Robert James Richards

b.   

Parents James Alan Richards married Mabel Joyce Cooper

I will be uploading Uncle Roberts DVD, hopefully soon :)

Rob’s Eulogy from Buck Rodgers

I am honoured to be asked to participate in this memorial service for Rob, despite the almost 19,000 kilometer distance. The last time I saw Rob was in 1992 when I brought my new wife for a visit, but I have years of great memories that I have been revisiting.

Rob was the kind of guy who didn't want to be out front or to call attention to himself. His strength was to make other people feel good. He made me feel special with his appreciation of my cars and in so many other ways. He was generous with whatever he had and quick to offer help, whether it was a place to store my things, dinner and a rage, support with my Alpha, or his bedroom for my wife and me to stay.

Rob could be described as a quiet achiever but not always with the strongest motivation. He owned his house long before most of us. He was financially smart and had a stable job at a young age. On the other hand while Rob loved car racing and had bought some great cars, they often went into retirement in Rob's backyard. He was a great collector but not always a fixer.

Along with cars, I remember Rob's love of sailing. As with his character, he was a strong, steady hand on the main and never lost his cool. I have some excellent memories with Rob on Graham's and Gerry's boat. Some of my best memories actually were the days we weathered out and spent the afternoon at The Railway Hotel in Freemantle. That was good, crazy fun!

I guess there was a piece of Rob that no one really knew; I know I didn't. I do know he had a warm heart and a kindness that I enjoyed and appreciated. Whether it was Bessel Ave. Como, the Railway Hotel in Fremantle, a day off from Saturday sailing or especially Rob's place on Ravenscar Street, he made my life better.

Other than a few phone calls, my last memories of Rob are from the week we stayed with him and Greg. It was full of parties, reminiscing, and trying to explain my life in Perth to my wife. Rob made it all work with his generosity and flexibility. I am saddened that we have lost him, but grateful for his presence in my life as an important friend who gave me many wonderful memories.

I'll have one for you Mate....... Buck

My Uncle Robert

I remember...

Checking out the cars in your room at Gran and grandpas house with Joanne in South Perth and getting chased out by Gran.

You showing me your birds in the aviary in South Perth and the rental you guys all stayed in before moving to Sorrento.

Living with you at Nuytsia Ave. Coming home to find my teddy’s in the incinerator out the back because you were sick of tripping over them.

You telling Marianne that she’d made a great sponge when it was a pavlova.

Mum watering the wheels of your race car and all the bubbles coming out.

Watching you play pool with Simon and Mint in the lounge at Grans.

The ‘Cheap wine and a three day growth’ video by Cold Chisel reminding me of that time you lived in City Beach.

You lending your Bedford van to Mum and listening to your Olivia Newton John.

Coming home from Canberra at 15 to stay with the Robertson but escaping to stay with you. They tried to get me to come back but you  let me stay.

Surprising  you by scrubbing all the kitchen cupboards whist you were at work.

My first beer.

You taking me to see my first pub band, three saxophones playing dark side of the moon, then Caledonia by Muddy Waters, what an initiation. Coming home after and played all your Muddy waters and blues records for me and educating me on the importance of The Blues.

You being the first person to notice I have one eye half brown, you noticed ‘cause you do to.
Coming home from Canberra and hanging out with you and Greg.

You taking me out to Indian and parties.

Sitting in your lounge room mesmerised by your fish and giggling.

Invited you over for dinner and somehow setting the timer by mistake so the roast wasn’t cooked. You didn’t mind. Can’t remember what we ate instead though.

You came to see my favourite blues band at the castle, by then you were into Jazz.

You taking me shopping to buy me an awesome outfit for my 21st as well as my first Muddy Waters album.

You fighting Gran for your teddy bear (physical tug of war) as once she heard you were going to give it to Ben she didn’t want you to have it. Relic Ted is still well loved.

You coming to my wedding and getting really drunk, don’t worry I have the end of night edited video bits safe under lock and key lol.

You driving me up to Perth the next day. We chatted all the way about life and what was ahead. Also how long tyres should last and that Bridgestone were the best.

I think the last time I saw you was at Mums for Xmas, I was very pregnant with Jesse. I wish you had met Jesse.

I wish you had answered the door when I came to visit you in Collie, I wish I broken down all the doors windows and walls to remind you of how much you are loved.

Missing you,
Love Kelly