Join Memories to request access to contribute your cherished photos, videos, and stories to Richard's memorial with others who loved them.
Join MemoriesJoin Memories to request access to contribute your cherished photos, videos, and stories to Richard's memorial with others who loved them.
Join MemoriesWhat a loss to the world. Condolences to you and the family on your loss. Richard and I had great fun working together in Wollongong in the early BHP Engineering days with an amazing software product called SCAS that Richard developed. This work literally saved me from exiting the business. Over the years he made an enormous impact on my working and personal life and I will be forever grateful for his patience and encouragement. Simply Richard and another great mentor Nik Nikolovski are the reason I now run my own successful business. Regards, Chris Troutman
my voice went all croaky as it does when I was telling my wife about Richards' loss. It goes a little croaky too many times these days. He will be at the admissions desk to Heaven meeting a few of our vintage. Kind Regards, Gary
My condolences from all the Silhouette Shooters in Newcastle. Richard was an inspiration to all of those who knew him. Brian Marsden JP AFIEAust. Assistant Secretary - Newcastle Pistol Club NSW Director - Handgun Metallic Silhouette Science and Engineering Challenge Ambassado
It is with true sadness that we send our condolences to Ansie and your families. We know Richard suffered for so long and was very articulate in the email updates that we received regarding his journey. We feel blessed having met both Richard and Ansie when we moved to Mt Gravatt from Sydney a few years ago. Richard’s bright mind always led us to conversation we never anticipated and gave us food for thought as a result. Climate change was a strong topic of his. Richard and Ansie’s love for entertaining always left us feeling most welcomed in their home. Thank you for your friendship over the years. Fondest love Chloda and Athol
Thank you for informing us of the passing of Richard. He fought a great battle over the last eight years and will be sorely missed by us all. Our sincere condolences to Ansie, yourself and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very distressing time. Kind regards
Meg and my thoughts are with Ansie, and family in this sad time, our deep condolences, and support. Just a little golfing story that may brighten your day. Richard and I were friends, both tragic golfers, undergoing treatment for cancer at the same time. Each Tuesday afternoon he and I would hold a mini conference at our golf venue, comparing notes on how our treatment was progressing. Richard was the ever green optimist, he would often make the point we were “fortunate" to "be in the vertical” and able to continue playing the game we loved. Over time, your dad earned the title of “soldier”, as I found him to possess great determination and commitment. Never negative on any front. He was amazing, backing up from Tuesday morning Chemo, to play good golf in the afternoon. Amazing ! Richard was an inspiration to me in particular, and to members of our club
It is with great sadness on receiving your email. I am typing through tears, so please pass onto Ansie our most heartfelt condolences from myself and hubby Terry and not forgetting all your families. He was an amazing man, the perfect gentleman full of life and humour whenever we were together. Will always be in our memories. I have taken the liberty of passing your email along (trust this was ok) to a number of former club members here in NSW and Victoria who have known Richard for years. Words are very hard in this situation, but be sure our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Take good care everyone, Di Ballard
My thoughts and tears are with you all. It was not a time when people had cameras for anything other than some tiny 120 or 127 holiday snaps (Ask a great Grandpa), so no happy-snaps from times gone by. Anecdotes?? Well, they are in plenty and Pete English would be the friend to ask for more but... Richard and I were required to leave W.H.S.B. at the same moment on the same day, along with two others , one of which is now, as per Richard, thrice sainted but anecdotes from me would pre-date Granny Blaydens dream about to come true, when she coerced Richard into returning to serious education and gaining for her , the required degree to be waved at the halo wearing "Uncle David" (R.A.): same time that I dumped my girlfriend (whereby hangs a tale! The notorious Sally-Ann Dyer!!!) and ran off with a popstar; unknown in his native OZ but a name bigger at the time, than the Beatles. Richard and I were together on the night that Kennedy was assassinated: we'd both just landed our boats from herring cocking (driving) A night never to be forgotten, such was the impact of the news and everyone in the hard-bitten Bus-mans' and fisherman's café, were in floods of tears. Unimaginable when, in today's world killings seem to be par for the course in any large town that they have lost all sensible meaning. I even remember the record that was playing on the juke-box when we walked in. Anecdotes there are, as I said but now is the time to remember the Richard of later years and in all of your lives. The picture of him drowning worms is exactly as I remembe,r when he was running the "safety-boat" every day from the beach opposite Windsor Road; in Worthing. I pray that comfort comes to you all and never forget, the depth of your grieving is the measure of your love.
I hope you and Ansie are holding up okay and I'm glad Ansie and Scruffie were able to be with him at the last. Please pass my condolences onto Ansie at the funeral. We may not have spent a lot of time together, but the times we did visit, and vice versa, are fond memories of a stoic, witty man with a keen interest in the world around him and excellent skills in the kitchen. Best wishes, Emily
My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Richard was instrumental to me as a mentor over many years.
