to make it a better one. I sure miss you Mr Clemons.

Bea Jung

Dear Richard,

On the 11th of October I returned to live Sangha after a long break, but learned you were no longer with us. Half way through the meditation I caught myself staring at an empty chair in our usual circle, after a member had left the room. I was quite tearful. Funnily enough, it was the 5th or 6th chair from the left, where you often used to sit. My instinctive thoughts started playing tricks on me, I had a vision of you coming back and taking the seat…

I then remembered when I first met you in this group, perhaps a decade ago. I noticed your kind smile and openness, positivity and a lovely personality that we shall continue celebrating. I feel privileged to have known you and that I can take part in these celebrations of your life.

The expression ‘Life is not fair’ comes to mind. I know I will be staring at chair number 5 or 6 during our Sangha meetings for a little longer whilst processing this sudden loss, but deep down I know that the miracle of continuation has already happened. You and a few others managed to keep our meditation group going, helping us all to sow the seeds of happiness in our ‘weekly sanctuary’. These seeds will continue producing flowers which we will keep watering. I feel enormous gratitude.

I want to say THANK YOU and I know I will miss seeing you across the room. I will also remember how you liked holding hands at the end of our sessions. Therefore, in your mind’s eye, let’s hold hands, everybody!

With love from Nada

Nada Davis

Richard was my best friend for 47yrs. We met at high school and saw each other almost every day throughout our teenage years. I didn’t have many other friends because, if Rich was your best mate, you didn’t need anyone else! Rich was the very, very best of people and, if you were lucky enough to spend any time with him, you came away feeling positive about everything, especially yourself. My life has always been guided by one mantra – “what would Rich do?”. My wife & I will dearly miss his loving friendship and unfailing support. God bless you, my friend. With love, Richard & Julie.

Richard Rose

We met Richards 14 years ago, he was a lovely person, so kind, such a good friend. In these pictures we were spending wonderful moments with my couple, Richard and Laura in Argentina. We remember going to Bariloche where we spent a very nice holiday. So sad when we heard that he passed away. We will always remember you smiling and singing folk songs.

Laura Palacios and Gabriel Benatar

Richard was a very nice gentleman whom I had the pleasure of working with. Always very a friendly smiling fellow to deal with. Seem to remember we shared secondary careers as Dads taxi , we met outside NEC arena as our respective children attended Slip Knot n Slayer concerts. Taken from his family at far to young an age. Hope you are reflect on the happy times you all shared with Richard. Thoughts are with you at this tough time.

Russ Taylir

The first time I met Richard was when Mick brought home a group of apprentices,Richard stood out from the rest,I instantly liked him and knew he would go far, AND HE DID.We became friends, he was so lovely with our boys, I knew one day he would make a super Dad, AND HE DID.
The strength and positivity he displayed after his diagnoses was outstanding he never once said “ Why me?” or complained.
You were taken too soon Richard , Mick and I will never forget you, and when negativity creeps in to my life I will think of you , your amazing attitude , and I will try very hard to emulate you.

Alison Hobbs

I first met Richard through the Twickenham Sanga over 6 years ago and his positive and warm presence always made me feel welcome and included.
Over the years he has been a constant pillar of support for the Sanga, honest, kind and generous with his time.
When Richard was practicing to become a coach, he was instrumental in using his new skills to help me during a challenging time in my career and he helped me
regain clarity of my working identity and my confidence just by focusing less on what I said and more how I wanted to ‘be’.
He generously shared his wealth of experience and made a big difference to helping me get back on track and I will always be grateful for his support.
Richard was blessed because he was loved and knew he was loved. I will miss him greatly.

Yvonne Choong

 I was very sad to hear of Richard’s passing.
I have vivid memories of him when we worked together for Kraft Foods in Banbury and later in Zurich.
What I will remember is his energy, his tenacity and his drive. Plus his big smile. When you have colleagues like Richard, nothing is impossible!
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Des Curtin

So sad to hear of the loss of Richard.
I will always remember him fondly. Meeting him at my first interview nearly 20 years ago, a very welcoming and happy gentlemen. He challenged me during our time working together in the world of coffee at Banbury which I appreciated so much. As well as challenging me, it was always great to see his fun side at any team events. An inspirational leader I will always admire. Peace to you all and thinking of everyone who is suffering the loss of him.

Amanda Collins

I am writing on behalf of the Mulberry Centre on line Creative writing group. Richard you joined our group in January of this year and what an impact you made. From your very first appearance we were one of us because of your openness and friendliness. Your desire to share your terrible terrible cancer ordeal through your writing to help others with similar experiencewas inspiring and your approach to it was brave, honest and powerful. You were also prepared to “dip your feet” into writing poems and other things notably your haikus and you supported others in the group with sensitivity and generosity. You are deeply respected and loved by us all Richard even though you were only with us a short time and we never met in person. We miss you, especially your lovely disarming smile.

Jenny Hewett

I am so truly grateful to have had the privilege to have met you dear Richard during yours and Lauras time back in Zürich, where your doors where always open for me to come in and to enjoy a delicious glass of Vine, global homemade delicatesses surrounded by your always welcoming and warm humorous company. Being it in Switzerland or later in Hampton where I could than celebrate with you your 5th wedding anniversary. Friends are the family we choose.. You had been such a very charming, deeply emphatic and kind friend and I will always remember your dances with Laura you so often named in your deeply loving and heartwarming way, Laurita. You were taken far too soon Richard. I will miss you and sending all my love to Laura and your sons! Until we meet again…

Romina Schweizer

Personal tributes to Richard will be shared here as we receive them

Would you like to add a tribute? Just click the button below.
Please note tributes do not automatically publish, they are added manually by the White Rose team.