Richard James Fairchild (24 Feb 1953 - 17 Dec 2016)

In loving memory of Richard James Fairchild who sadly passed away on 17th December 2016 after losing his fight against cancer - a battle he had been fighting for the past five years.

Richard was born in Thorpe Hall, Peterborough, and grew up with his brother David on their parents farm in Caldecote. He went to the local primary school in Stilton and later went onto Sawtry College. After leaving school he took an apprenticeship and became an electrician.

I met Richard in 1971 and became his wife in 1975. We set up our first home in Whittlesey and in 1977 we welcomed our daughter Louisa into the world. We then renovated an old barn into a family home and whilst living there our son Ashley was born in 1981.

Richard had many hobbies including shooting, fishing, wood-turning, DIY and in his former years working with shire horses. These were hobbies which he could enjoy with the family; Louisa has fond memories of beating whilst Richard was on a shoot; Ashley has enjoyed many fishing outings with him and his work with shire horses took us all to many different shows across the country. Richard was a man who would readily help others whether asked to or not - usually this required using his many DIY skills. He was never one to sit still for five minutes - if he wasn't doing something for someone else he would be in his shed making something - usually for someone else!

Upon first meeting Richard you would think he was very reserved but once you got to know him his humorous side would show in the form of far-fetched tales he would have you believing right up until he delivered the punch line. He wasn't slow in coming forward and was happy to don a wig, a fancy dress outfit and play his character well at any party.

Richard was a wonderful Grandad to Alex and Ollie and he will be greatly missed by them. It was his wood-turning skills that earned him the nickname of Grandad Chisel.

Richard was a very courageous man when it came to his battle against cancer. He remained positive almost through out and at times surprised us all. He didn't like to make a fuss and true to form he was always more concerned about myself and our children.

Not only will Richard be missed by his family but also by the people that got to know him over the years. May he now rest in peace and be free from pain.

I'm sure you all have fond memories of Richard so please feel free to share those memories (and photos) with us on this dedicated page.

Love to you always Richard
from Barbara x