Our final salute and presentation of our dear friend Richard to the Lord was a spirit-filled experience. The church was packed with his relatives and friends who come from all walks of life. The silent crowd spoke volumes. One could actually breathe the peace, the faith and the love that only our Saviour Jesus Christ can give.

Of course the football theme, the famous goal and the love for Sliema was on everybody’s lips, but Richard was much more than that. I can vouch for it, because in the last eight years, I spent many working hours with him and had the privilege of knowing a good friend, a close working colleague and a true gentleman.

He was a dedicated employee, with a sense of duty and concern towards both the company where we worked and towards our employers. His respect for all other work mates was tangible. We often discussed our work and gave each other suggestions on how to improve and attain better results. Richard contributed to a healthy working environment. Through his simplicity, good communication and effort with all parties concerned, work became our second home. He was above all a family man, who loved his wife Nikki so dearly. He used to mention her daily. For him the knot was not at all suffocating, but was his forte. His best goal, which left a mark, was surely his marriage. He taught us how married life should be – how by giving oneself, one receives more than expected. Richard could actually see it working, especially during his time of sickness. Together with Nikki, his brothers Edward and Mario and his sister Rose were also his main concern. However, he did not stop there; he sought out other people’s needs. He often asked me about my family and was a very good listener. His character was moulded with gentleness, and his sense of humour was fantastic.

Richard could not love the way he did, if he did not love God first. Nobody can give from what he doesn’t have. He used to water himself with the love for Jesus. Padre Pio and John Paul II were his favourites, perhaps because they both suffered like him. He tried to copy their examples by submitting his sickness to the Lord. We shall remember Richard as a person who upheld good Christian values.

It is sad that he is momentarily apart from us, but it is comforting to know that he is reaping the fruit he sowed, and encouraging us to follow Jesus so that we can join him later on. As your niece said: Ric, Happy New Beginning!

Ian Lucas

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