Dear Helena , Simon, Jacob and Hanna,

My deepest condolences upon the loss of your husband, your father, and our Richard. Many of us share your pain upon the loss of a truly magnificent individual. 

Richard was a very special man, who touched so many people with his positive energy, his empathy and heartfelt wish to grow everyone around him. In the 25 years I had the joy of working with Richard, he coached me, mentored me, supported me, pushed me, helped me and above all, cared about me as a human being. And he also cared about my family. 

Many a times have I received a phone call “Hey buddy (also the name of your family dog…), I know that such and such is visiting your site. I will come by and make sure you are well prepared”. Richard would have booked a dinner, give his best advice, push us in the right direction, making sure the message was landed. Ensuring we showed up at our best! Everybody but himself. The next day, Richard would be somewhere else, and a text would arrive “love you buddy, great to spend time together, talk soon, say hi to the family”. And I was the lucky one who benefitted from all his time, counsel and care.

The picture captures it all: Richard inviting my son into the prestigious LIFE ON MARS fantasy football league and having made a special trophy for Sebastian. That league will now be named Minus 30’s Life on Mars (inside knowledge: in 2008-09 Richard’s beloved Luton Town Football Club lost 30 points ahead of the season for irregularities smaller than those of Manchester City). Our trophy for the year will be named Richard’s trophy.

We miss you already, Richard. We shall never forget you.

Poul