I shared hangar space with Richard and his father David at Polo Flat, Cooma. Richard and David built and maintained a Searey and I had many an enjoyable cup of coffee with them. Richard was an experienced instructor and passionate about sea planes and amphibians. He also owned a Foxbat float plane. He once said, with tongue in cheek, that he loved dropping into Tuross Heads on the South Cost and taking a dip at lake Jindabyne before returning home to 'clean' off. Richard was a gentleman, generous in spirit with a quick wit and laconic sense of humour. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and close friends. Funeral is 12pm Wednesday 6 July at Mitchell, Canberra.