Richard SHEARD

We've known Richard as a neighbour for the last 10 years. From day one (literally) Richard and Jacquie were welcoming and friendly to us. As we got to know Richard better we learned a lot about him and his life in Australia and around the world. Clearly a life well lived! When we first met he was on crutches and every year his medical issues got worse. A lesser man would have crumbled. I'm sure he had his moments, but publicly (or at least with us) he was always stoic and rarely anything but incredibly positive. We found something to admire in the way he handled himself. We spent many hours talking over so many subjects. Richard always had a view and an interesting take on things. He was never slow in giving his advice and would keep a watchful eye on any work going on.

We loved our evenings with Richard and Jacquie "shooting the breeze"; we were often thankful we only had to cross the road after a generous session of wonderful food, drink, company, laughter and tales. I was very glad to have had Richard's company just a few weeks ago while I was painting the front of our house. As ever we talked over so many subjects, interspersed with the usual "you've missed a bit there" or "if I were you I would...". It was the last time I saw him. We will both miss him greatly.

Ian and Nikki Pearson

Dearest Richard

1975. That was the year that you and I first met. That's more than 50 years ago! You were a good friend, but more than that - you were a great mate. I will miss you.

In the early years, we spent so much of our lives in each other's company. As we grew older and jobs and life in general got in the way, we spent less time together - but any time that we did share was always such high quality. I particularly cherish the last two occasions when our paths crossed, the 2015 and 2018 trips that Val and I made to France. You and Jacquie were hosts extraordinaire, going out of your way to make our trips so memorable.

The first of those trips in 2015, we arrived at yours late at night as our flight from the UK was delayed, but instead of greeting us with a supper tray and a goodnight as you had planned, we sat up reminiscing until early morning, hardly sleeping at all. What a reunion, and if I recall that wasn’t the only late night that trip.

On our 2018 trip you drove us half way across France to make sure that we made our connection for the second half of our French vacances. Your only reward was a lunch in Oradour-sur-Glane, my reward was much greater - more time that we could spend catching up. I know that the trip for you was very tiring, but you were there for us anyway.

I had hoped for more trips to visit you in France, to once again stay up until the wee hours just having a yarn (and maybe a glass of wine or three). I still look forward to making further trips, but there will be something missing.

No matter what life threw at you, you were always strong and positive. Rest easy now and be at peace.

With loving memories - Adrian

“Richard was one hell of a guy” ….Working with Richard was a pleasure. His work standards were very professional, he was respected by his colleagues and clients alike. Oh, he did enjoy a glass or two of red wine. RIP.
Mal Grumont

Richard was a gentle giant oozing an abundance of charisma. He was a unique package - funny, best sense of humour and a true gentleman. We will treasure so many precious memories and we are very proud and privileged to be Richard’s friends. Our hearts go out to Jacqui who has lost her soul mate. RIP.
Graeme and Maggie Hall

Dear Jacquie,
We were so saddened to hear of your loss. I can count on one hand the number of people I have met through business and stayed in touch with. For the association to develop into a friendship and meeting each others families and visiting each others homes is lovely. Richard and I hit it off straight away, firm guy business wise and great company and sense of humour. Jacquie, we have fond memories of our times with you both in the UK and France and our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Love
Graham and Mary

Farewell Richard, while departed too soon you have fought the fight and can now rest. We will always fondly remember your generosity of spirit, your ready sense of humour, your insightful travel advice, your abundant hospitality and the incredible resilience you demonstrated in recent years. But most of all we reflect on the enduring relationship between you and Jacquie over the past 50+ years and the unfathomable grief that will come with your loss. Rest well.

It is hard to put into words the loss of someone who was such a big presence in so many lives. To us, he was always “Big Al” — a name that perfectly captured not just his stature, but his personality, his warmth, and the space he filled whenever he walked into a room.

At school, Richard was one of those rare people who everyone gravitated toward. He had an easy way about him, a natural charm, and a generosity of spirit that made people feel welcome. Many of my fondest memories from those years are tied to him — especially those legendary parties, full of laughter, music, and the kind of carefree joy that only comes with youth and great company.

But beyond the fun and friendship, what always stood out most was his loyalty and love — especially for Jackie. From high school sweethearts to lifelong partners, their relationship was something truly special. To see them together over the years was to understand what genuine partnership looks like — steady, enduring, and full of quiet strength.

After school, life took us in different directions, but we were lucky to stay connected for many years — catching up over dinners, sharing camping trips, and continuing the friendship that had meant so much to us all. Even when distance eventually took them to France, that connection never truly faded. Letters kept us in touch, carrying stories, updates, and a sense that, no matter how far apart we were, the friendship remained.
One of the great privileges of our lives was visiting Richard and Jackie in France. That week together is something Lesley and I will always treasure — wandering, talking, eating, laughing, and reminiscing about old times. It felt as though no time had passed at all. That was Richard's gift — the ability to make everything feel easy, familiar, and full of life.

Now, as we say goodbye, it is difficult to accept that we will not see him again. But what remains is a lifetime of memories — of friendship, laughter, and moments shared. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Our thoughts are with Jackie and all who loved him.

Rest easy, Richard (Big Al).

Glenn & Lesley Barrett

Chère Jacquie,

J’ai été profondément touchée d’apprendre le décès de Richard.
Je sais que ces dernières années ont été difficiles avec sa santé et que tu as été incroyablement présente et à ses côtés pour assurer son bien-être, ses soins et ses souhaits.
T’ayant connue depuis l’école primaire et Richard depuis le lycée, nous avons passé de très bons moments ensemble.
Richard était quelqu’un de formidable, croquant la vie à pleines dents.
J’aimais ses conversations et sa sagesse, toujours prêt à passer un bon moment. Je suis tellement heureuse que vous ayez pu tous les deux faire ce que vous aimiez, voyager et découvrir de nouveaux endroits même lorsqu’il était malade.
J’ai beaucoup apprécié ma visite chez vous en France il y a 2 ans. Sortir prendre des cafés et repas et tout simplement passer de très bons moments ensemble.
Richard va me manquer la prochaine fois que je te verrai. Je prie pour toi, Jacquie, dans les jours et les mois à venir.

Avec toute mon amitié,
Jude