Richard James Blakeborough

16 December 196413 October 2024

On behalf of Heather, Tess, Grace and Jack, we would like to thank everyone who has messaged us over the last two days. 

Beloved son of Ian and Maureen, brother of Elizabeth Abrey (Paul), Sarah Edgar (Oli), they too send their thanks for the messages and memories being sent through. 

We will be celebrating dad’s life (Richard) this Saturday 19th October, at 2pm at the Central Park Chapel of Davis Funerals, 150 Central Park Drive Henderson. 

There will be a live stream happening for those of you who cannot attend in person, which will be available on this page. 

Funeral service held at Central Park Chapel, Davis Funerals

Tributes

After spending the last year selling, buying and moving cities, I have just heard of Richard’s passing. I am so very sorry and my condolences go to his family. I met Richard at a very low point in my life, having been gifted a coaching session. He found my passion and gave me the strength to write a book about Young Onset Alzheimer’s. I will never forget this and his help was acknowledged in my book. So very sorry I did not know earlier

Eileen Smith

I was so very sad to hear of your passing Richard, and I send my sincere condolences to your family and friends. I will always remember you as the man with the most generous of hearts, filled with wit and wisdom and joy, with determination and passion to make lives and life better all around him. And you truly succeeded in doing just that! What an absolute pleasure to know you through the Auckland NZDSN network - you will be greatly missed, and will live on in our hearts and memories, always bringing a smile.

Kristi Shaw

We were away when the funeral was being held, and unable to watch it live, but have just seen the videos today. Richard, you were always a friend to Sharon and I, always full of life, and always a pleasure to be with. To my dear cousin Heather- My heart is with you, I wish I could take the hurt away. To my dear nieces (what do they call children of cousins- “once removed” sounds like something was amputated): Dearest Tess, what a beautiful song you sang. I will always be here if you want to e-mail / message / FaceTime. I would love to one day get you and my friend Mark (another Jurassic person) together, just to talk soccer- and maybe one day we can go watch the US Women’s team. To dear Grace, my thoughts are with you, and if you ever need anything from me I am right here (7,000 miles away, but I’m here). To all my Quick descendant family- I love you all, thinking of everyone. God Speed, Richard, and save us all a seat at your table. Bruce.

Bruce Knight

So sorry to hear Richard has passed, have great memories from Selwyn Foorball days. Condolences to the whole family, thinking especially of Heather and Tess. Best wishes from Penny and Georgia (Birch)

Penny Taylor

Such a beautiful service. Every story perfectly encompassing all of Richard’s personality. Hilarious, compassionate, wise and human. It was a pleasure to work with him and to learn from him. He always talked of his family; Heather, Tess, Grace and Jack with nothing but love and adoration. All my best to you all and to everyone that knew him. As Richard would say, it’s not goodbye, just see you later.

Meg / Migraine

Richard has been a clever, funny, empathetic, and forthright friend. Will particularly miss his determination to bring ordinary life outcomes to life for people with disabilities. “Eric the Pig” and his post punk band of disabled people with John Marable on vocals live on in our memories. Love and warm wishes Heather, Tess, Grace and Jack from all of us at Disability Connect.

Mike Potter

So sad and shocked to hear of Richard’s passing. I have very fond memories of Richard through our school days. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Sincerest condolences to all his family and friends xxx

Karen Coomber

Our sincere condolences to all Richard was a wonderful member of the West Auckland community and an amazing supporter of the work that we do at Hospice West He will be very missed in our community networks Not to mention the wonderful humour that Richard brought to our meetings

Trish Fleming

Richard, your Passing has been a tremendous shock. So many memories though, leaving us Roses in December. I know Uncle Bob will be waiting for you with a beer, together with so many loved ones who have gone before . May God grant you eternal light and comfort your loved ones at this sad time. God Bless, and R.I.P. until we meet up again. There will be a new, bright star in the sky tonight. Love, Auntie Pat. Xx a/k/a Auntie Cream Cake. Xx

