We first met Richard in the late 1970's. A man of many talents - an academic, subsequently a businessman, and always a wine connoisseur. At the time we met he was also a DIY enthusiast. We were renovating our house in Amersham at the time Richard was making major changes to his Wimbledon home. Some of the tasks he undertook were quite daunting. He clearly loved a challenge.

Later, in 1984, we were living and working in Bombay, as it was then called. One day we visited an Indian couple in their home and to our astonishment there was a photo of Richard on the coffee table. He was photographed with our host who had been one of his students at Imperial. Such a small world; but blessed by having Richard in it. He will be missed by so many people.