i will always remember him for his indefatigable energy, his rants about people leaving the paint brushes out to go dry and hard and the mess the warehouse was constantly being left in!! his love for meg and rachel shone through the gruff northern exterior, he was a top bloke. Richard you will be sorely missed by us all
issy aka 'fat girl'
xxxx

How very very sad. Watty was a very special person, someone who was as hard as nails and as soft as down. I am glad to have known him at all. He made me feel welcome in his workspace - when I probably was not, and inspired in a person a sense of dedication to the issues, blood'n'sweat hard work, and most importantly a sense of humor and fun. Richard - you rocked!
Jago

I would just like to share a very old memory of Richard, his family and mine go way back, so much as his mum is my sisters godmother. We would visit each others homes, and we would all play together, he had boundless energy, he was great fun,such a lovely lad!! I haven't seen him in years, but have always asked how he was, what was the latest in his life, I have so much respect for what his world was all about, he stood up for what he cared about, no matter what the outcome was, i smile, i liked his defiance, a real man through and through. We will all miss him, but remember him always, with your fond memories. I am sure that is what he would have wanted. Alison and family. xxxx

Richard, if I could give you one thing in life, it would be the ability to see yourself as others see you, then you would realise what a truly special person you are... may god bless your soul. Joe

"He turned me into a Warehouse Nazi!" After a few months of working in the warehouse, he'd got his rants so far into my head they became my rants too! He was my friend and my brother and I will miss him so much. Warm, loving, caring and downright funny, he cheered me up when I was down. His great love for Rachel and Meg was obvious to all. I'm so glad I was lucky enough to know him and spend time with him. Thank you Richard. xxx

I knew Richard, like many of us, through the boatyard. And when I think of him, I can't help but think of my newphews and nieces laughing while swinging on Richards island swing. He'll be missed but lets smile because he lived.
Our love to you Rachel x

Watty was a true warrior, i was lucky enough to have known him since the sea empress in 96 when we shared a room in wales. Just after that we sailed for many years on the MV Greenpeace. He was a mate, a true friend to me and all that knew him. Those days with Watty that we all spent on the MV were magical, such fun with countless games of uckers and the wildest parties along with a few actions. I have watched richard climb onto a timber ship in a huge raising swell hanging onto a tiny caving ladder off the coast of spain, while being bashed against the ships sides and dunked. That very night in 2000 we were all told that we would be shot by the Police if we didn't leave, Richard stayed for 5/6 days or so with Amber at the top of that mast. They came down to a hero's welcome, shown live on Spanish TV.I have so many memories of Richard and I will keep them to share with myself and others when I am down and need some inspiration. He loved Rachel so much and she him, they were a true GP couple, committed to each other other and their work.

When he told me a year ago last week that he was really ill I was shocked. He had flown out to Cyprus to help train people for a sea action. We got the lift down in the hotel and he quietly told me he was very ill, The two of us being alone in that lift will stay with me forever.

Mate go now and one day we will all come to.
dave

I just knew him for a few moment when I was visit to a friend, and this fellow took me to see Richard in the Hospital... I remember the stronger that came out from him, and the humor that invite you to enjoy your self and this beauty world... I'll never forget this meeting so full our good felling even if this happens inside of the hospital...

Richard, please keeping enjoy some beers in heaven and keep given us your strong for chance this world to a more peaceful and green one.

I promises to you that I'll keeping working for get the world that you looking for so hard! and I'll see you again for sure!

I will always remember you and rachel's garden on the island and the island swing! And when Blue used to steal Meg's bones and never got them back. You will be missed greatly by all knew you as you will never be forgotten.
Peace and love to you and family.
Lauren xxxx

So sorry to hear the terrible news about Richard, can't really believe it's true. He was such a lovely man, funny, honest, committed and always down to earth and practical. I got to know him first on the Esperanza in the English Channel 3 years or so ago, stopping a shipload of illegally logged rainforest timber from Papua New Guinea bound for London. He was handling logistics on that trip, making sure that the Actions team had the right tools to do the job and that everything was working properly. Just having him around gave me (and I'm sure loads of others onboard) a lot of reassurance and confidence.

You're already being sorely missed, Watty - we need more like you.

It still hasn't really sunk in for me that Richard is gone, but then I don’t think that he will ever really be gone from Greenpeace, as his incredibly strong and positive influence will prevail.

I got to know Richard not long after arriving at Greenpeace a year or so ago and he was one of the people who made me feel really at home here. His kindness, friendliness and humor will stick with me and, though never a diplomat, you could tell his heart lead all he did and that he was true to what he knew to be right.

Thank you Richard for not laughing at me when I was tangled up while in rope climbing training (especially as I had only just told you that I thought I knew what I was doing), for picking up my favorite hat when I left it in the pub and for the many, many other things that have passed through my mind this week.

Peace and love to you, Rachael and your family.
Chris x

Watty was what we all want Greenpeace to be; if we had ten of him we could solve any problem and then bring down Bush at the weekend. Now we don't even have one anymore, but it'll be a long time before anyone forgets to wash a paint brush around here.

