Richard Deverill-West (24 Mar 1946 - 18 May 2026)

Richard Deverill-West (Ricky)

Richard “Ricky” Deverill-West was born on 24th March 1946 and passed away on 18th May 2026 following a short illness.

Dad spent part of his childhood living on a farm in East Boldre with his Auntie Mavis and Uncle Eric, something that remained an important part of his early life and memories.

As a young man, Dad joined the Army and spent time stationed overseas, including in Germany and Singapore. Following his time in the military, he met Catherine (Katie) Deverill-West in Calshot, who already had two sons Raymond and David and together they built a life and family together.

Dad and Mum later married and had two children, Lenny and Zillah. The family settled in Dibden Purlieu, where they spent many years living in Crete Cottages and raising their family.

Throughout his life Dad worked many different jobs. He spent time working at the Esso refinery at Fawley, drove trucks helping to build motorways, and also worked as a taxi driver. However, many people locally will remember Dad best for repairing cars and vehicles from his home garage at Crete Cottage, where he became well known in the area and made many lifelong friends.

Dad had many hobbies and interests over the years and was never somebody to sit still for long. His interests included banger racing, motorbikes, photography, tropical fish, golf, darts and many other hobbies that reflected his curiosity and hands-on nature.

Throughout his life, Dad was also a great lover of dogs and owned many over the years, something that brought him a great deal of happiness.

Later in life, Dad and Mum moved to Spain, spending around ten years living in the hills above Murcia. Eventually they returned to the UK, where Dad later spent time living with Raymond before settling back in the local area in Holbury, close to family.

Before Mum passed away almost eight years ago, our family grew when we learned about her son Robert and who became a very welcome addition to the family. Then, shortly before Dad passed away, we were also fortunate to discover and connect with his daughter Tracy Dougherty, who had been born before Dad met Mum, something that brought another unexpected and meaningful connection to the family later in life.

He is survived by his children, Tracy Dougherty, Lenny Deverill-West and Zillah Deverill-West; his stepsons Raymond Cox, David Cox and Robert May; and his eleven grandchildren: Piers, Thomas, Claudia, Portia, Holly, Banjo, Casper, Isabelle, Jared Mark and Lauren, with two great grandchildren Frankie and Harriet.

Dad also leaves behind his sisters Wendy, Lorna and Janet, his only surviving siblings, along with many extended family members and friends.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dad was never somebody who spoke a great deal about his past, so as a family we are still piecing together parts of his life and memories for the funeral service.

If anybody has stories, photographs, memories from his Army days, or anything else they would like to share, we would love to hear from you.

If you are planning on attending the funeral, please also contact the obituary owner using the option above, and the message will come directly through to the family.