Saddened to hear of the passing of Dick Tyson. Such a lovely cheerful character. One of life's wonderfully colourful and uniquely suited Naval Reservists. Never ever nasty or belittling in his association with others, nor condescending. Always greeted you with a smile and in an engaging conversation. I remember inviting him to speak to the children at Mt Roskill Intermediate on the peacetime role of the Navy accompanied by a film and follow-up questions. One of which was, "do they still make you walk the plank?" Quick as a wink without any prompting he replied, "No. You'll be pleased to know that that went out with the Congress of Vienna, 1815." Where did you get that one I later asked?" "Did you like it did you?" he asked. Laughing in mirth I nodded in approval. The school had two Sea Cadets and from the film and his acknowledgement of these lads, three others joined up with T S Achilles. Living in close proximity to Balmoral shopping centre, where if my memory serves me correctly, he had a business, we would quite often afford the time to go and have a cup of coffee nearby for a catch-up or reminisce on Reservex Exercises. Especially the one where we were rowing in all directions delivering a Surgeon-Lt-Cmdr in Middle Eastern garb, with gifts to all the MLs anchored at Great Barrier Island. The last time I spotted Dick was when doing crossing duty outside St Josephs School, Onehunga. Sure enough he gave a wave and a smile. It cost us nothing other than another kind accolade for the memory bank. To Rosa, please accept our sincere sympathies on the passing of a gentle soul with an 'electric' personality. Duty done you may stand down Dick Tyson. RNZNVR

Dear Rosa, I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I have so many special memories of working with Richard during our ARA / ARC days. I spent a lot of time with him and Grant working on AutoCAD at the Auckland Regional Authority / Council over the years and going out on sailing trips. He was such a wonderful, caring person and, and his memory will live on in all who knew him. Sending you strength and support during this challenging period. My deepest condolences Rosa. Lots of Love Karen Farr (nee Birch). RIP Richard, you were one of a kind and you'll be sadly missed by all xxx