Watty, you were quite simply the most lovely stroppy old bugger I ever met. Your role at Greenpeace was more vital than you ever knew. You were angry and passionate when everyone else was being reasonable. You saw simple truths when others got lost in critical pathways to nowhere. Greenpeace will miss you. And so will I.

I first met Rich outside Harrogate courthouse with Al Baker, Sterl Girling and Donna Michaels. We were the only five arrested out of 120 activists on the Menwith Hill Star Wars action in July 2001. Donna and I were relatively new to Greenpeace – it was our first action and first court appearance – and we were both a little overwhelmed. The boys told us lots of Greenpeace tales and made us laugh, and reassured me that I was doing the right thing with the right people.

One of my favourite times with Rich was when he came to collect gear from the Esperanza in Amsterdam (and to make sure Kate Davison and I got off the ship!) after the timber action on the MV Greveno in March 2004. I spent a day with Rich shifting gear from the ship to the Dutch warehouse, and then drove back to London with Kate. Nothing grand – it was simple, sunny and I had great company.

Despite being a grumpy bugger at times, Rich was an amazingly patient teacher. He taught me to climb, Greenpeace style. He gave me my first boat driving lesson. He taught me about real English ales and that chips should always be eaten with mayonnaise. He had high expectations of us all because he could see our potential to be the best.

Rich, your fierce determination, love, honesty and loyalty were an inspiration. I hope wherever you choose to go next that I’ll have the honour of being there sometime too.

A mighty oak of a man, inspiring and generous, he knew how to live and appreciated the good things in life...that's why he found my naughty dog so infuriating...I should have taken Richard up on the offer when he said 'give him to me for a couple of days I'll sort him out!'. In fact Blue still has the remains of one of the many bones he stole from Meg. Thank you Richard for all your help, all the fun round the bar b cube and bad singing with random instruments. Al, Ru, Lol, Opus and Blue xxxx

I’d like to say a few words about my little brother Richard.

As children, we did everything together. For an ordinary working family from the industrial mill town of Burnley, our family life was idyllic, with fabulous memories of nothing but fun times. My Mum and Dad had bugger all; but you couldn’t buy the life they gave us, and for that I’ll always be thankful.

As we grew older, our lives and lifestyles could not be more different. I led a life with a certain path. Grammar School, Navy and finally Police, marriage, house, children and cleaning the car every Sunday afternoon. Richard on the other hand went from job to job, never quite finding his niche, with seemingly little order in life. But actually, he was the one who had it all sorted out.

Richard had an easy manner; People couldn’t help but like him. I always admired this quality. He could also be very stubborn and a discussion was often out of the question! Richards’s world was black and white with no grey bits in between. He had a clear distinction between what was right and wrong. He stuck to his principles and dismissed irrelevant complications and because of this, I know he was a great asset to Greenpeace.

While I was at work, Richard would often ring me saying, “Guess where I am?” I always knew it would be slung under some gas drilling platform, on the top of a chimney or a nuclear power station, and he would revel in telling me how “The police are trying to get the barricade down” or “the team have provisions for four days”. We would laugh at the irony of our situation. On other occasions I would hear the news of his arrest on National TV, and see his big ugly mush staring back at me from the anchor chain of a bulk carrier.

Some people at work would say to me, “Do you not feel compromised when your brother gets arrested?” My reply was always the same, “I arrest people who have done something against their conscience; Richard gets arrested for his conscience”. I was always proud of his courage and determination, and never more so than now during his long struggle with his illness.

He had such a rich and diverse life through the work he did and the people he knew, and never more so than his latter years with the woman he loved. Richard told me only a few weeks ago that Rachel was ‘his rock’ and he didn’t know what he would ever do without her. He loved her so fiercely.

The best person to help me describe the way I feel about my brother is Richard himself. He was remarkably thoughtful, and I’d give the world today if he could be here to help me to put into words how much I love him and how much I will miss him.

My little brother - A big bloke with a big heart, and a thoroughly lovely man.

Nigel Watson xx

I only wish I had the opportunity to drink more beers, swap more stories and have more laughs with you. Sadly I will have to make do with what memories I have. Our shared northern traits were an oasis in a southern desert. I know we will meet again, until then I will raise a beer with love to you brother.
Love & Light to Rachel X

Although I haven't seen Richard for many years, I know he will be greatly missed by everyone. Richard's family and mine were best of friends when we were kids and we always went on holiday together. The photograph of Richard and meg reminds me of his first dog, Bess, who we grew up with. God bless Richard you are in my thoughts, and I'm sure we will meet again some day. Mum and Dad will keep an eye on yours. xxxx Lynne

Last summer Richard, Rachel, Meg and I spent a magic and long overdue afternoon and evening on their island with vino and grilled food. Sunshine, tranquility and a trip on their boat were all part of that afternoon. Later Richard and I went exploring the waterways in a tiny inflatable and stood by the side of a reservoir which is his favourite spot in London. Peaceful.

After such a long and hard struggle, I hope you are in peace now, Richard.

