Rita and I first met Richard and Margaret in 1966 shortly after we had moved into our newly built bungalows in Swindon, South Staffordshire. Initially it was just a neighbourly association, but over time Rita formed a more friendly relationship with Margaret which obviously led to occasional contact between Richard and I. This rather loose association slowly developed into a close friendship as Richard and Margaret raised their family and completed their various house moves. One of the lasting memories of Richard from our very first meeting was his great appreciation and respect for German Engineering, especially relating to cars. We can recall the time when he bought his first Volkswagon Beetle, a car he really loved. If our memories are correct, almost every car he has had since, has been of German manufacture. His interest in computers, art, woodwork, science, engineering and politics has led to many happy hours of discussion, and our similar views and opinions forged a greater bond between us. Looking back to the early days of home computing, we both learnt to programme in Basic and together developed some interesting programmes for friends and organisations we were involved with at the time. We have enjoyed holidays together both in the UK and abroad, with Richard always looking for that bargain meal or purchase, a trait that resulted in some teasing, many laughs and of course some valuable savings from time to time. His DIY skills were outstanding and his help and advice have been invaluable to his family and also ourselves. Plumbing, Electrics, Carpentry, Decorating and Laminate floor laying were just a few of the many DIY jobs he would tackle and complete to perfection, although he would always shy away from any praise. Around 2001 Richard and I spent an enjoyable week in London laying a laminated floor in my daughter and son in law’s new apartment, an experience that held me in good stead when attempting similar tasks at home. Rita and I have always been amazed at his carpentry skills and have much admiration for the furniture, and articles he made for both his home and Christ church Tettenhall. His art was probably his greatest spare time passion, and his involvement and work for the Wolverhampton Art Society played a large part in his later life. He was a skilled artist and produced some excellent work, although, as was his way, extremely modest and shrugged off any praise that was offered. One other recreation he had was membership of a walking group and his enjoyment of their monthly country walks. He never failed to rise to the challenge of planning a route when required and turned out come rain or shine. Over the past ten years or so he has joined with me, other ex-engineers and skilled tradesmen in the work of the Boulton Paul Association, using his time and skills in building full scale replica aircraft designed and built by Boulton Paul Aircraft. He was also responsible for producing the association’s Aeromail Newsletter over the past two years. He had a keen sense of humour and was well known for his subtle dry comments and provided the team with lots of laughs. Earlier this year, The Boulton Paul Association was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of the outstanding work of the team, of which Richard was an important part. An award his family should be justly proud of. Richard was admired by his family, Rita and I and all those associated with him over the years. He was a kind, considerate, honourable, gentleman, and a truly great friend who will be so sadly missed. Terry and Rita Herrington.