Richard Harrison
Launched
April 2026
Richard Harrison, was born on 9th April 1947 in Eisenerz, Austria.
He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend to many and will always be remembered fondly.
His wisdom, kindness and sense of humour will forever be missed.
"As is a tale, so is a life:
Not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” (Seneca)
We scatter some of his ashes into space, around the globe where he can look after his loved ones and bring them comfort when they look up and see him in the beautiful sky.
Others are scattered beneath his special tree by the Lake at Wentworth Golf Club, Virginia Water; some on the Pitch of his special Harlequins Rugby Club; and the rest at the bottom of the garden in a cardboard box which was always his only desire.
Richard was a strong, spirited man, principled, honest, responsible and reliable with a big kind heart, always eager to help others. .. one of life’s true characters.
Richard was born and raised in Austria and was passionate about the art of aviation where he invested his talent to the full. He embraced adventure through his days of flying, world travel and precision engineering.
His fervent generosity resulted in a loving life pursuing its rich possibilities to the brim.
He was a true people person with a dazzling smile and big blue eyes; a very warm character, full of mischief, who always knew how to brighten the day of those around him by lifting their spirits. He found joy and laughter in the simple things in life. He expressed radiance and happiness to everyone who knew him. He knew the best things in life were not complicated; they were about family, love and laughter.
He changed the lives of so many on his path and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. The memories we shared with him will stay in our hearts forever.
"I’ve learned that people will forget what you said;
people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." (Maya Angelou)
"In the end it is not the years in your life that counts. It is the life in your years"
(Abraham Lincoln)
"The love we shared had fuelled both of us and we were irreversibly joined"
"Needless to say, we love our dad immensely.
We all have special wonderful memories of him that we’ll carry on in our hearts for the rest of our lives.
Those beautiful bright blue eyes that reflected an amazingly kind and generous soul will be with us forever."
Richard's Team Marsden Fund
Richard made a heartfelt promise to Professor Ian Chau, his Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden Hospital and Reader at the Institute of Cancer Research.
He pledged that any funds raised in his memory would be donated to support the reasearch within the Upper Gastrointestinal Unit in recognition of the exceptional care, dedication, and compassion shown to him throughout his treatment.
According to Pancreatic Cancer UK, the disease is the fifth biggest cancer killer in the UK with only 3% of the annual UK cancer research budget. Sadly, because diagnosis often occurs at a late stage, only 2 in 10 people are able to receive chemotherapy.
The hard fact is that 1 in 4 people diagnosed will die within a month, and 3 in 4 within a year.
Richard defied these statistics thanks to Professor Chau and his team’s unwavering commitment to fighting this cancer. Their dedication to patient care, alongside the vital research they continue to produce, gave Richard more time and hope, and continues to make a difference for so many others facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
After an inital prognosis of an average 3 months survival rate, Richard fought long and hard with mental strength for 21 months alongside Professor Chau's encouraging words. His shared passion for rugby formed a special bond between the two.
We wish to fulfil Richard’s pledge so we, as a family, are raising funds for further research in Professor Chau’s department as his financial resources are limited. In order to boost our fundraising efforts we are organising a silent auction.
We are eternally grateful for any support you are able to give to Professor Chau and his team at The Royal Marsden Hospital. Your support will make a real difference in bringing us close to our target of £100,000 which will be crucial to a research project which will aim to attack this life threatening disease.We are committed to spreading awareness and helping in every way we can to fight this devastating disease; one that took a truly wonderful man from us far too soon.
If you would like to donate to Richard's pledge,
please click the box below to visit the JustGiving page.
"In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." (Paul McCartney)
Richard's family have received many messages of condolence, these can be read here by clicking the small arrow to the left.
Oh Patricia, Mike and I are bereft upon hearing this sad news of our dear friend Richard. He put up a mighty fight and was so brave through it all. He will be sorely missed and we too have some amazingly happy memories of years gone by and the fun and laughter we all shared. Please give our love and condolences to the family and we are here for you if needed. Look after yourself and get in touch when you are ready. With our love. Marion & Mike xxx (oldest friends)
Sending you much love as the year turns. When I lost my father at Christmas a few years ago I remember hating the New Year-it made my Dad part of ‘ last year’ which seemed so ling ago.
I know that you will be ably supported by your incredible family-what a formidable and strong team the Harrisons are. You and Richard are fantastic role models as people, husband and wife, parents and grand parents.