One memory I have of Richard is of bringing organic, vegan food to his police cell when he'd been arrested on a Stop Esso action and didn't want to make things easy for Plod! My heart goes out to Rachel, all his family and everyone at Canonbury Villas and around the Greenpeace world who will miss him. He was passionate and true to his beliefs, and the world has lost a great bloke.

I also rememberrunning round the unelightenend suburbs of Surrey looking for organic vegan food for Richard when he was stuck in Epsom nick. I found out later he'd been arrested eating a bacon sarnie. I will miss Richard for his passion and compassion, warm humour and stories. He was, and is, a real role model for anyone who's ever been involved in a Greenpeace action.

What a devastating loss this is. And yet, on the day Richard died, scores of people met down the pub and amid the tears there were great guffaws of laughter as someone or other recounted another story about Watty.

I remember doing press for the Italian Job action when we shut down 120 Esso petrol stations and their European HQ. We heard there'd been six arrests, but we'd only accounted for the five climbers. Then the TV footage came through and there he was, on the ground in a sidestreet far from the action, in cuffs with a bevvy of policemen standing over him. We rewinded the film and pieced it together: he'd been told by the authorities to not cross a road, he had no intention of crossing the road, but once he was told he couldn't cross the road, well, there was nothing going to stop him crossing that stupid road. And thus, he was our sixth arrest.

This isn't a funny story, more typical of the man, but I'll always remember sitting in the public gallery at Southampton magistrates court for the Marchwood case. Our brief asked him to explain why he thought chaining himself to a tank bound for Iraq was contrary to international law. Watty replied: "International law? I know nothing of international law, I don't need to know anything about international law. I just knew that bloody war was wrong."

Legend.

Bx

The last time I saw watty was at the pub in london Nov 2005. we had a drink and a good chat - he was ranting about something or other. The word "ranting" seems to appear in these blogs often - but then that was Watty. I remember him spending a whole afternoon helping me sort out my cat door when I moved into my new flat. A ranter with a huge heart. Very hard to believe that Watty and wee meg are no longer with us. Here in NZ with Esperanza crew, there's been a lot of glasses raised and tears shed this week to both Watty and Rachel. Our hearts are with you.
Kia kaha,
cindy

Rachel, you and Richard arrived at the boatyard larger than life and twenty times as bright. Almost immediately you were a huge part of the community here. Who was ever able to go past your boat-in-the-making and not stop for a while or a lot longer and a barbecue and a drink or two or three, and more wood on the fire, and talk and music and laughter and an arrangement for another barbecue maybe tomorrow night?

You and Richard have made so many memories. Rachel, we all miss your Richard so much and understand how hard his death must be for you. But the memories - I might be nearly old enough to be his mother, but to me Richard is a BIG BROTHER. I will remember him for many things, but two jump to mind - the night of a big wind maybe 3 years ago, when Richard seemed just to stride up on to my boat and hauled my tarpaulin back into place and laughed at my knots - "if you can't tie a knot, tie a lot" will always remain with me. The other memory is much more recent, when he was unwell and we met and chatted up in the park cafe and ended with a big bear of a hug.

What a great person, and how much we will all miss him.

Didn't track the book down yesterday so writing here. Just wanted to say it has been my priviledge to have known you Richard. You were Olie's closest and best friend and we loved you dearly. You touched lives and gave and received love from each of those lives. Your life spread across the world but here in the North we will all miss the man we knew, admired and loved as one of our own.

I'm quite bad at this... I didn't expect you to leave us so fast. You were a great guy and really went for what you believed in!
Still difficult to digest that you're gone. Sad day for Greenpeace and our planet.
Manuel Pinto

Yesterday, I, and over a hundred others, stood and witnessed the best send off a guy can ever have. I heard great stories about my brother in law, and found an awful lot about him that I never knew. This morning, as I watched oak trees being planted in one of Richard's favourite spots, I sensed a real feeling of peace for him - the place was God's own country and all the better for receiving him.
Tonight, as I stood making the tea for Richard's brother, I felt an overwhelming sadness. I turned to Nige and said, "Imagine that I would never be able to call you and say 'hello' or text you an 'I love you', or see your face when you come in from work". Rachel, I CAN'T imagine what you're going through, and my heart goes out to you. I heard people all week saying how this will get easier in time, but I know that our other half's are incredible people in their own right, and how lost I would feel without mine. It would take an eternity. Richard's passing had a tremendous effect on everyone, but the one good thing to come out of this is that friends and families may take a little more time to get to know each other better, and spare the time they say they never seem to find. Efforts will be made because of this week. Remember, sister in law, you will always have a friend............Ali xxx

I feel that Richard Watson was one of those rare few who typified the original Greenpeace spirit - Independent, Committed, Hard Working, Passionate, as well as Compassionate. He took good care for the safety and well being of others and worked tirelessly to maintain the integrity of whatever he was involved in. However busy he was, I always found him with a ready smile. Now he's on to his next adventure.

Richard was my best friend and I am honoured to think that I was his.

We drank, worked, hitched, climbed, bivvied, walked, lived, had adventures and got arrested together.We were equally bad and good influences on each other too.

This is not a farewell.

