Richard was a true Mars legend, a loyal friend and colleague and one of the nicest humans you could meet. I joined Mars in Slough  same time as Richard and have had the absolute honour and pleasure of knowing him for over 35 years.

Apart from being one of the cleverest and most strategic   “supply guys” I have ever met , Richard was an incredibly emotionally intelligent and supportive “people person”. He was definitely top of my  ” phone a friend” list, and I am sure on hundreds of others lists too. Whatever the crisis or the challenging situation , he kept a calm head and helped bring perspective and hope. His eyes would twinkle ,  he would crack a joke , he would usually recall a story of an equally difficult time he had had , and everything would feel less bad.  What a very special gift he had , and he stared this gift generously with all around . 

Some of my best memories of Richard were on his many visits to our Mars Drinks and Treats office in Maidenhead. Often he would come along with Dave Crean to see how we were (and make sure we were behaving!). On one of his last visits when he was not so well, he announced that he had stepped down, and his new role was a Mars global ambassador.  Knowing his brilliant sense of humour, we decided to greet him with a mountain of Ferrero Rocher  chocolates on a golden platter and kept bowing to him all day and calling him “ambassador” – playing out the famous “ambassadors tea party” TV advert for said chocolates ! Richard was such a brave man and despite his failing health , he loved all the nonsense and we spent all day in giggles! 

Other memories involve conversations about football. Having a husband who is a staunch Watford supporter, Richard took great pleasure in letting me know each and every time their arch rivals and his club , Luton, had stolen a lead!  Richard certainly loved his football. 

Richard, thank you for filling our lives with such fun and support . Those wonderful memories and lessons you taught will stay strong in our hearts and you will never ever be forgotten .

Sending lots of love to your wonderful family at this tough time, who I know you adored . 

Michelle X