Autumn-Winter ESB News

Richard at the Grand Canyon in 1965

In my career thus far I have been blessed with a valued group of mentors and influencers and Richard was one such person. Christabel was clear that ESB grew from a belief in the value of personal relationships, a belief that these relationships could only truly develop through communication and speech. I was so very sad and shocked to hear of Richard’s death. I don’t have to tell you about his enormous contribution to ESB - the last time I spoke to him he was full of enthusiasm after a very successful visit to the House of Commons - and his loss will be immeasurable. Christabel Burniston’s core vision formed the basis of his own devotion to the organisation and it’s going to be well-nigh impossible to find a replacement of his calibre. shared with us: I first met Richard at an ESB Conference in Glasgow, more than thirty years ago and still remember the most entertaining and professional evening of poetry and prose he presented with Betty Boyd. I’m not going to attempt to list the many roles Richard played in the life of ESB, suffice to say he was totally dedicated to the philosophy of ESB, and the importance of oral

communication in the life of every individual. He was a most loyal supporter of the work of Christabel Burniston and worked tirelessly to ensure that work should grow and develop. Richard understood the working of Business and of Education and brought his expertise from both worlds to every situation, with care, consideration and respect. He could find the key points in any argument and was always ready to consider out how things could be “taken forward.” That is perhaps one of my special memories of Richard, not just his ability to listen but to develop ideas and to ask: “…now, how do we take this forward.” He remembered people and details and, in true ESB spirit, took an interest in the interests of others. I shall never forget him and feel privileged to have worked with him. He shall be greatly missed. Plainly even if I had "Googled' Richard Ellis, the picture found, would have paled into insignificance compared to the man who contributed so significantly to the ongoing success of ESB and whom I had the privilege to serve as CEO: "He was a man. Take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again." William Shakespeare "Hamlet", Act 1 Scene 2

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