Chris’s eulogy

To say that Richie was my best friend, doesn't give justice to our relationship. For not only was he my best friend, he was my confidant, my guide, and my brother for over 33 years. And not one day has gone by since his passing that I haven't thought about him and miss his guidance. Because I truly love that guy and I miss him desperately.

So in light of that, I've been asked to say a few words about his life. And there's so much more that I could say, because Richie loved life and he certainly lived it to the max. But I only have a few minutes so I'll try and give you all a flavor of this amazing man's life, as best as I can.

Well, the first thing I would say is that Richie had soul. Together over the years, it would be no exaggeration to say that we've met thousands of people together. I can honestly say that I've never met anyone who disliked Richie. Everybody loved Richie, to the point where I lost count of the times when people came up to me and say, your friend is so nice and I just roll my eyes and say, well, yeah, first impressions can be deceiving.

But deep down I knew that it was true, because Richie was truly a special soul, who left a lasting impression on everybody that he met. Richie made you feel like you were special, no matter who you were, color, creed, background, it didn't matter. He made you feel special.

No reflection about Richie would be complete without mentioning his five passions. We've heard about his music, his family, his friends, his fishing, and his football. I think everybody falls into one of those categories is here today.

His fishing is something I can't really talk much about, I did go a couple of times. I never quite get my head around how a growing man can sit around a cold pond and catch nothing but a cold, but I guess everyone needs a hobby.

Of course his football. We spent time together, playing football together, but also watching football World Cups, European Championships. And he was extremely knowledgeable, especially when it comes to his beloved Manchester City. And I see a few of us who've paid homage to that with our light blue today.

Richie also had some amazing friendships and I've been blessed to have got to know quite a few of them. And there are some who've contacted me since his passing who I'd forgotten even knew him, letting me know how supported he had been to them, even during his last days, reaching out to them and showing them love in any way that he can, even when he had zero energy. Because that's what Richard did. He gave, he was so giving and so generous of his time and his energy and his love.

And finally, Richard, he loves his family. Wendy you were his rock, okay. He felt so proud of Leah and Jamie. And Caleb and Aaron, he doted on you and you must never forget that your daddy loved you with all his heart. And yes, he'll be gutted that he won't be with you in body, as you go into manhood. But believe me, he will be there in spirit. And I know we might not be blood. I will be here to support you in any way I can. I would see it as much duty to honour your father's memory how ever, in any way that I can.

Of course, we heard about his music. Richard was a musical geek, a walking, talking encyclopedia with it comes to music and he was an amazing DJ, and he loved to express himself through his music. And I know as we've heard from Steve, how he touched us all through his music.

On the day that he died, Richie facetimed me. And he told me that I was the best friend that anyone could ever wish for. And I just said to him, Richie, God truly blessed me with you by my side.

Because at the time when we first met, in that supermarket all those years, years ago, Richie has been bailing me out, getting me out of all sorts of trouble and scrapes that I inevitably find myself getting into. But Richie knew exactly what to do, what to say. For he was a great teacher and he taught me humility, he taught me patience, he taught me how to be present for those that mattered. In short Richie taught me how to be a man.

And the irony is that Richie never set out to be the life and soul of any party, but inevitably Richie was the heart and the soul of every occasion.

So whilst your passing has been like a hammer blow to me Richie, when I close my eyes and I think of you, I can see your love, I can see your smile and I can see your face. It's your spirit that I feel the most and I seek solace in the fact that although your spirit has left your body, you will always be with us, for those of us in this room and especially me by my side. Whenever I hear music, whenever I hear or see dancing I shall forever think of you,

Brother Richie you were my hero and I love you and I will never forget you. You and I truly soulmates. And I promise to honour you by being there for your family and your friends, whenever they need you. I may not be half the man that you were, but as long as I draw breath, I shall honour your memory. May you rest in peace my brother, may you rest in eternal, everlasting peace.