MY FRIEND RICHARD. We didn’t see much of him and Ansie, as we live so far away from each other. But the times we did, it was always a memorable occasion. He was the most positive person I knew – Scorpio of course! He was a fantastic and innovative cook. He took an ordinary BBQ Sauce, added a ton of chillies – and called it HOOLIGAN Juice. And boy, was it hot! It burnt on the way in and then it burnt on the way out again! One weekend many years ago, we went to Straddie with Richard and Ansie. As per our custom, we had a braai (BBQ) one night in the caravan park where Richard & Ansie were camping. As per usual, the wine flowed freely and much was consumed. Ansie was feeling very merry and decided to climb a tree next to their caravan. Richard, who was also a bit merry (he never lost his poise) was very worried about Ansie up the tree. So he tried to coax her down. But she would not budge. And then he started serenading her – VERY LOUD! All the other campers enjoyed it very much. Needless to say, Ansie was down that tree in a flash! Richard, we will never forget you. Too many happy memories. RIP my friend. Xxxx Matilda & John
My condolences I remember a really kind man who cared a lot for Ansie Antoine and Licelle may his soul rest in peace
So so sorry to hear the news Licelle Fleming , no more suffering. Much strength to you all. Xx🌻🌻
Baie jammer om te hoor, baie sterkte vir julle as familie.
So sorry for you loss. Richard was a great man and I have many great memories of him when I was a child. Sending you all lots of love during this tough time Xx
My condolences Licelle, in the short time I knew him I considered him a very noble and inspirational man. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to you all at this difficult time. My thoughts are with your family especially your mother. I remember meeting Richard some years ago in Holland. A kind and caring person. RIP Richard. ♥️
My condolences to your whole family at this very difficult time. Sending love ❤️❤️
So jammer om te hoor, bid vir julle almal in die moeilike tyd.
Sorry to hear the news. I have memories of washing Richard's car for pocket money when I was a kid. He also helped me get work experience in Civil Engineering at the Port Kembla Steelworks, which progressed into my first full time job. Also enjoyed fishing with him and Gary on the boat. Tight lines Richard. 🎣
Jammer om te hoor...Ons dink aan julle!!
Ag so sad my prayers are with u this is unfortunately life My love are with u Dearest children
Sending love hugs and sympathy Licelle and to all the family also.  What an amazing man Richard was and it's hard to imagine the world without him and his inspirational wisdom, care and insight 💔Thanks for looking after your dear mum so well dear. 💐 May God bless and comfort you and yours 🙏💕💕💕
Sending all our love and hugs at this very sad time Licelle. Richard was one in a million, May he Rest in Peace , love to all , please give your Mom a huge hug from us 😭💔 Reply1d
Sending all my love to you and your family. Richard was a wonderful man, a great loss to all who knew him. 💐
My deepest condolences Licelle 😪 Richard will be missed but always in our hearts 💞
Condolences to all over there! Take care, big hug!
Writing to send my love and let you know that you’re in our thoughts. Sending hugs for you during this hard hard time.
So, so sad. But no more pain. My sincerest thought are with you, your Mum & Antoine. They were always the perfect couple to me & I have some wonderful memories of our times together. Wish I could give you a big South African hug. Thinking of you my dear friend. Alletta
I was so sorry to hear that Richard had died. Our thoughts are very much with you all at this time. I'm sorry we are so distant and that I'm not that there to help in any way. I was struck by your post on Facebook, "by all those who he has touched during his life". That was very much my limited experience of him. Generous of his time, his food and his beer. One of those rare people who are more interested in those around him rather than publicising himself. Despite his illness he took time to show us the sights, cook for us and leave Daisy with memories she still talks about all these years later. She proudly eats strawberries like Grandad and dreams of the day she can eat Flathead again. Please pass on our thoughts and love to your Mum. Regardless of the past we live in the present and right now there's a fairly big dent in all our lives. All the best Mark
Sorry to hear about the passing of Richard. So sad. I can remember the time Richard rang me and ask if we wanted to come over for a fish barbecue. He had just come back from working up north and he had caught a couple of barra. We we came over he ask Chris Brown to hold out his arms. Into which Richard through a barra and said now you can tell everyone you have caught a barra in Engadine. And who can forget those parties and the time we all had to shower at Richard and Ansies place when I was renovating our bathroom. So many great memories. I miss you mate.
