Memories from Richard's Daughters

From Laura

To my amazing daddy, words cannot express how much I miss you. Every day I wake up and think that you're there but then I realise that you aren't. You have been the most loving father and I couldn't have asked for more.

I remember all our holidays together when we went rockpooling and looked at the stars together. The way that you always looked after me when I was upset. I remember when we went and looked at universities together and how proud you were when I got into Winchester university and showed you my exam results.

I can't think of anything that I would have changed about you. Even though you did annoy us with your constant knocking on our doors! (meg and elly know!) I love you more every day. Every day brings back new memories. Sometimes I can't help but think what you will miss out on. Walking me down the aisle at my wedding, seeing my children. You always said that you were going to teach me to drive too. However, the good memories outweigh everything.

You're an amazing person and I love you more than I could ever try to say. The amount of people that came to your funeral shows just how loved you really were. You were our best friend, we would tell you everything and you always came up with a solution. Thankyou for everything daddy, Meg, Elly and I will love and adore you for ever more.

All my love, Laura xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

From Megan 

Darling daddy,

The pain of losing you can only be healed by the memories I have of when you were here.

Your eagerness to help me out with my school tech projects, our holidays to France, Florida, Devon and more will always be cherished as I remember everything you have been, and will continue to be to me over the years-a wonderful caring daddy, always laughing and seeking out the bright side of life. You were like a sunflower which always turns its head to face the sun no matter how dark it is.

The random facts I brought home from school to tell you always seemed to interest you, even though they were completely boring and scientific-for example the formation of a scab!

The huge rip in my life has rocked everything and completely unbalanced me. How to cope when you are no longer here to calm me and be with me when I am worried or upset? You are no longer my taxi driver, ferrying me from home to e.o.m.s.

I am performing in my show for you. This is the only reason I continue in this performance, because I know that you will be watching over me. You were so supportive of my drama, and I am so grateful because you made me feel so special.

I love you more than I can ever say. You are my daddy, and we will meet again one day. It's always the good ones who go early.

All my love forever, Meg xxxxx

From Elly

You were the most amazing dad (or farv) Meg, Law and I could have asked for. We love you so much- words can not begin to explain how much you meant to us.

You were always so proud of us and always encouraged us to be adventurous and try new things. You loved the great outdoors, yet we did sometimes have to refuse your offer of ‘a nice fun walk girls’ occasionally if The Simpsons was on!

I’ll never forget ‘go ape!’ which was the best adventure park I’ve ever been to. It was a real challenge, but you made me feel strong enough to go for it, even with my fear of heights! I remember when we first arrived and saw the mini training course. You just said ‘is this it? That’s tiny!’ Luckily it wasn’t!

You were a daddy full of many incredible talents and qualities. Now all I’ll end with is…dans la magazine, a la samedi, oui, tres bon! – your crazy words on holiday in France which made no sense at all!

Love you to the stars and back darling daddy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx