Richard John Payne (14 Sep 1978 - 26 May 2019)

In memory of a young man of whom his parents are very proud.

Richard's bubbling, infectious enthusiasm made him a fantastic academic and an inspiring supervisor. He gave me opportunities that I will be forever grateful to him for. A very sad loss.

My wife and I only met Richard the once, with his partner at Mark & Tori's wedding. I had caved with Mark for 8 or 9 years, and he told me of his and Richards exploits whilst caving - even the hairy bits! It was good to meet him, to put a face to the name. A sad loss for everyone, doing what he loved.

I only met Richard once, at Mark & Tori's wedding, where myself and my wife shared a table with Richard and his partner. I knew all him through Mark, as Mark & I had caved for nearly 8 or 9 years, and he told me of all the climbing he & Richard had done together, all the hairy bits included. It was a good day, and I was glad to meet Richard to put a face to the name.

Richard lived life to the full, and will be remembered by those he has left behind.

Richard was such a kind and loving person and I will miss his warm hearted sense of humour very much. I first met Rich on a mountaineering trip to Zermatt in Switzerland in summer 2006. Along with other fellow Lancaster University friends, we climbed a number of spectacular mountains in the Valais. The pinnacle of this trip was going to the summit of the Matterhorn with Rich and Jim Heath. Rich and Jim had several years of alpine mountaineering experience at this point, whereas this was my first trip of this nature. I'm personally very grateful to Rich for introducing me to the techniques of alpinism in his signature open and supportive way. He was a real inspiration as a mountaineer. Following Rich's mountain and academic achievements throughout his career over the years since first meeting him have been both fascinating and inspirational. He was someone who believed in living his passions every day and ensured every moment of his life was lived to the full. His network of friends and colleagues within the mountaineering community and environmental sciences discipline spanned the globe. Thank you ever so much for all the wonderful memories, we owe a lot to you. I am so very lucky to have shared experiences with you in the mountain landscapes of Europe. My thoughts and love are with Rich's family and especially Mum, Dad and partner Chris.

A wonderful way to honour Richard’s memory. For me it will always be the curly-haired boy with the flat cap ❤️

My sincere condolences to Richard's family.

In memory of Richard

Sending my love to John and Lisa, and all Richard’s family and friends. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Chris: Keeping you in my thoughts at this time.
My condolences to you and Richard's family.

Chris: Keeping you in my thoughts.
My condolences to you and to Richard's family.

In memory of Richard

With our deepest sympathy and respect for a courageous young man.

Thinking of you.

Sent in memory of Richard, we are so very sorry for your loss. Andy and Fiona