For as long as I have memories of all the good times, visit the places that we shared, and share stories with his many other friends, he will still be there.

Dave

I've spent much time with Watty over the years, working with him in the warehouse, on actions, on the ships, having the odd or frequent beer or three, playing uckers...and learning not to wind him up when I beat him (he once went to dangle me by my ankles out of the top of the warehouse, but his superior wooden shelving and my wedged ankles did the trick). I have many great memories of Watty...of raiding the german actions contigent secret food supplies together on an action in the Ukraine much to everyones merth and merryment....driving back with al and watty, watty driving and al navigating with his new gps getting us lost in Germany before falling asleep, infuriating watty, then waking up and having the cheek to tell watty he was driving too close to the curb, then me hanging out the door to check the distance to the curb to settle the debate, need i say watty was in the right! (sorry al) ....bundling onto Frank in the pub in Blythe post action etc..etc.. Watty was a friend and workmate, and was like a big brother to me at Greenpeace, always looking out for me. He taught and inspired me, with his wit and warmth, patience, humility, and strength. You knew when you worked with Watty what to expect, professionalism, someone to cut through the bull and get the job done, and someone who was just an absolute joy to be around, even when in one of his good natured rants. He was a big strong man in both stature and heart, with a wonderful presence. Now he's passed over we have our memories of him, and what he taught us of life to hold to and to share. I know we'll all miss him, im sorry i'm not in the UK to be with you all. Rachel you and Watty were great friends to me, some of my happiest memories of GPUK was being around the two of you and meg, all my thoughts and love are with you. I hope we can all get together some time when i'm back and share a few pints, and many stories of Watty, a man full of strength, heart and kindness, with the cheek of a boy. So long mate, until the next time.

What an amazing person, Richard always knew how to cut through all the crap. I remember him at the Marchwood trial - me thinking 'I wish I'd said that', when he made so clear why we were there. I remember him in Belgium after the Star Wars NATO action, drinking Belgian beer and telling some of his many wonderful stories. But mostly I remember him for being always true to what he believed in, ready to stand up for what was right, and to help anyone who would join him in the fight. Much love to you Rachel, you meant everything to him. Helen x

Just wanted to say my thoughts are with you all at Canonbury Villas especially Rachel.
Richard, I would like to thank you for seeing me through my first action in your calm and unflappable manner. Greenpeace and the world has lost a honest decent man.
Abi x

A great shock monday last week, Eric phoned with the sad news. in the evening we got together with some of the Dutch Climbers at Eric's place in Amsterdam. telling stories, trying not to cry, drinking, realising how long ago it was that we met Richard for the first time.
more than 15 years ago we met this giant from the UK who strangely enough found our idea to climb a 180 mtr high chimney by means the lightning conductor a very normal plan, sure w'll do it. later that wonderfull action at Crete, Chamonix no test protest camp at the Mont Blanc.
also after the sellafield action, driving around in that 2CV me and Eric sitting on the back shelf of the car, beatles on the radio. Richard you will be missed, but also made me realise again how important love and friends are.
Pim

I've just heard the sad news. Richard was a great friend to us as our neighbour in the marina for over a year. He was generous to us ignorant city land-lubbers with his incredible boating knowledge. The island that he and Rachel made so beautiful was a sanctuary and open to all. We often spent early evenings sharing glasses of wine and a long friendly chat. The impromptu summer 'bar-b-cube' evenings are some of my most fondly-remembered thoughts. Turning the island into an incredible pre-Industrial woodworking shop, utilising the elastic power of the trees, just goes to prove what a talented man we have lost. Rachel, you are in our thoughts.
Catherine and Sean.

Uncle Richard and I were family by chance and friends by choice, I loved him very much. From climbing trees, paddling in streams, and running down steep hills, we would always have our mini adventures. I have happy memories of my Uncle Richard, when I was younger he tried to teach me how to juggle! However when I tried one went in the sink, another in the dog bowl and another in my tea!

I can’t believe he’s gone, when I shut my eyes I always think of two great big arms scooping me up not letting me go how ever much I wriggle! Over the last few days I have enjoyed swapping stories with all of his “Greenpeace family” your all lovely, I have also made new friends in the process, and I know he is looking down and smiling.

Rachel, Auntie Rachel, I love you lots and you and Uncle Richard will always be in my thoughts.
Charly xxxx

I met Richard during our round the UK Beluga tour of '86. He was one of those people you knew could be counted on - heart all in the right place. In fact he was the first one to explain to me the joys of potholing - not that I ever took him up on it. And now I see Richard went on to bigger things for Greenpeace. I'm glad to see he followed his life compass.

In the short time I worked with Richard in the Greenpeace UK office I learnt:

To respect the warehouse and leave it how you found it – organised - the most organised Greenpeace warehouse I’ve ever seen!
That after a few drinks and with a little imagination, empty crisp packets make a surprisingly large array of hats and handbags.
That Richard loved Rachel and Rachel loved Richard.
That Richard was loved and respected immensely by the Greenpeace family.
Farewell to a thoroughly decent bloke...

