Richard Burgess - Requiescat In Pace
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of L&BR Volunteer Richard Burgess on Sunday 6th of April after a long fight with cancer. Richard leaves a wife Penny and son Kris.
His funeral was held 11am Wednesday 16th April at the Barnstaple Crematorium and afterwards at The Pier-House Westward Ho! Nigel Thompson attended and has sent us this report.
At today's funeral, more than 40 of Richard's friends from the L&BR - several having travelled some distance to be there - were joined with another 50 or so family, former work colleagues and others who knew Richard from his other activities.
The Crematorium Chapel was full to overflowing with many having to stand outside listening to the service through loudspeakers.
The Minister read out a lengthy tribute to Richard's life* mentioning his many interests including coach driving, glider pilot, as well as his volunteering for the L&BR. (*Click to read)
Wreath sent on behalf of the L&BR Trust & Company. (Photo Tony Nicholson)
Later at The Pier House, Westward Ho! many friends and family reflected upon their memories of Richard.
1. At an 'L&BR people' table at the wake at The Pier House: From left - Fred Scholes and Tony Williams - L&B volunteers from the very early days at both the LynBarn and Woody Bay - together with Tony's wife Jackie seen conversing with Kate Pounds whilst Kate''s husband Jim converses with Julia Snashall (back to the camera) who with her husband Pete had travelled down from Ashford in Kent that morning especially to attend the funeral. 
2. Another group of L&B people toast a reflective memory to Richard Burgess. Left to right - Pete Snashall L&B Trustee (volunteer liaison), former L&B Operations Director, Tony Hill, L&B General Manager Martyn Budd, regular Thursday volunteer Dave Evans and L&BR staff member Graham Varney. In the background, L&B Company Director Keith Vingoe is seen in conversation with Richard's widow Penny. 
3. Richard lived at Westward Ho! also famous for the superb view across Bideford Bay very much in evidence during today's superb sunny weather - a glorious Devon day to remember Richard by.
An album of photographs showing Richard Burgess 'in action' as an L&B volunteer 1995-2014 is currently being compiled and should be on display at Woody Bay and Lynton over the AGM weekend. If anyone has any photos of Richard then please contact me ASAP: nigeljtommo@aol.com
Nigel Thompson
This from Nigel Thompson:
Richard sadly passed away last weekend.I knew him well outside of the L&B, often visiting him at his home in Westward Ho! He'll be sadly missed.
At the funeral I hope we can muster as many L&B people as possible. I'm compiling a photo album for Penny (and family) of various images of Richard as an L&B volunteer. If anyone has any photos of him 'in action' please email me .
NIGEL
It is hoped that a fuller account of Richard's life and connection with the L&B will appear here shortly.
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Comments
Richard Burgess RIP
I have read this with great sadness. Richard was almost part of the furniture - a long standing volunteer, larger than life character and the man without whom Woody Bay would probably still be lit by oil lamps. Richard always found time to chat, and was well liked by friends, colleagues and visitors. Rest in peace my friend, and thank you for your never-ending support to the railway and to myself when it mattered.
Digging Ditches
I well remember - about ten years ago - a weekend digging a trench across the station entrance - my first meeting with Richard. Always with a laugh and a joke, always keen to help and advise, always a friend to the railway.
Richard, it was a pleasure to have known you, even if we met only briefly. May you steam on forever. ~ Martyn
Richard was my guide in the L&B workshop
About two years ago I stopped on Thursday at Woody Bay on one of my visits to North Devon from America and met Richard who gave me a tour of the shop. He showed me all around and I met several other of the Thursday gang. He told me about the electrics that he had helped install. He will be missed by all at the L&B.
Richard Burgess
So Sad to hear our long term friend and fellow steam mad enthusiast Richard has passed away Many happy memories of times with Richard and Penny at all the steam events around UK Richard asked ME to run my 7 1/4 Loco Through Woody Bay station for the opening I did this and as always Richard made it a pleasant day with lots of chat and informative talks This type of man does not comes along very often and will be missed BUT Never Forgotten by US Now Living In Australia RIP MATE Nigel Sales
Richard Burgess
A friend and I visited Woody bay for the first time in 2008. Spotting our Bluebell Railway polo shirts, Richard immediately gave us a tour of the station & loco shed, creating that good feeling that comes with just being at Woody Bay. I have been back many times since but always remember that first visit, made by Richard's friendly enthusiasm. Any preserved railway would have been proud to number him amongst its members.