Jennifer Smyth

In Sydney, Richard enjoyed weekly golf games, and also played in New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, and wherever else he got the chance.  

Participating in a rogaining team allowed Richard to exercise his enthusiasm for strategy, endurance, and competition, and his appreciation for the natural environment. He also volunteered and set courses for rogaining events.

Richard enjoyed the Sydney arts scene and was a long term subscriber to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and The Ensemble Theatre, and a supporter of the National Trust.  

Richard travelled extensively throughout his life, and made regular trips to see his daughters.

He visited Mary-Jane and Juan Carlos every second year in Spain, and they went on many road trips including a special trip to the Marin-Yuste family home town of Cieza. On travels through Catalunya, Galicia, and the Basque country, they enjoyed many gastronomic delights (especially the cakes). 

As a regular visitor to Bruny Island where Helen lives, Richard affectionately - or perhaps aptly - called her small hobby farm  “Slave Camp 245”. He participated in any and every task that needed doing. He eliminated an acre of bracken using the push mower, chipped out broom, and split loads of firewood and kindling by hand. He worked enthusiastically on driveway and paddock drainage, fuel reduction raking, retaining wall development, brush cutting, and demolishing an old shack, just to name a few.

Richard visited Jennifer in New Zealand, Queensland, and eventually Melbourne - gaining a new appreciation for the trams and shopping strips in the inner North, and orienting himself by his proximity to organic bakeries. During her Urban Planning degree, he assisted her with a study of the Merri Creek. He was immensely proud of Jen´s artistic ability and had several of her prints in his home.  

Richard lived with Helen for the last chapter of his life, enjoying the antics of the wallabies, pademelons, free ranging hens and goats, with regular visits from wedge tailed eagles, sea eagles, and a little superb fairy wren called Stewart.  We won't mention the tiger snakes!

Richard was an inherently thoughtful person, who showed interest in others, the environment, urban spaces and social justice.  He was a champion of many causes and did not shy away from controversy in his support for what he believed in. He was work focused, successful and a dedicated and supportive father.

Be glad that you were a part of his life, and that he  was a part of yours. Richard would not want you to be sad today as we talk about his life. Remember the ways he made you feel special and important. Celebrate his life, emulate his tenacity and spirit in the way you live your life. Appreciate every moment and share your love and support with those who mean the most to you.  Effect change in the world, be brave, loyal and caring just as Richard was to those closest to him.   Be excited for your futures and consider how Richard's influence plays a hand in life yet ahead for each of you.  

Richard passed away peacefully on Wednesday 7th December.    He leaves behind his loving daughters Mary-Jane, Helen and Jennifer, and his son in law Juan Carlos. He'll be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, including Sparkles the goat.

The most precious of what we leave behind is the memories that are woven into the lives of others. So it is today with Richard. I now invite  Jennifer Smyth, Richard's daughter to speak on behalf of Mary-Jane and Helen.