Lynn and I were deeply saddened by the news of Dick’s passing. Our thoughts are particularly with Cathy, George and Sam, but also his extended family and his many friends. He will be missed.

Many will have mentioned his smile, laugh and happy demeanour. He was generous, kind and a legend of the front row union. At the X we played many a game together at the coal face, where he looked after me. It was an honour and pleasure to be friends.He was one of the best of us.

At last months reunion, it was great to catch up. One story gave us a good laugh. Our last rugby match we played together was at Cobham, a past versus present game. At one point we both went to tackle an opponent from opposite sides. Our agreed joint recollection was he was enormous and we flattened him. However we clashed heads. Both subsequently requiring sutures. I don’t recall who did the stitching, but he told both of us separately that there was only 1 vial of local. At the reunion it became apparent that we had both said the other should have it. Of course neither of us got it.

Dave Cleal