Richard Anthony Swain (15 Mar 1963 - 18 Apr 2023)

The Swain family are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Richard Anthony Swain aged just 60 years young at his home in Tadworth, Surrey. While the family and friends are deeply shocked by his death, they are thankful for his life
Richard the youngest of 3 children of Anne Margret Swain and George Harry Swain (both deceased) was born at the family home in Craddock Avenue in Ashtead.
Richard attended his local primary school Barnet wood land and then went onto Therefield secondary school in Leatherhead.
In his early years Richard would spend many a summer down “All Hallows” Kent with Gina, Tracey, and his parent in their static caravan.
Richard started his working life as a paperboy to gain enough small change to get him into snooker clubs even if he was underage.
Richard went on to college to study a couple of professions, (civil engineering did not get on with that, tried plastering not his forte) become a driving instructor for a while, even turned his hand to butchery with his brother-in-law Nick but in the end, it was working in accounts departments that was to be his calling. Working for companies such as W.S. Atkins, ADP, and Samsung UK where he remained until his passing.
The beloved husband and father is survived by his wife, Maria, his 4 daughters who inherited his quick wit (Elizabeth, Victoria, Rebecca, and Eleanor), sisters Gina and Tracey and 6 beautiful grandchildren. He will also be missed by his extended family, relatives of all generations and his many friends.
In the words of Albert Einstein “Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and younger generation. For they are us; our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life”
Richard met his first love in the Ashtead village club, aged 27 Richard Married Pem and began a new chapter in his life. Their twin girls Elizabeth and Victoria were born in summer 1992 followed by Rebecca 3years later. The test of time closed this chapter on his marriage and the couple went their own separate ways.
Richard spent many a Friday evening driving down the coast to spend his weekend with his girls.
Richard had passionate love affairs with Stella, snooker, and books of all kinds. He started playing snooker at the age of 14 and continued throughout his right up to the end. He played in many a league for Ashtead village club. Sometimes he would come home and say good game and give us the full rundown other times he would just grunt and groan.
I remember, one time he came home from being at the club and knocking a few balls around with his mates. He came in, sat down, rolled a cig, and proceeded to tell me about his game. Then suddenly he said, “where’s my cue I had it when I got on at the club and swore blind, he had it on the last bus.” I looked around, phoned around not a cue could be found. I took Eleanor down the road with me, fortunate for Richard it was still propped up at the bus stop in town. (That was the last time he put his cue down to have a sneaky pee!!!!!)
In 2002 whilst working for Atkins Richard began a lighthearted relationship over telephone with one of the project accounts personnel little did, he know back then it was to be the ultimate chapter of his life. Richard finally met Maria when he moved department and became her office junior. From that point on their friendship blossomed into love. In 2006 they were blessed with the arrival of Eleanor. A short while after Richard opened his great big heart and welcomed Nicola (maria’s niece) into the fold. On 28July 2013 they were married at the Manor Hotel at Newlands corner, Guildford. This unity of families extended the children of the family to nine.
The family enjoyed many wonderful holidays together, Benalmadena (extended from 1 week to 2 because of an ash cloud), Djerba, Turkey, Caribbean, Cuba, and Dubai. They all contain so many memories that all of us will treasure.
Ticking off Richards bucket list was his honeymoon with maria when they spent 2 weeks travelling in China. The great wall of China, birds nest stadium, Tiananmen square, summer palace, temple of heaven, terracotta warriors, shanghai zoo to name but just a few. I thank you Richard, I never would have seen them all if I had not been with you.
Terry Pratchett wrote” No more words. We know them all, all the words that should not be said, but you have made my world more perfect”
“One can survive everything nowadays, except death, and live down everything except a good reputation” Oscar wilde.
In remembrance and celebration of Richard Anthony Swain's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the charities close to his heart.