I remember visiting Richard on Kennaway. We had a chat and he quietly said that he was ready-calmly and rather matter of fact. And he said he knew that you would be ok-what love and strength that shows.
You devoted your life to him and to his care-you could have done no more, and he was always in the best of hands treatmentwise. Cold comfort possibly but many do not have that knowledge to fall back on.
Reach out if you need a chat or a hug-perhaps we can meet up sometime when things have become more calm. Much love. Xx (Sue volunteer at RMH)
Good evening Patricia, Words cannot express my sadness after picking up your email this morning. I just don't know what to say. I had called you on Saturday but there was no answer so I just left a message. Now I know why. I would like to talk to you but I understand it might not be appropriate as you will still be trying to process everything. If you are up to receive a call anytime just let me know. I'm so pleased it was peaceful and you were all able to be with him in his last moments. Richard was a truly wonderful man, it was a pleasure to have been able to call him my friend. Love to you all xxx (Judith, a friend in Portugal)
Dear, dear Patricia, I just had your email. I am so very, very sorry. I can only imagine how you are all feeling, and my heart goes out to all of you. He was a great man, and I know how acutely you will all miss him. I feel very privileged to have known him, even a little. Where are you now? At home, or with one of the children? I would love to come give you a hug this week, if you are up to it. If not, I completely understand. We will keep him, and all of you, in our prayers every day. Sending love to you all. (Ann Elise, wife of choir master at Windsor Castle)
Dearest Patricia. I am so desperately sad to receive this sad news. You must all be completely devastated. Richard was a wonderful husband and father who faced his challenges with great stoicism. His presence and optimism were truly remarkable and he was such a delightful character. My heart goes out to you all together with my deepest condolences. Keep in touch won’t you. xxx (Mary, Prof Chau’s secretary)
Dear Patricia
I was very sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. It was a privilege to care for him, and I was always struck by his courage and the love that surrounded him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and know that you and your family are in my thoughts and heart during this difficult time.
With sympathy, Mairead xx (Nurse from RMH)
Oh Patricia…. We are So very sorry. He was a very very special man. We will always hold a special place in our hearts for him. We are sending you all our love to you all. Xxx (Buffy, car enthusiasts)
Dear Patricia
Louise and I were very sad indeed to hear about wonderful Richard.
We were away over Christmas and spoke about him every day. He was a top man with whom we shared many happy times and laughs. When I spoke to him prior to our Portugal trip he was in good spirits but clearly was very poorly.
Our thoughts are with you and your family. Please excuse email but we do not have your latest address. You had too much on your plate to send details with the move and medical duties
You must feel exhausted and will need to be gentle with yourself. Richard leaves a large hole. We send our love, condolences and prayers to you and your family at this difficult and sad time.
With much love
Ian and Louise (solicitor friend who likes to golf)
Dear Patricia,
I was so sorry to hear that Richard has been moved into hospice care. I can only imagine how difficult and heartbreaking this time must be for you, and I wanted to send you my very warmest thoughts.
Please know that you and Richard are very much in our thoughts. I would normally have sent a card, but I didn’t want to risk bothering Andrew, though I have been in regular contact with him to check in and see how he’s doing.
If there is anything at all you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I also hope that, as much as possible, you are managing to look after yourself during this incredibly demanding time.
Best wishes,
James (Children’s Deputy Head of School)
Andy so sorry to hear mate. He was a true gentleman and I loved the connection we had. He was so enthusiastic about Quinn’s and the game. Glad to have been a small part of his life mate. Love to you and Nicola and the girls. Look forward to seeing you soon (Nick Evan’s, one of the Quins coaches and Andrew’s friend)
Oh mate. I’m so sorry. Your dad was an absolute legend. We had so much fun at Quins together and my lot still talk about how much fun he was when we went out. If there’s anything I can do please let me know. Sending you big love. I know this must be a really really hard time. (Nick, Quins fan and Andrew’s friend)
Hi Helms, I’m so so sorry to hear about your dad What an incredible battle he fought, and he couldn’t have done it without you championing him every step of the way. He was such a lovely, kind man and I can only imagine the void which his passing will leave for you and your family. Sounds like you have been amazing trekking to and from Sutton and Bray, which must have been exhausting particularly whilst growing your own tiny human. He deserved to have gone very peacefully and by your side Nothing can ever replace your daddy, but I know he’d be so proud of you and will be watching down looking after you and your little bubba forevermore.
Sending lots of love and hugs, and please let us know if there’s anything at all we can do xxxx (Lucy, one of Helme’s oldest friends)
.jpg)