Sir Richard was born in 1928 and was in the Combermere from 1941. He played in the XV and captained the shooting VIII before joining the Navy in 1945. He served in HMS Mauritius and in HMS Ulster before retiring and becoming private secretary to their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Kent, a role he would hold for some 28 years.
He served Wellington as a Governor and was both President and the first Commodore of the OW Sailing Association.
Sir Richard was initiated into the Castle Lodge of Harmony No 26 in 1963 and became Master in 1971. As ‘Red Apron’ lodge, No 26 nominated him as a Grand Steward in 1970 and he went on to join the Grand Stewards’ Lodge. He was made Grand Standard Bearer by Grand Lodge in 1983. He was also a Past Master of the Lodge of Assistance No 2773. He was exalted into the Castle Chapter of Harmony No 26 in 1966.
Sir Richard joined the OW Lodge in 1991 and was made an Honorary Member in 1993. His guidance and advice was highly valued among the brethren along with his humour and fellowship. He was instrumental in the arrangements for the 1992 PSLC Festival at Wellington College that was honoured by the attendance of the HRH the Duke of Kent, the Grand Master and President of Wellington College.
Sir Richard was appointed a Member (Fourth Class) of the Royal Victorian Order in 1968 and promoted to Commander in 1973 and Knight Commander in 1982.
He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1999. He was also Chair of the Torch Trophy Trust.
He died on his 94th birthday.
Requiescat in Pacem.
