Memory Book of
Richard Drake
This online condolence book has been created for HORIBArians to express their thoughts and memories about Richard Drake who worked for HORIBA for 40 years.
Once completed, this condolence book will be printed and given to Richard’s family.
Book Owner: Katie Bates
Book Size: 500 Messages
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Kathy (Bird) Culbertson
I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn that Richard had passed away after such a short illness. I met Richard Drake when I spent several weeks in Northampton in the early 1980s while doing offsite checkouts of “VETS” computer systems, which had originally been programmed at Horiba’s Ann Arbor office. Richard gracefully tolerated my disruptive presence in the office and workshop, and always struck me as a very honest & honorable man – and a gentleman to the core. At first, he seemed quite straight-laced, but as I got to know him a bit better, I discovered his wicked sense of humor hiding behind that businesslike facade – it was the smile in his eyes that gave him away! I was also blessed to enjoy dinner with Richard and Sue in their home on at least 2 occasions. In his “natural habitat”, Richard seemed to really enjoy being a father to his little boy & girl. (It was a LONG time ago; I’m sorry I can’t remember their names.) And, my goodness – the humorous stories he told us after a relaxing dinner! Sue, I’m so sorry that you & Richard did not get a chance to enjoy…
Dave Guyler
Richard knew and took his time to know everyone by name and would often walk around the building to speak to everyone and make sure everything was OK. He would always come up to me and my wife at Christmas parties for a chat. A great loss to all that knew a very nice and friendly guy. My deepest condolences to his family….
Jacques Huchon
I first met Richard in early 80’s when I joined Horiba France. Richard has always been a key person in the Horiba Europe organisation, a true gentleman. Thanks to his strong support, he contribuated to expend HF Automotive business in permiting visits to main HIL customers, helped on this by my dear colleagues Les and Rick who are sharing my sadness for sure. My deepest sympathies goes to his family, to all HIL group and friends. …
Laura Thomson
So very sorry to hear the sad news of Richard’s passing. He was very kind and helpful, a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time….
Xuefeng Routley
Richard was such a kind and supportive gentlement. I am very saddened to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family….
Louise Allen
Nothing was ever too much for Richard and for that I can’t thank him enough, his support, guidance and empathy will stay with me forever My deepest sympathies to Sue and Family…
Natalie Ramscar
So sorry to hear the news about Richard, such a lovely, kind, caring man. My thoughts are with Sue and the family….
Masao Okawa
Thank you for your contributions to HORIBA for more than 40 years. I have learnt you were so loved by HORIBARIANs with your professionality and ownership, which have helped HORIBA many times from difficult situations. I promise to take over your heart and sprit to grow HORIBA greater, stronger and more resilient. May your soul rest in peace….
Dave Flatman
When Richard came to HIL he became part of many people’s lives both at Horiba and I am sure at many other places. He was always professional in his actions but always had the wellbeing of all the people he came across in mind and took time to understand the problems that they encounted at work and in their personnel lives. His work ethic, kindness, helpfulness and humour will be the legacy that he leaves behind and that we should remember him by. Personally I will always be thankful for the help that he gave to me during our time at HIL and saddened that he will not have the retirement that he so deserved….
Tim Hall
I was very saddened to hear of Richards passing and so soon after his retirement. My deepest sympathy goes out to all his family and friends. Richard was a true gentleman and a role model for my former young self entering this new business. His witty comments across a workshop, “I hope your using the right end of that spanner!” will remain with me, in memory of him and to be repeated on others!…
George Gillespie
I first met Richard back in 2005 when HORIBA were buying the Schenck business and Richard was leading the UK discussions. As in all his dealingsin work, he was always very professional but also maintained a great sense of perspective through all the tribulations of a complex acquisition. Richard was also on the Board of HORIBA MIRA when HORIBA bought this business in 2015 and again I found him very helpful and focused on finding the sensible solutions to difficult problems. A real gentleman who I priviledged to know and greatly respected. My sincere condolences to all of Richard’s family, friends and colleagues….
Neil Chatman
So very sad to hear that Richard has passed. From the first day the Medical team moved up to the Northampton offices I had always found Richard to be approachable, understanding and supportive. An outstanding member of the greater HORIBA family and a true gentleman. RIP Richard …
Rich McNab
My deepest sympathies go to Richard’s family at this sad time. I met Richard on my first day at HORIBA back in 2012, a nervous new boy feeling out of my depth. Meeting the MD on your first day is quite a nerve racking experience, particularly when the respect for them across the company is so visible. However, Richard put me at ease immediately and went on to regularly say hello on his way past my desk, asking how I was settling in. In meetings regarding the maintenance of the premises he would often ask for my input, really making me feel valued. He also offered me advice during a challenging time regarding schooling for one of my children thanks to his knowledge as a school govenor, something he did not need to do – but did with authenticity and care. I also credit my weight loss to Richard’s more than honest feedback on some of my purchases from the food van, which to this day, are some of the funniest conversations I have ever had! A leader who’s presence commanded respect, with a kindness that put people at ease and an ability to make everyone in the company…
Kozo Ishida
Richard！ I am in grief knowing the news of your sudden death. For 40 years, you have built the foundation for Horiba’s business development in Europe and made a wonderful contribution. I would like to express my heartfelt respect for your dedication as a HORIBARIAN that Horiba is today. When I was assigned to HE in 1984, I remember it like yesterday your great support to improve difficult business situations in deficit management. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It was a little early your departure, but I am also at a moderate age and the day when I can meet at heaven in near future. Let’s talk about old tales when we see each other again. Rest in peace. Kozo…
Juichi & Noriko Saito
Dear Richard,We thought we can meet many times more. We thought we can welcome you and Sue to Kyoto again. We were looking for you to talk about how Chris and Emma are doing. You needed teach us how difficult it was to start up put European operation.HORIBA is not in this position without your hard and dedicated work. We really appreciate it.We will teach new HORIBARIANS about you and what you did for us.And don’t worry we will welcome Sue to Kyoto.Thank you Richard. We really miss you!!Juichi & Noriko Saito…
