I have fond memories as a child of family visits to Ricky’s house.  I remember thinking he must have the best job in the world working making chocolate, and I was always quite jealous of Ruth and Sally!

As I got older I would love to play with the electric shock machine, which out of context sounds far worse than it was! Rick was always fun to be around, and now on reflection I think that he probably had a different was of thinking about things than most other adults did.  As an example, I think either Ruth or Sally had coloured something outside the lines, and Rick had said you don’t need to follow the rules, do it any way you like!  Thats something I have often repeated to my kids as well as i think its a valuable lesson about creativity and conformity. 

One time Ricky had manufactured some stink bombs, which my Dad took home, and set off in an local establishment which I thought both then and now, was brilliant.  

There was always a political discussion going on, and there are many mentions of Rickys strong socialist values, which i think in the world we live in now is going to be sadly missed.  As I got older Rick and my dad would discuss whether there is such a thing as free will?  I don’t think there was ever a definitive conclusion, but I’m sure the two of them enjoyed the debate almost as much as the wine they consumed each time!

I will always remember him as a kind, compassionate, and fun man, who seemed to think that little differently.

Tim