In The Bridge, the monthly magazine for Chapmanslade and Corsley, February 2012, Dennis Barnard, Chairman of Chapmanslade Parish Council, writes:
Remembering Tim Richards
It was with huge regret and great sadness that we heard of the recent death of Tim Richards. Tim qualified as a dentist at the University College Hospital, London, in 1967. He joined the Grants House Dentistry in Willow Vale, Frome, in April 1974, travelling daily from Ilminster. He moved to Chapmanslade in 1975 with his wife, Jean. Sarah was born in 1976, and Jonathan in 1979.
Tim was a brilliant dentist, with a gentle, caring manner and very much appreciated by his clients, partners and staff. Sadly he became ill 10 years ago and fought, very bravely, for all that time.
Tim was a long-time member of Frome Lions, treasurer for many years, and always involved with the annual swim, hay bale collection, the fete, and the Father Christmas float, organised in conjunction with Rotary. The Fun Run was always a huge success and, as numbers grew, Tim saved the day by introducing computerised timings. With the Lions, he helped raise many thousands of pounds for so many good and needy causes.
I was very pleased when I persuaded him to join Chapmanslade Parish Council. He had the ability to think very clearly through every problem, most times coming up with a solution or, at least, the next step forward. Never, ever appearing cross, he was an excellent councillor and chairman for several years.
I am not sure that any of us fully realised what a huge contribution Tim made. Whatever he did, he did quietly and efficiently, wanting everything to be accurate and to be delivered on time. The best example of Tim’s work was with “The Bridgeâ€. With his considerable IT skills, he perfected the art of presenting a great number of adverts in the best possible way. A deadline to meet – every month – for an incredible 9 years, it was a role that he only very recently relinquished.
We all realise that this would not have been possible without the continuing support of his wife, Jean. We send our heartfelt condolences to Jean and her family and we hope they know that Tim will always be remembered for his huge contribution to our villages and also for his work in Totnes, where his skills were very soon recognised and used to their considerable advantage.
Tim Richards, the quintessential professional and gentle and most respected gentleman, will be sadly missed by all who were privileged to know him.