We were very sorry to hear the sad news of Richard’s passing. We will always remember the good times we had when we were neighbours in Engadine. Our thoughts are with you. Xx
Our sincere condolences Ansie and to all your families, Richard was an exceptional man, a true gentleman, having the pleasure of knowing him will stay with me always, highly regarded in our shooting family by his peers and fellow competitors Richards memory with be with us always
Dear Ansie I was so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. We had some wonderful times when you, Richard, Peter & I were in Johannesburg. I still recall your beautiful wedding day when Kylie & Simone were your little flower throwers!!!! I also remember how thoughtful you both were; and Richard picked the children & myself up in Sydney to go & visit you. I’m sure you have plenty of fantastic memories to recall. Thinking of you at this very sad time. Lots of love From Veronica (Ronnie). ❤️❤️
Ken and I are so sad to hear that Richard finally succumbed to his cancer. We would dearly love to attend Richard’s funeral but are currently in the Northern Territory on an extended caravan holiday. Can you let me know the funeral arrangements and I will pass them on to Irene and Bruce who would like to attend if possible. Our condolences to you and your families. Love Leonie & Ken xx
We were so saddened to hear of Richard’s passing. We are, however, so glad that we visited Richard and Ansie in February. We knew then that he was very sick but it still hit us hard when we heard of his passing. We hope that your family is coping at this very sad time. Our deepest condolences. Kind regards KEN & NARELLE FIELD
Our condoleances with the passsing of Richard😥❤️ We think of you and the family
Please convey our condolences to Ansie, also to the rest of the family. Richard was a great guy and we had a lot of good times together, especially on the pistol range. It is hard when you see the decline in one's partner when you have had a good life together. Regards, Jenny and Bruce
When Richard and Ansie met John and I it was an immediate friendship that lasted from 1987. John and Richard had a lot in common and had long conversations about his work and then John explained it to me, so we came to know this very gracious intelligent man that was comfortable on a stage, with a fishing rod with John, and could party through the night. So many memories of visits back and forth, camping trips, parties with a few bottles of wine and lots of fun and nonsense. We loved him and will remember him as a great human, he was our brother in this country and will miss his regular emails too about social issues, With love Bea 🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕
So sad to receive this not unexpected news and I am sure the exhaustion and sadness will take its toll on Ansie and the family for a long time. Chris and I both wish you strength and courage to support you along the way. All the happier memories can then resurface and gratitude for the love of such a lovely person can be a comfort. All our best love Sarah and Chris
All our thoughts are with you – he is at peace now and probably out fishing. Love Judy n John
I was very sad to hear your news even though it appeared to be heading that way - it’s still a very nasty shock when it finally arrives. We were really close friends in our early twenties but then geography intervened and continued to do so with no change. He was his own man and a lot of that rubbed off on me and for that I was always grateful. Martin
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Richard. Our sincere and deepest condolences to Ansie, Licelle, Antoine and family. In his life he has borne rich fruit and now knows life that will last forever. He cherished his family and friends. He will never be forgotten and will live on in our lives.
June 2023 A message to my dear 'BIG BRUV' RICHO ... You were 7 when your first little sister was born (that's me, Marie) and just over ten when Sarah arrived to complete the family. According to the family stories, you and Aidy (3 years ahead of you) were already up to no end of mischief. You and I were reminiscing about some of it recently in our Zoom chats. I never got to the bottom of who stealthily replaced the chocolate decorations off the Christmas tree with identically sized and wrapped pebbles from the beach. That remains a secret between you and Aidy... but your most legendary early collaboration must be the Fireworks fiasco. That's not any old 'playing with fireworks', it's making them, in your bedroom, with gunpower, and setting them alight! It's not every young boy whose mattress is hurled in flames from the third floor window by the local fire-brigade - he and his brother then featuring in the local newspaper as 'Bedroom Boffins'... Beyond the back garden gate and narrow passage, a high wall marked the forbidden territory of Feasts market garden, growing tomatoes under glass. Now, you have assured me that catapults aimed from Aidy's top floor bedroom window were NOT used until after Feasts was sold (as land for flats) .... but you did admit to climbing adventures when you and Aidy shimmied out of that high window, down the drainpipe to the small roof over the next floor, and down again from there to balance along the garden wall and, yes, across into the abandoned site where you had a secret den... What joy - until you were nearly crushed by the demolition tractors! Did you invite that equally naughty boy from next door - Peter English? You certainly teamed up later to wow the entire South Coast with your rowing skills - and possibly the whole nation with your celebrated appearance as a team in the 1960's fun show 'It's a Knock-out'. You were the one to invent a faster way of rolling over and under various logs and obstacles on the course, but confessed to me that you spent most of your time in Bavaria happily drinking and chatting with the locals... You took to boats and fishing in a big way - we lived only minutes from the sea after all... and both your sisters recall how often you went 'digging for bait' (in all its squirmy horridness) but also the delight of being invited out in your little rowing boat (Sarah remembers catching two plaice!) You even managed to take your fishing gear along with you when dad drove us all down to