R. A. Richardson
The following sad message has been received from former UNE footballer Rod Gillett. The club sends condolences to Bob’s family and friends.
Dear Wanderers,
I am sad to advise you of the passing of Bob Richardson, one of the pioneers of the game at UNE.
Bob went off to UNE to study Ag Econ from Ballarat College in the mid-60’s, and immediately became highly involved in the playing and running of the game. Bob was President of the Club in 1968.
He was a Robb College man – he also played first grade rugby union for the Robb in the NERU. At full back, of course, he was a wonderful kick – long torpedoes & drop kicks were his forte. In footy, he liked to kick goals!
He kicked many goals on both the professional & personal front – with none better than wedding the gorgeous publican’s daughter, Pip Bryun – one of the social superstars at UNE. He leaves behind three great kids – Sarah, Lachlan & Tim – that he is justly very proud of.
I played with Bob at United in 1974 when he returned to Armidale from completing his Ph D at Purdue to tutor in the faculty and in Wright College – it was always great to see him turn up to play in his 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser- we knew if we could get the ball to Richo that he could boot the goals! Plus he wouldn’t take any shit from those Robb blokes!!!
Bill Malcolm became very close to Bob when Dr Richardson became Dean of Agriculture at the University of Melbourne after he successfully sold off Australia’s wool stock.
Bill had a chance to see Richo just before he passed away – Lyle Rex told him, “Its raining, the dams are filling, the crops are growing and the Cats are still winning”. Bob produced a wry smile.
The UNE Footy Reunion in 2004 bought Bob great joy – he really enjoyed catching up with old mates – and I remember his delight when he flicked through the pages of the history booklet when I saw him in the Dean’s office that afternoon with Bill.
He was a great bloke – but I’ll leave the eulogy to Bill Malcolm who will also inform us of arrangements – most likely this Friday.
July 30th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Bob was my uncle. It’s great that the Wanderers remember Bob’s contribution to the game in the Dale. Bob was a great bloke. I smile thinking of him playing forward in 1974, we Richo’s love a goal! He will be missed