Celebrating the life of Richie

You will be sadly missed Richard. A great person and a good friend. Can't really believe you are gone. Loved life,his family, and nothing better than a beer with his mates and a game of sport to watch. We spent many good times down the local watching the Warriors loose the unloosable games! $2.50 jugs at the Caledonian was a highlight. Always surrounded by a good bunch of loyal mates and family. You lived your life to the fullest. So sad you are gone. Rest in peace mate.

We're going to miss you Richie. Life won't be the same without you mate. Saturdays won't be the same, always getting your message, ""what are your pics this week""
Rest easy mate.

Richie was a regular at our football games, even though he didn't play. He was there to support. Always with that smile/smirk on his face and always had a beer with the team afterwards. There's a reason he was the team patron. A real team player. You'll be missed Richie.

Richie with the Ranfurly Shield. One of the many competitions he won over his lifetime

Richie, when I first met you, you were a slip of a lad. I was with Mike at 284 Papanui Road, and we were bowling to you. You didn't have pads or a box and Mike was bowling fast with a few bouncers thrown in. I said to Mike ' What the hell is going? You're going to hurt him'. Mike's reply to me was 'Don't worry about him. He's a tough bugger!!!'

And you were, all your life. You always faced adversity head on, and refued to be discounted for whatever health issues you may have had. They were never going to stop you doing what you wanted!!!
When people told you that you people did one yardglass on their 21st, you did 3!!!
When you got cancer, you fought back and beat it!!!
When no-one would go and watch a bunch of old men play footy in the freezing winter, you said I'll do it!!! And so the Richies FC Master's Team was born.

Yet, you also had another side, a soft gentle side, and often wore your heart on your sleeve. You genuinely cared for those people who meant a great deal to you. When someone was sick, you contacted them everyday to see how they were getting on. When there were problems in people's lives, you did the same. This is because you cared for all of us, and we cared for you.
This is why you were a special friend to many, and someone who had tremendous impact on their lives. We will always have a special place in our heart for you, and I thank you for being my friend!!!

I'll miss our time together at the cricket and rugby
I'll miss your birthday celebrations
I'll miss you on the sidelines watching the Richies
I'll miss having a beer with you at the pub
I'll miss you on our chat group commenting on sport and life
I'll miss your bets on the TAB (and getting so many right)
I'll miss your visits to my house for a beer on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon

but most of all I'll miss you!!!!!!

I'm going leave it there and finish with what you always said to me when you went home
"We'll be in touch"
Oh, what I'd give to hear you say that again!!!!!!

Rest in peace Richie

(I've also posted all the photos I have of Richie - enjoy them)

Richie....i found a few photos of the work we created together...i know you have more but to everyone else its a wee insight of what hard work in all weathers, a beautiful friendship and incredible teamwork can create....loved every minute each day for 4 years at the village and there after.