Death of Major Dick Richardson Ex 3RGJ (Germany) - THIS BOARD IS NOW FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES ONLY. CLICK ON RGJ ASSOCIATION TO RETURN TO NEW IN MEMORIAM FORUM.

Date: Dec 24, 2007

Death of Major Dick Richardson Ex 3RGJ (Germany)

Date: Dec 28, 2007

Robin Crockford will know better than me, but Dick (Dickie Mint) Richardson will have served with 3GJ (Rifle Brigade) in Cyprus, returning to Felixstowe with the Battalion in 1964.

Dick was an established member of the Signals Pl and I first met him when I joined the Signals Pl after our return from Borneo, having completed the first post Borneo signals course with amongst others Jim O'Shea.

A part from our mass Signals Pl drinking sessions in the Grand Hotel sports bar one of my fondest memories of Dick is of him saving my backside when I wrongly decoded a message from Bde HQ, and had all Bn HQ officers searching desparately for maps that didn't exist, to comply with the return route from exercise to Felixstowe. He quitely slipped the correct message in to the CP; and relieved, they forgot who had caused the problem.

Dick was the A Coy Sigs Det Commander in Celle whilst I was I Coy, then C Coy Det Commander. During this time, and whilst there was always competition between the Dets, he never once refused my calls for help.

At the time 3RGJ reorganised Dick elected to be posted to the LI and I think that probably ended his direct link to 3RGJ as I don't remember him returning. He was eventually commissioned in to the LI.

Even as a young corporal and through the ranks of the Sergeants Mess Dick was always the gentleman, always happy to pass on advice and assistance. And whilst he ended up with the LI I know for a fact he never forgot his Green Jacket past and always considered himself a Rifleman.

I consider it a priviledge to have known and served with Dickie Mint. His lovely wife Barbara befriended Judith, and we both have happy memories of trashing their Celle MQ.

Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Frank and Judith

Date: Dec 30, 2007

I have been waiting for confirmation of this report, however I feel I cannot delay any more.

Dick Richardson was a friend from the moment he joined the Sigs Pl, he was intelligent, loyal to his friends and a true "Rifleman" as Maj (Retd) Frank Jones has already pointed out. After his time with the L.I. he returned to 3 RGJ and served as Families officer during the 1985 N.I. Tour. Which is when I retired and unfortunately lost contact with him. It was an honour to count him as friend and comrade.

My sincere condolence to his family.
May he Rest in Peace.

Date: Dec 30, 2007

With reference to the above post, this was posted anonymously by me in error.

Date: Dec 30, 2007

I too knew him from way back and wish to send my condolences to his family.

RIP .Dickie

Date: Dec 30, 2007

Dick was one of my closest friends for a number of years. I was best man at his wedding. We shared a room together in Celle, in A coy, and had been firm friends since we first met in Hong Kong.
I was with him when he met his wife, and in fact, we double dated, with me going with her sister.
I have thought about him, along with other close friends almost every day since 1972 when I left 3RGJ.
It is sad news, and I send my condolences to his family. I have missed his friendship for so many years and will continue to miss it.
Dick was - at the time we were together - unfailingly cheery, efficient and capable. he was rather fond of a drink, yet it never prevented him doing his job. Except for one inauspicious occasion, at a New Year in Celle, when we were having a dreaded 'Admin inspection' and were confined to camp. Dick had gone to see Renata, and I tried to cover for him. In vain. Bill Talor, who was CSM saw through all our ruses, yet showed why he was a great bloke by not making it a drama.
Dick, Robin Crockford, Frank Jones and myself, along with many others, loved a good time, and we all loved Dicky Richardson. A bloody good bloke.

Date: Dec 30, 2007

Sir (RIP) as it was an honour to have known you from those Days of Celle 68/70.

My condolences to your Family.

Date: Dec 31, 2007

       MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO MAJOR RICHARDSON
       FAMILY.
       SIR MAY YOU REST IN PEACE .
                       DEL EX 3rd RGJ 65to79

Date: Jan 1, 2008

my deepest sympathy to Major Dick Richardsons family

Date: Jan 7, 2008

Saddened by the loss of a very kind and very sincere member of the Regiment. Dick took time out to help me on a personal level in Celle, with an act of kindness and a symphathetic ear that I will always remember and be eternally grateful to him for. God bless you Dick and my sincere condolences to your family.

Date: Nov 25, 2008

Thank you all very much for your kind words and memories of my father "Dicky Mint". It is a coincidence seeing this forum. I wish I had looked at the beginning of 2008. It seems just yesterday that my father died, but yet so long ago. It is coming up to Christmas again; a difficult time especially for my mother Barbara. This time last year my father already knew he had only weeks to live. He was such a brave man. He showed me all the "paper work" concerning the house and finances. We even talked about Dads funeral. Dads wish was to have "Abide with me" sung and wanted me to read "Footprints in the Sand". At the end Dad wanted "High on a Hill" played. Of course we met all of his wishes. The last 8 weeks of his life I visited him everyday. (We all lived in the same town in Celle Germany). In the last 2 weeks, I even stayed over night so I could give Dad his morphine. My mum and I managed together quite well. But 2 days before he died we had to put Dad in a hospice. Dad wasn`t able to keep his medicine in anymore without being sick. Before he went into a coma Dad had tears in his eyes and then he squeezed our hands. My mother and I were at his bedside when he died. Dad talked alot about the Army days and how he enjoyed every minute. I was and am very proud of my father. I wish I had just listened a bit more intensively when Dad told those wonderful stories about Army life. Does anyone know where Dads nickname "Dicky Mint" came from? I look forward to any feedback. (My email address is andrew.richardson@web.de ). It is such a shame Dad had to go so early. When I had a problem, Dad always had an answer. Luv ya Dad. Thank you all again. Kind regards Andrew.