by Bruce Rankin

Richard had been a Member of the CYCA since 1984.

I’d know him since 1972 and if there was one thing that defined Richard, he was a gentleman.

He was a fighter pilot and squadron leader with the RAAF, serving in Malaysia so it was not too difficult for him to make the transition from horizontal wings to vertical wings in sailing.

In 1984, Richard invited me to become a partner in Petty Cash – a Holland 25.

We sailed in the Spring/Summer Series, the Winter Series and the Twilight Series. We also sailed socially on Sundays.

Later, Richard sailed a Cavalier 28 with partners Ray and Jenny Craigie for many years, sailing in the Club’s Harbour races.

In the mid-90s, he moved to a Mottle 33 with partner Graham Smith out of the RSYS.

When his sight declined, he sailed on Viva with Ken Hudson and Pauline Christie for a number of years.

Richard absolutely loved sailing and he was a volunteer for the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race for three years.

He was a regular attendee at the Members Badge Draw and always enjoyed catching up with other Members.

A service was held at the Club for Richard last Thursday and a eulogy read and minute’s silence marked in the Members Bar afterwards.

“No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main … And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” – John Donne