Robert John Richardson

[JawsOrca]

Taken from facebook: 

 

Robert John Richardson, born 2 August 1923.

Robert Richardson, a pioneer innovator in the marine industry, sadly passed away on 20th October 2018, aged 95.

In a quote to the team members at Richardsons Leisure Limited the Richardson family announced:

"It is with deep sadness that the family wish to inform you that Mr Richardson (Bobby) has passed away.

After suffering a stroke on Friday morning, he was taken to Norwich University Hospital where, with all his children at his bedside, he slowly and peacefully passed away at 1:30am Saturday morning.

The success of the business and the continuing improvements to land, buildings and boats and the developments of you, our team, were a daily interest to him. He was keen to watch and learn of what was being done and behind the scenes his input continued to be invaluable.

We are sure his legacy will be remembered through the success of the business.

(As a mark of respect the Richardson’s flags are flying at half mast at their marinas and holiday park.)"

Mr Richardson Jnr opened his boating portfolio with the purchase of 4 row boats in the early part of the war before he was ‘called up’ and his father let them for him during the War, in addition to the existing fleet of day boats. In 1944 Mr Richardson purchased their first motor cruiser and early 1944 Mr Richardson Snr and Jnr bought Old Mill House Boatyard in Oulton Broad, from which they let row boats, sailing boats and motor launches. Robert Jnr was in the RAF during the war, stationed in Palestine, Egypt and India. In 1947 he re-joined his father in the boat letting business.

By 1957 the Hire Fleet had outgrown the Oulton Broad sites which led to Mr Richardson Jnr looking for larger premises on the Norfolk Broads. During late 1957 the fleet of hire boats was moved to Stalham and hiring commenced Spring 1958. During the next 15 years the fleet increased with the expansion of the original site at Stalham, creating the largest boatyard on the whole of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads.

In 1986 Horning Boatyard was purchased, followed by three boatyards on the River Thames in 1991. The last boatyard to be purchased was ‘Hearts Cruisers’ in Thorpe Norwich in 1992.

In 1993 Mr Richardson diversified bringing a new venture to the Group with the introduction of Holiday Villages. 
His achievements within the marine industry were recognised in 2010 with Mr Richardson being awarded the Boating Business Lifetime Achievement Award by Marine Trades Association (MTA) and Boating Business.

For more on Mr Richardson’s amazing history see link below: 
https://www.richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk/…/20181022-Boa…

Greg Munford, Chief Executive of Richardson’s and President of British Marine commented:

“Mr Richardson was a pioneer, innovator and an entrepreneur ahead of his time.

One of the founding Fathers of post war tourism in our region.

A quiet, kind and true gentleman whose passion for boating and business has allowed millions of people to enjoy our wonderful waterways in Norfolk, Suffolk and the Thames along with holidays on land through his inspired diversification into holiday parks.

His business has created happy memories that families and friends will never forget and that will transcend their generations.

For those who had the privilege to know him his memory will never be lost.

It is with sadness that we will be celebrating our 75th year without Mr Richardson but knowing the man he would certainly want it to be ‘business as usual.’”

Mr Richardson leaves behind a much-loved family; his daughters Jess and Laura, sons Paul and Clive and nine grandchildren.

 

[JawsOrca]

So sad to read this on facebook. I know Clive is a follower of the forum so I just want to offer my sincere condolences to him and Paul and also the full family as well as the Richardsons team.   

[BrundallNavy]

 Sincere  condolences to Clive and family at this difficult time.

 

[TostockTimonier]

Sincere  condolences to Clive and family at this difficult time

[oldgregg]

Very sad news.

My condolences to Clive, Paul and the rest of the Richardson crew.

[FairTmiddlin]

Clive, Paul. And the whole family, crew of Richardson's.

So sorry to hear of your loss of such a great Gentleman.

My condolences go out to you all.

[JennyMorgan]

Condolences to Clive & Co.

[jeffbroadslover]

Sincere condolences to the whole family and all the crew members .

A true gentleman will be deeply missed.

Jeff

[Ray]

Very sad news, sincere condolences to his family.

[LizG]

I can only echo what everyone else has said! A great loss.

[Jim]

Very sad to hear the news, our sincere condolences to Clive and family

[trambo]

So very sad to read this news. Sincere condolences to Clive and all the family. A true Broads legend.

Fred

[Lulu]

Such sad news. Sincere condolences to Clive and all the family and the whole of the Richardson team. 

[CambridgeCabby]

May I add Kate and mine own condolences to Clive and all the Richardson’s family , the Broads has lost a much admired pioneer , Clive and family has lost a much loved statesman .

[lakesailor]

Sad news. Condolences to Clive and all the Richardson's family and the staff .

Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

[lakesailor]

Sad news. Condolences to Clive and all the Richardson's family and the staff .

Sent from the Norfolk Broads Network mobile app

[Chelsea14Ian]

Sad to hear the passing of Robert ,my thoughts go to Clive ,Paul and family. 

[NeilB]

Very sad to hear this news, my sincere condolences to Clive, Paul and their families.

 

[Maxwellian]

Sad news, thoughts go out to the family at this time.

[petersjoy]

I can only echo what everyone else has said. Sincere condolences to Clive and all the family from me too.

[andy]

Very sad to hear the news, my sincere condolences to Clive and family

 

[boycee]

Very sad news, our sincere condolences to Clive and all the family

Boycee

[Boaters]

Our thoughts are with you all at this time .

[BroadAmbition]

An innovator, A legend, A Broadsman. Much respect to 'Bobby' Richardson.  Condolences to his family.  I did and still do feel it was an honour to have met and chat with him just the once

Griff

[JamesLV]

Condolences to Clive and the rest of the family, the Broads have lost a real character, but he’d be proud of what the family have done to continue his legacy.