Sudden death of former HCS President, Richard Ward

By David Wyles

The news of the sudden death of former HCS President Richard Ward, was a shock to his many friends and colleagues in the society. 

Richard passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, September 3, having collapsed at home the day before from a brain haemorrhage.

​The previous day, he had celebrated his daughter's birthday with his wife Pam and members of his family.

He made a huge contribution to the work of the society. I had known him for almost 25 years and shared many of his aspirations, efforts and frustrations in promoting and improving the heritage of the town and its related health and vitality. 

Before becoming President, Richard had been Chairman of the society for 10 years and was instrumental in promoting the principles of civic pride and civic responsibility. A committee member from 1979, he was Vice Chair from 1980 to 1991,  Treasurer from 1984 to 1991 and President from 2001 to 2017.

Over the years he led the steering group liaising with Kirklees Council over streetscape and shop front improvements, promoting 'In Bloom' and 'Tidy Trader' initiatives and, more recently, advising and judging the annual HCS Design Awards

In recent years he had taken retirement and moved to the east coast where he became involved with Scarborough CS and Scalby Village Trust as well as maintaining his role as treasurer of the Yorkshire and Humberside Assoc of Civic Societies (YHACS). 

However, he remained a regular attendee at our meetings as well as advising on constitutional matters on which his skills as a solicitor provided steady and logical guidance. Many of us will miss his humour, company and loyalty to our town.

Friends and family are invited to Woodlands Crematorium, Scarborough for a service of committal at noon on Monday, September 16. This will be followed by a service of Thanksgiving at 1pm at Westborough Methodist church, Scarborough YO11 1TS.

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