Richard George Merridan (29 Jul 1971 - 1 Aug 2016)

So many precious memories of time spent with you bro, we had good times and bad but the one thing that never changed was the love we had for each other! So so proud of how you fought all the challenges that life threw at you! 3 months have passed since your last fight and not a day goes bye when I don't think of you! I love you bro with all my heart, sweet dreams and see you again one day all my love Sophie xxx

I grew up with Richard. He was like the big brother I never had. In 1991 he became my brother for real when he married my sister Claire. What a party that was!! I have a picture of me and Rich looking a little worse for wear that I will dig out. When my nephew Adam was born in 1994 we were bonded for life. Neither of us realised how short a time that would be. Since his diagnosis in January I spent a lot of time with him. We became brother and sister again. I looked after him. He hated it (secretly I think he loved it) We laughed lots, watched lots of movies and shared a little vodka or two!! We spoke about him dying. I cried, he was so very strong. I visited him in hospital and he was so so brave. On the 1st August he couldn't fight any more. He was tired. That day changed so many lives. Richard had a beautiful soul and was very loving, I will love and miss him forever. Rest in Peace my friend xxxx

What can I say such a sad day we lose another. Richard was Sophies scary big brother who always sorted us out and sorted the adults too, especially when we all down the pub ( blackies). The one thing is we all put eastenders to shame with all the crazy antics. Richard was loved by so many and many more up there, they will take of him and carry the party on!! Rest in piece Sophies big bro Richard .

I also grew up on the Heath with Richard and Emmie . So many fond childhood memories. My favourite had to be when Richard ran away only as far as st John's grounds and I took him a food parcel of raw slabbed jelly and rich tea biscuits out my mum's pantry. I think he was back home before I got my scolding . God bless my friend sleep well xxx

Although you wasn't blood related it felt like you was. You was like an uncle to me. Always there when I needed you and always a phone call away when you moved out of Lincoln. Still can't believe you're actually gone. You was such a warm hearted man. Can't thank you enough for being there for my mum through thick and thin she's going to be lost without you. Always thought a lot of you and you always had the best advice. Will miss you so much. Forever in my heart. They always take the best people, just glad you're no longer in pain. Well done for being so strong right untill the end. Sleep tight, love you lots and see you soon xxxxx

A lovely lad, never got to know you too well but the one time we had a one to one you were an absolute inspiration to me.. Good fun, genuine and a bit of a lad at the same time .. Rest in Peace bruv x

I can't imagine life with out you ,you will always be my little bro you have always been a lovely person. You grew into a sweet sweet man who respected life however and wot ever it threw at you .how ever this last hurdle was just too big even with our help and support .you are at peace now sleep tight love you always xxxx

Although you were only supposed to be living at my house for a couple of months, it became almost a couple of years. Dickie dog will miss the days he spent sitting in the sun in the garden with you, he has retired to the sofa these days!

So many memories of us growing up bro some good some bad and lots of funny ones (now anyway haha) agh will miss you not being in this world so pleased I came back and you waited for me will never ever forget that means the world to me love you for ever and will miss you always ?? your baby sis Em xxxx

Grew up with Richard and Emma went to school with them I can remember all the nights messing around in the village after school especially on the aha when we shouldn't be memories I shall cherish always xxx

I've known you since 2011, everything changed in 2014. Still remember the late night phone call, coming to find and rescue you... A beautiful man inside and out, forever in my heart xxx

Didn't know you long .but a Living beautiful legend xx