Sarahx

I've been away from my Greenpeace family for a few years now, but I can't believe Richard is gone. Many's the day I would pop out to the warehouse where Richard would make me a cup of tea, we'd listen to Christy Moore and have a great chat. I will miss Richard, so much.

Will St Leger x

I've just got back from the funeral, had to stay in the hills afterwards as it seemed fitting. A group of us walked and climbed with his memory vivid in our minds. I was blessed that I had the good fortune to stumble unaware into his world one rainy night in Islington. Since then he had a profound influence on my life, it was a privilege.

Visiting the office I would seek him out and find him busy with some task. Putting his creativity and imagination to use. There was magic when he got to work on a piece of oak or plate steel. Richard plus tools was alchemy.

Craft itself was not enough, he added purpose to the mix. No accident that he ended up at the Greenpeace warehouse. It became an Alladin's Cave where base materials were sculpted, sawn, welded and bolted, then disguised on their journey to infamy. Big wedges driven into the cogs of industry, a reprise long enough to crank up the debate about how we treat our natural world.

With Rachel he found what seemed like the only bit of natural world left in Hackney so he could be near the office of the organisation he loved. Hanging out there I realised how much he understood the earth and life he wanted to help save. An oasis of woodland in the city, where, between jobs court cases and building, he set up his pole lathe under bird feeders and prayer flags and put a kettle on the fire.

My 14 year old daughter will grow up richer for knowing him too. She fed swans from his boat, til they nibbled her fingers. She watched the slivers of timber fly off and catch in his beard as he turned table legs on that lathe. Watched a boat emerge at Richard and Rachel's hands as she curled up with Meg on the grass. The progress of that boat was like a narrative for a time spent in London. She was given hot chocolate years later when she sat next to the stove in the finished home. She soaked it all up as children do and I'm grateful.

I can still hear the buzz of the chain saw, echoing down the towpath. Remember him tickling me until I had to kick him to stop. Still have a vision of him driving his landrover down the high street in wraparound shades. The click of the chain-link fence as he snipped a hole for his big frame, beckoning for us to follow. Still see him waving from the top of a chimney and hear his voice telling someone on a rope to get on wi' it! That quieter, deep, slow, deliberate whisper when he beckoned you closer, to say something serious, or to propose mischief (equally serious). Memories burned on my soul by his light and inspiration. All that generosity and courage, mischief and boldness. I'm gonna miss you mate and you're alive in my memory.

This last week has triggered so many memories of Richard. I can still picture him in the warehouse at his workbench, busily and creatively fashioning something for one of our activities. I still expect to see him when I go there and can't believe that I won't anymore. I recall the incident mentioned above at the Stop Esso action where we ran around in the late night trying to find an organic vegan snack for him as he was being difficult for the police, then seeing him eating a bacon sandwich for breakfast! I can picture him walking through the Greenpeace offices with Meg lovingly following at his heels. I remember the last GP action where he was snoring in the bunk bed in our Youth Hostel dorm keeping us all awake! He was in his element during those days, being with people he loved doing what he believed in, which brings me to my first memory of him. I went to see him give evidence in court following the Edmonton Incinerator Action and remember being so impressed with his argument, his intelligence at not letting the barrister bully him, but above all, his passion. I was moved and inspired by the strength he had in his convictions and principles. He will truely be missed but never forgotten.

He was a big bloke who touched the lives of many - many of whom didn't even know him. How ridiculous that he's not here.

Greenpeace People, Volunteers, Staff, etc... Are Big Boys and Girls Heroes in their own little way! and for Richard, You are One of them!
Have Peace with Nature!

Everytime I saw you, you always had a cheery smile and friendly face. You, Rachel and Meg were a brill team always bobbing about the warehouse. Everyone'll miss you. Love to Rachel.

i only met richard once or twice, boths times at partys up north! thanks richard you inspired me to think about the planet and not just myself,
look after sue for me mate, im sure your keeping her company
god bless mate,
xx

For me, Greenpeace will always mean Richard Watson. When I first started as an activist with Greenpeace, he taught me the ropes. I count myself lucky to have had him as a teacher, and as a friend. Now I think of him every time I tie a bunny ears knot (his favourite knot), and I regularly use so many skills he taught me.

I loved being on actions with Watty: he was always so confident and encouraging, capable and solid. Having Watty along made us feel unstoppable. I always felt safe around him, and whenever he had a hand in planning something, I was sure we could succeed. The quiet care and effort he put into what he did always impressed me. I remember him telling me (when I was screwing up rolling a banner into its bag) Perfect Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. I am fond of repeating that whenever I can, and so many of his little nuggets of wisdom keep popping up in my life.

And when we were hanging off the top of a building somewhere for a few days, in that peculiar bubble of closeness unique to an occupation action, talking with Watty made me feel, more than ever, that we were doing something morally right, something important, something good, something from the head and from the heart.

I will miss you Watty, and I will never forget you. Thank you for all that you gave to so many of us. You will never really be gone. You will be there on every action I ever do, and every oak tree I climb and plant, and carried in so many hearts until we catch up with you again. You always were the first one through the fence.

