My name is Duncan, I am Richards first son.
I wanted to say how touching your comments are to myself and my family. He was, very obviously, a respected. Loved and very missed friend.
He died of a heart attack at home with his Spanish wife Beatriz.
The funeral, taken by the bishop of Madrid no less, was on Sunday at 15.00 BST and he was cremated on Sunday at 16.15 BST.
A great deal of his family were there and some of his good friends were there.
I also believe that whilst he was visited by some Air Atlanta staff and I thought that was very touching.
My fondest memories of his flying days are wide and varied.
From sitting in, and flying in, the jump seat on Laker DC10 to Florida. Going in the lift in the DC10. I always preferred the DC10 to the Tri-Star, which my friends always said was the same. I think it was because Laker had DC10’s and BA had Tri-Stars.
Sitting in the cockpit on a 1-11 going to Lisbon and coming back the same day.
Also spending time in the some with Chris White and having a great time. When given the controls I got a little cocky and then it all went very wrong. Richard shouted “I’ve got it” and took control and I just thought to myself. “Wow this old fella is bloody good with planes!!.”
Planes and flyling were a huge part of his life.
He was married 18 months ago to the lovely Beatriz in the mountains surrounding Madrid. A beautiful Black Tie bash in the setting Sun. An event which made John Freudeman (hope that is ok) to remark, (best pronounced in a South African accent) “ Richard I can’t believe you have made me look like a bloody penguin!”
He was a wonderful man in many ways and I shall miss a great deal.
To all of the friends and family that were subject to his wonderful Spanish tours he was given a nickname of "Captain History". Having been in spain for just two days I managed to get a cap made with this on. It is now proudly with me, a gift from Beatriz back to me.
We will be having a memorial service in the UK for the family and friends but as yet we do not know when.
If any of you have any memories of Richard that you think the family would like please mail me at the following address.
[email protected]
Once again thank you for your kind words.
Duncan