Richard Ware Tribute from Andrew & Jacqui Hunt – 29th July 2026

Dear Helena and family. We were so sad to discover this week that Richard had passed away last year. We knew Richard from our University of Sussex days between 1979 & 1981. Like Richard, I studied Physics for those 3 years and shared lectures and tutorials with him. Jacqui & I were part of a close friendship group with Richard and have many happy memories.

I remember meeting Richard for the first time, with his larger than life personality and was immediately drawn to his kind, caring nature and his wicked (and sometimes quite outrageous) sense of humour! Richard loved to mock my west country accent and my bizarre (to him) taste in music.

I remember many hilarious evenings at the university bars and local village pubs, where Richard was almost always the main event. After a few pints of beer too many, Richard would always insist on stopping for a late night meal of chips (fries) with lashings of tomato ketchup – strangely delicious! I remember the cricket matches in summer and the practice sessions in the hall corridors to the disdain of some students wanting peace at 2am!

I also remember sharing physics laboratory practicals with Richard, working in a pair. He often looked for the shortcuts (including making up the results) so we could get out early and do something more exciting!

Even in his late teens Richard was a kind and empathetic chap and when he sensed a friend was troubled, he would often take them aside and say “talk to Uncle Richard”.

I remember meeting you Helena later (probably the last year at university) when Richard introduced you to his “chums”. I remember you looking at Richard holding forth with love and sometimes astonishment, although it was very clear that he had fallen deeply in love with you.

In 1984 Helena you and Richard came to our wedding in Poole UK and it was lovely to catch up. Sadly we lost touch over the years, but I did read a few years ago about Richard’s brilliant career at MARS. At around the same time that Richard went for his first interview at MARS in the UK, I did the same. Clearly they saw much greater potential in Richard!

In the few short years we knew Richard he made a lasting impression on us both and we will always remember him with affection.