I didn't know Richard, and feel like an intruder in a personal space, but I am compelled to write, I hope you don't mind.
What an amazing legacy. All we can hope for is to live within the hearts of others, and it sounds like Richard has a firm place in the hearts of many.
I'm a huge supporter of Greenpeace, and it looks like they, and the planet have lost a passionate ally.
Rachel, stay strong.
Richard, be peaceful.

For the last few days I've been wanting and trying to write something for you Richard; but not knowing how, nor the words that will ever be good enough for you. Going back many years now, "Thankyou" Richard for our fun Wednesday evenings at "The Mechanics" in Burnley, we'll always remember going back to your pad having heaps of toast, chilli and thundering music to entertain the whole Street! We also remember the walks and the bridge jumping. Richard, you gave your time generously to friends; we will never forget your ready smile and laughter. You were a lovely, genuine chap and we'll miss you so badly.
All our love Claire and Tom

Richard and Rachel are and were very a Greenpeace inspirational motivation for me, Richard helped me through some very hard actoins, and I f,,,ked up, but he was great he gave me guidance but more than that he showed me the way,

Rachel and family I give my condolances remember he is a special man in our memories and that will always live.

I have never met Richard but wish to thank him for his efforts on behalf of us all to create a better and greener world. He can be proud of a life well spent. All the best to his partner and the rest of his family. Be proud to have been part of his life!

I'm very sorry to hear the news, and my condolences to Rachael and to all Richard's family.


I worked with Richard once or twice on actions in Scotland, and one anecdote that comes to mind was for an action we did against an oil rig in the North Sea. The Greenpeace team "went in" at dawn, and Richard and some others climbed the leg of the rig in fast, efficient, professional style, hoisted a yellow compartment type pod, secured it all, and invited up the activists who would be temporarily occupying it, (and the oil rig), all within 40minutes. The manner in which it was done was incredibly efficient and fast, even the oil rig workers who now had to stop work were hanging over the barriers telling Richard "well done", "that was fast" etc.

Fast forward to the next morning when the police were now on the scene, along with the inevitable legal papers to bring everyone and the pod down. Richard took his time, dragging out the operation, removing the pod's securing ropes and lines, milking the "occupation" for every minute, when , at the last moment, in what had been a text book action and occupation...the final rope broke and the pod plummeted to the surface of the North Sea. A policeman leaned over the barrier and whispered to Richard "you're fired". Even the police had respected the efficiency of the action team.

As I say I only met Richard once or twice, and Rachael also, and it was many years ago, but I still remember working with him and what a friendly kind guy he seemed. I enjoyed his company in our short time on those one or two actions.

Again my sympathies to you Rachael, and to your families, my thoughts are with you.

Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert,
photographer.

I think my abiding memory of Watty is when we were all in a RIB circling round the Etoile, a huge tanker full of GM maize that we'd just stopped, watching a huge electrical storm and giant waterspout appear slap bang in the Bristol Channel. We then tried to persuade the local rag that this was indeed a sign from the Almighty that he was giving the thumbs up to our GM campaign. They didn't really buy it.

Watty was a lovely bloke who was always happy to give you his time (unless it was for packing away panto cow costumes) and he really will be missed.

Richard, I only met u three years ago but found u to be a really gentle guy who had time for everyone no matter what, u even guided me to my bunk one night in December after a few sodas ! I feel a personal loss here mate. Rest now your journey is complete. Rachel u too are in my thoughts. From ur friend Mark

Thanks!

Fucking love u watty, Rachel love u too, be strong.

I find this very strange to write, because although I watched Wotty being lowered into the ground last week, I still can't fully accept that Wotty is dead.

There will be no more "hippy half hours", where Led Zeppelin or ozric tentacles would be put on, bandannas donned, incence lit, then the warehouse brushed and tidied 'til beer o'clock. A tipically Wotty solution to the fact that no-one else was good enough for HIS warehouse.

I have so many favourite Wotty moments, but the one that truly reflects the mischevious big kid that was deep inside the gruff grumpy bastard mask he (too) often wore took place at an undisclosable location early last year.
60 or so of us were in a barn doing nothing but waiting ang eating vege food. Meanwhile outside Wotty was wrestling a still warm baby rabbit from the jaws of a tom cat, just so he could see the look on the faces of the ensemble as he walked in with it between two slices of bread. Apparently twas an accident that he headed stright for the vegan contingent.
The bit that most didn't see was Wotty tracking down said tom cat afterward and ensuring that it got to eat its catch.

I could go on about conoeing silently through walthamstow to see the duck's nests.
Or watching him tickle people over the phone.
Or being told I was doing it wrong again.
Or discussing the beauty of the grain of a piece of wood.
Or lighting his personal blue touch paper and standing well back to watch his tethered spaceship impression.