Patricia

Richards passing is a truly tremendous shock. Too young to Leave. So many memories to give us roses in December. I know Bob will be waiting with a beer. May God bless your coming, and you meet with so many Loved ones that passed before. Never forgotten, Auntie Pat A/k/a Auntie Cream Cake. Xxx

Auntie Pat

Dear Richard. Such sad news. You've been far away for a long time since moving to NZ, but always still close to us. So I'll just keep thinking you are still far away and close to us as always. There's a saying here that goes "Que Dios ilumine tu camino al descanso eterno". And He Will. Uncle Bob and Nan will be there anyway with their arms open to help you on your way. Another star to shine brightly above every night. Rest In Peace, Rich x

Jane, Ángel, Aaron & Anna

I was deeply saddened to hear this news. Richard, affectionately known as Pancho during his school days, was a classmate of my sister Fiona, who we also sadly lost in 2023. He was always so kind and accommodating over the years, especially during the visit my wife and I made to Christchurch. I also remember reading about his journey through bypass surgery—he truly had a lion’s heart. On my travels for work in the Caribbean, I often drove past a bar called Pancho’s, in Grenada 🇬🇩 which always made me smile and think of him. Despite everything, he remained approachable, helpful, and kind-hearted. Taken from us far too soon.

Jonathan Cox

Taken too soon, Rest in peace my friend. We are going to miss you. Our sincere condolences to the family.

Ashna Chakravarthy

I reconnected with you, old friend, back in the early part of the last decade. We shared stories of our recent health scares and helped each other through dark times as well as sharing some great stories and hopes for the future. I fondly remember your support of my writing and how you told me I had to get my works published. I did and was proud to call myself an author because of you. Encouraged by your will to achieve greater things with your story on the international PR circuit in helping others you formed ‘Court de Lion’ as your brand - a name that will always exist because that is what you had - the heart of a lion. Brigid and I married in 2014 and you took to her like an old friend. She too is saddened to know you are no longer there but cherishes your friendship toward her. Richard, from our days at school to now and beyond I shall remember a good friend. Rest peacefully, your challenges are at an end but your name will live on in each and every person who knew you.

Anton Lang-Norris

This shocking news went around the world via many of your loved ones and is still in disbelief now as was then. Heather, grace & jack, Tess. From the UK we all send our love and know auntie Barbara will be there waiting for you. Love to all and sadly missed by Everyone that knew you.xx

bugden family

So shocked and saddened to hear the news about Richard. He was such a character, so much fun, and always up for a laugh when we were in our teens. Whether at school or at the club he was always full of vim and vigour. Although many decades have passed the memory of his friendship will never fade. Regards and condolences to the family. X

David Adams

I was shocked and saddened to hear of your passing Richard, I always enjoyed your energy, humor and commitment to the communities and people you served. You were always there to bring the light to a dark room, creating spaces that enables people to relax and participate equally. Our thoughts are with your family at such a difficult time, from all your colleagues in Northland, we wish you the best.

Adam Dade

We are so sorry for your loss Heather, Tess, Grace and Jack. We only had the pleasure of seeing Richard at Federation conferences and online meetings, but he always left us with a lasting impression. He was able to bring humour into every situation and was able to get a laugh out of everyone, which is such a lovely gift. He will be missed. Our thoughts and love are with you all during this very sad and difficult time. Take care of each other.

Naomi Yeoman

It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to you Richard. A valued part of our team for four years. The person that always injected fun and laughter into our team meetings. We will miss you. Sending lots of love and strength to you Heather, Tess, Grace and Jack.

The Board and Staff at Independent Living

A dearly loved friend and beloved Godfather. We will miss you so much Richard. With love, Richard, Laura, Kieran, Will and Alex xxxxx

Laura and Richard Lane

We're going to miss you so much Richard. Taken far too soon. Rest in peace now, you will be remembered always. Much love to Heather, Tess, Grace and Jack.

Lisa Martin

Rest in love and peace dear Richard. You will be missed by so many of us as a colleague, a mentor, and a forever friend. Love and sympathy to you Heather, Tess, Grace and Jack and to all of Richard's family worldwide. Arohanui.

Carol and Tim Wood
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