Richard Endsleigh (13 Jan 1933 - 6 May 2026)

In loving memory of Richard Endsleigh who sadly passed away on 6th May 2026.

Richard was born on 13th January 1933 in Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, to his single mother Ruby Powell. Because he was born out of wedlock, he was adopted by the Coram Foundling Hospital in London, at 6 months old, where he was given the name Richard Endsleigh.

His early years were spent in foster care before returning to the orphanage, and during the war he was evacuated to Hertfordshire. Throughout his childhood, his mother continued to send letters and gifts—acts of love he would only come to fully understand many years later.

At 15, Richard set out to make his own way in the world. Despite facing hardships, he showed great resilience and determination. He trained as a blacksmith, developing skills that would shape the rest of his life.
He eventually settled in Redhill, where he built not only a career but also a home, meeting his wife Maureen and raising their two sons, Mark and Jason.

Richard went on to enjoy a long and skilled career in engineering, working on important projects and later using his talents to help others by designing and building mobility aids—work that gave him great pride and purpose.

A gifted craftsman, he could turn his hand to almost anything with steel, often creating pieces for his home, family, and community, and always willing to help those around him. He was immensely proud of his family, including his daughters-in-law, Claire and Kate, and his four grandchildren, Hannah, Charlotte, Adam and Luke.

Richard also loved life outside of work—he was sociable, full of character, and enjoyed good company, a drink, and a laugh. Even into his later years, that spirit stayed with him. Richard’s was a life shaped by strength, independence, resilience, and warmth—a life lived fully, and on his own terms