I will miss Wotty every time I sup an ale, plant a tree, hone a blade, break a law, crack a joke or raise a finger at authority.
To a man who was half oak, half bear, half man, half pussy-cat. He had to be so big to fit his personality in.
Blunt & sharp.
Hard & soft.
Rough & smooth.
And dear Rachel
I can't begin to understand how you feel having lost Your Richard, to have lost mine is a bodyblow. Huge love to you & all Wotty's family

ps
Where ever you are Wotty, I'm sure it's now a better and tidier place

I didn't know him personally, but I lost my husband to cancer a few years ago, and I understand the feeling off complete loss and emptiness after the one person you love the most falls away. So I just want to wish you lots of Love and Light, take your time to heal and know that he didn't really leave, he is in a higher state where we can't see him, but he can still see us and love and help us. Strength for you,
Jennifer

A few days without checking the web and... shit! this is how i find out (and understand) why GPUK was looking for a logistics Coordinator?

I sailed and worked with him, around the Esperanza. Nice person, cool guy. I'm specially sorry for Rachel and his family.

Greetings from Madrid.
Love.
Marta.

I remember Richard in the early days of his involvement with Greenpeace - in the local Burnley group, which in 1988 was thriving (partly because of people like him!)

I was really shocked to learn of his death. He was incredibly passionate about things like the Lancashire countyside, food, camping and of course a range of issues but always great fun too and respectful of others. Having searched through a number of websites for information about him over the years, I am so moved that he never lost that sense of purpose.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Janet, Burnley.

In this moment I have just discovered that our beloved Richard has left us..I was only just bothering him while he was trying to sleep the other day!! A profoundly heart sad moment. Rachel my thoughts and blessings are with you...Many many hugs from afar. My sincere blessings to Richards family..The world is most certainly a lonely place today. On this day I have lost a dear friend and feel a great compassion for dear Rachel.

My most cherished collection of tibetan prayer flags that found me in all sorts of weird mountainous places around the himalayas, somehow prefered the company of Richard rather than me. Eventually I would be making my way to him with my latest mountain prayer flag find..I am more than privilged that my gifts were at your side or hanging in your blue bus...On your journey with the white clouds Richard, may you drop by some white, shiny snowcapped peaks and set them free for me if you have no need for them anymore.

I feel honoured to have had the privlige to have shared a time with Richard...a grand blessing indeed..

We would like to thank all Richard's friends and colleagues for all the warm, humerous and uplifting tributes and reminiscences about him. We have lost a very dear son, and we feel humble, but proud that he was so well loved and respected.
All love to Rachel - Ron and Margaret Watson

Richard, thank you for great three months in your inimitable warehouse in 2005. i`m glad to have met you and spent such a brilliant time with you in london.
Vielen Dank!

Richard was one of the most uncompromising and inspirational people I ever met. I'll never forget him pulling out a bunch of tullips from his GP issue stuff-sack and asking who wanted to put them down the gun turrets of tanks we were about to occupy. Go well Richard.

i´m so sorry for that

I've gone over this in my head so many times yet can't quite take in the fact that he's gone. Richard has been a friend of mine for over twenty years. It was an honour to have known him and to have shared a part of his life. As one of his friends 'up north' I can look back on those crazy nights at the Queen Vic followed by a session at Queensbury Road were we shared Richard's home made cheese and onion pie, the best bread anyone can imagine,wine, beer, vodka and the rest! Did he ever tell you the one about finding a narwhal tusk on the back street on his way to Junior School? We all loved you. xx

How very sad and hard to take in. I only met Richard a few times and sailed with him once on the Esperanza a few years ago. Me - the clueless volunteer deckhand/assistant cook with a lot to learn, he - the invaluable, practical, resourceful all-rounder who seemed to be able to turn his hand to so many things.

I remember him as a big open-armed bear, a gentle giant who imparted and shared his skills willingly.

The reason I remember him so well having only met him a few times, is because he was one of the warmest, most generous-spirited of people that I have met.

Judging by what others have said though, I think I'm glad there were no paint brushes nearby!

My warmest wishes to you Rachel - Richard was so so well-loved and will be so missed, but I also feel so very lucky and blessed to have met him.

Much love,

xx Jemima

Strange coincidence, now that I begin to write the bit I shared with Richard, the radio is playing "Ain't no sunshine when he's gone"... Not the case for Richard though, I'm sure many sunshines were and will be, because he was here for a while and made sure it was all worth it. For the people around him, for the earth we all live on!

I met him during my first Greenpeace years, right before my first occupation, he was one of the experienced climbers supporting the action. I didnt have the opportunity to spend time with him back then, but the Greenpeace world always brings people back together, and there we were together on the Esperanza for the North Sea campaign.

I still remember the look in his eyes when I shared a personal story with him, in what was an effort to support him in a difficult moment. Just this tiny bit from my part, just a few shared moments, still the pain for this loss is great!
All my love and support to Rachel, be strong girl!

I just logged on to the site and was shocked to see the news about Richard.

Everyone seems to have said everything. He will be missed.

Rachel my thoughts are with you.

Nick xx

Please accept our condolences from all at Ocean Dynamics. We worked with Richard on a number of projects. He was a great coxswain and great human being.

Lucas, Kevin, Huw, Sheila and Adele

My heart and love is with Rachel and the rest of Richards family. A truly divine fellow has headed off on his biggest adventure to date...