the South of France for a holiday - a harpoon had somehow to be fitted in the back of the car! But top of my own list is the valuable lesson you helped me understand when I was little, trying to draw, but making very stilted pictures. Despite you being a teenager whose conversation was often either 'yep' or 'nope', you quietly, and a bit shyly, told me about your love of nature, how you enjoyed 'swoooshing through the autumn leaves' when they pile up, that woodlands make a special atmosphere and give a sense of freedom. Then, for my birthday, you bought me some charcoal and paper, and suggested I try 'using my other hand' and feeling free about it. It's advice I've always remembered, and these last months in our Zoom chats, we've gone back many times to that talk about nature and freedom - with lots of philosophical discussion together. You had no interest in any man-made dogmas, but a deep trust in nature, telling me with quiet satisfaction; 'when I die I shall be folded back into nature' - and by nature you meant more than the rigidities of old-fashioned materialism. We'd been exploring research on how trees converse, how so much more is being discovered all the time about the intelligent aliveness of it all, consciousness and energy two aspects of the same unfolding mystery. The intuitive rightness of the Gaia vision of 'Mother Nature' appealed to you; life as self-regulating, the bit of nature we see physically such a tiny part of what must exist on the wider scale, us as 'many-dimensional beings.' We reminisced about your famous flow-charts - examples of your brilliant pattern-making visual mind. Over the years you used to send me examples of how you helped companies manage change and I would think - 'hang on, I used to teach MBA students at the Open University, and the course materials they provided never got anywhere near the economy and power of your insights and remarks - delivered with such good humour and sharp observation.' ... We had a lot of fun remembering those discussions and adding to them... And what of a flow-chart of your own life? In our last Zoom, just a couple of weeks ago, you said to me, 'my life didn't have any plan, things just came up, I went to do a job for three weeks and unexpectedly stayed a year, met people, things just happened....' But I say in reply, 'Not so dear Big Bruv. Your rational mind may not have planned it, but your Spirit (by whatever name we like to call that wiser, far-seeing part) had a super plan, and charted a grand course of adventure, to include a great Love, plenty of opportunity to help inspire and guide others, a great many happy celebrations, masses of fun and enjoyment, then those tough years when you've given us all an example of sheer courage and determination, and how to live well in adversity. Together with Ansie you've forged an immortal story, and I salute you as one of those important and necessary people who come to help us along the way.... like those Sages described by the great poet... and I dare quote poetry because, remember, you wrote the stuff too!... and this is the famous Sufi poet Hafiz, rejoicing in people like you; 'The small man builds cages for everyone he knows. But the Sage, who has to duck his head when the moon is low, Keeps throwing keys all night long, for the beautiful, rowdy prisoners.' It's no good Richo - you've gone on ahead and got those wings now, so we'll allow you some fishing... but we look to you to please keep dropping those keys for us rowdy ones - we'll be watching out for them! With much love and appreciation, from Marie (still working on that charcoal and paper) **********
Hard to imagine that we will never again experience his humour, intellect and engaging manner. My thoughts are with you Ansie and family.
there's a saying that goes : " nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as real strength ". That saying very accurately describes Richard... a real gentleman with lots of wisdom. We remember him saying " when you do something... do the right thing the first time" ... his work ethic and integrity were remarkable! May he rest in peace. Loen Klopper and all her children.
So sorry to hear this sad news. I have known Richard since the 70’s as the uncle who was always up to great things and would always love to share stories about it. It was a great privilege to have visited a few years ago with the family and we enjoyed every moment. It brought back memories of my own father Adrian who unfortunately passed away almost 20 years ago from lung cancer. Sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Best Regards, Tony Blayden
Please accept my condolences and those of our sewing group at this time of sad loss for you and your family. Your mother is a very special member of our group and we have been very fortunate that Ansie has always been most generous in sharing her kind friendship, knowledge and skills with us. We have all known of Richard's enormous battle over years and have been inspired by not only his strength to fight but also Ansie's strength and positive attitude towards life. I was fortunate on a few visits with Ansie, to have some very interesting conversations with Richard about his research and documentations. From my experiences with him and the stories Ansie has shared it is clear that Richard was a special man and will be very much missed. There are no doubt many happy memories of special times for you all to share, and I do hope these bring some comfort to Ansie and all of your family. Kindest regards, Pauline
Richard was a dear friend and we will miss his company as well as his online reports and poems. Always so informative. May he rest in peace. Lots of love to you and the family Lyn and John McKay
Dear Ansie and family, the world has lost one of the good ones! Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We shall miss Richard's keen intellect, his way of making you think carefully about the issues of the day, and his generosity of spirit and thought. He was a loved friend and we'll remember him fondly.
We are with you in thoughts. Please give Ansie a big hug from us.
I sat at your desk today, Scruffie came running round the corner and stopped mid stride with this look .. you're not him.. Mum sits in your chair, so she doesn't see it empty. We miss you. We hope the fish is biting wherever you're at x