The late Thomas Edward Richards (Ted)

[Ken Hannah]

Dear All,

Ted was laid to rest yesterday, 31st May 2018. He was interned in Colchester Cemetery attend by family, friends and RAMC colleagues. John Harrison, Kelyn Clifford and myself represented OTT Reunited.

On behalf of Robert (Ted's son) and family and the members of OTT reunited I would like to thank Ian Hooper (Chairman of the Essex branch of the RAMC Association) and Darren 'Pat' Patterson (Branch Standard Bearer) for their attendance and representing the wider Corps family, it was very much appreciated by all.

Not, How Did He Die, But How Did He Live?

Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of his birth.
Nor what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?

**************

'He Is Gone'

You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,
or you can be full of the love that you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what Ted would want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

(Readings at Ted's funeral service)

RIP
TED


Regards
Ken