Mikey and I will plant an Oak tree in his honour in the mountains of Kerry to accompany the one we will plant when our new baby hatches (inshallah)

What a great bloke he was
xxx

I have many fond memories of Richard, it seems bizarre recalling them now as part of a life that is over, especially as he always seemed to be so very alive. Obviously spending 4 days with him (and The Commander) camped at the top of a chimney is one that will always stick with me. Our ‘home’ had a tarpaulin roof that leaked and the a floor covered in a few inches of a rain/toxic ash mix. - but the food – Richard had ensured that we ate well – everything from tins of chicken in white wine to stuffed vine leaves, vintage mature cheddar and so on. In fact so good were our rations that he proudly laid them out for the police helicopter to film. He was so unassuming and unrecognised in his contribution. He had a lovely assured and gentle way with which he helped soft-handed office bound campaigners like me feel like real out-doorsy people. I don’t think any one else would have made me feel so secure climbing up the outside of canonbury villas (and a nuclear PowerStation) with just a potholing ladder for comfort.

He made the warehouse a great place to sneak off to for a cup of tea and a chat when important things were meant to be done in the office. He and meg were always there making some extraordinary contraption that was a hybrid of the A-team, james bond and the local tip.

I also remember a lovely day I spent with him at Springfield soon after I left GP when I was flirting with the idea of living on a boat. We spent a wonderful afternoon paddling up the lee in a deflating inflatable canoe. As we drifted and paddled up over locks and back down the stream it was just one of those days that you feel this is what life is about.

I don’t really want to be having to remember Richard as it seems such a loss that such a beautiful life has been snuffed out so soon. He made so many beautiful things. I hadn’t realised how deeply grateful I feel to have had those moments with him. I’m going to think some more about him now – there is so much I remember and respect him for. He was a really lovely man.

Mostly I met Richard during radiation protection training sessions at the Warehouse, during which this great huggable but sometimes angry bear of a man cajoled and managed the most nervous and motley groups of Greenpeace campaigners and volunteers. Also, not that infrequently, we peered at each other across various courtrooms whilst I waited my turn for the defence and then, when I was giving my technical bamboozle of evidence, Watty always managed a smile, a nod and a wink across the court, so as to reassure and calm me down whilst he, a giant amongst campaigners, held his steely determination to put the World to rights.

Richard, a sad loss but thanks for all that you have helped to achieve.

Hey Watty.

I remember dropping the pod from the bottom of some oil rig with you after a rope snapped. "Let's pretend we did it on purpose!" you said, and cheering, raised clenched fists to the sky.

That and my first climbing action with you. There was that bloke from Brazil who thought he was coming to be a spokesperson form the ground or something. I'm remembering the earnest discussions about how to avoid heat exhaustion on the climb. Two freezing nights later and we'd had to nick most of Brazilian's clothes to stay warm before he called it a day (fair enough!) and climbed down. Nice guy, but a bit short for his clothes to fit me well, and you had no chance.

We all hung around together afterwards because nobody wanted to leave and split up our close-knit little group.

I'll remember this stuff, pretty much forever I reckon, so I'll not be forgetting you anytime soon.

Love to Richard's family and friends.

I can’t believe what I’m reading in the local paper today about Richard. Even though I’ve not seen you in about 10 years I always wanted to get back in touch with you (and Meg). Every time GP has been on the news I find myself glued to the telly thinking to myself that this could be you on another mission. Many times it was you and it always filled me full of happiness.
I met Richard working for British Telecom and I was fortunate to spend about a year or two working with him as a two man gang. It soon became apparent that the correct way of doing the job was his way and I also learnt that arguing about it just delayed the inevitable. Richard introduced me to climbing and soon we were planning our day at work so that we could be near a good place to go climbing at lunch time. Sometimes it got a bit out of hand like completely being off route and finding ourselves at Mallam cove or Widop for the afternoon just because it was a beautiful day and climbing was far better than working. I remember him having an early finish sometimes on a Friday and me ending up dropping him off at the ‘Staff of Life’ or ‘Pack Horse’ to meet up with Dave, I’d always end up covering for you for the rest of the afternoon.
Every time I drive through Read and see the viaduct, it always reminds me of when me, you, Dave and Ollie went bridge jumping on several occasions ‘Swing or Swim’. Every time I see Mallam Cove I see us all climbing, every time I go the Pack Horse I see us all Bouldering at Widop. So many things remind me of you and yet I didn’t try to get in touch. I always thought we’d just bump into each other again and then go for a pint of Pendle Witch in the Mechanics (if it was still open) and finish it off with a pint of Black Russian, then after kicking out time go back to yours and play Black Jack while polishing off the rest of a descent bottle of whiskey, just like the good old days. I’m sorry for not trying to get in touch.. I have so many memories and they all seem like yesterday not 10 to 15 years ago. You made a lasting impression on me with your strength, determination and most of all your heart of gold. I will never forget you Rich……….

On behalf of Geoff, Doris, Michelle and Joanne Barras, we would like to say how sorry we are at hearing the news about Richard. Like many others we have not seen Richard, or his family, for a long, long time, but do remember the good times when we were all members of the North Lancs Camping and Caravan Club. Our thoughts are with you all. The Barras family.