Wasn't born to follow.
Hugh Richard's funeral service was in Hereford Crematorium today. The tributes were touching and inspiring. it was wonderful to see again friends from the Nuclear Free Wales campaign of 1980-81. So many are still engaged in the environmental movement. Some have massively contributed to the widening understanding of the perilous condition of our planet.
Hugh and his devoted wife Mag have designed and built a splendid eco-perfect home in the village of Hundred House in a glorious mid-Wales valley. Hugh's brother Tim vividly described their childhood that taught them independent reasoning and a love of reading. The tributes were followed by some of Hugh's favourite music. The song by the Byrds matched Hugh's character 'Wasn't born to follow'.
Brian Alcock described the students days that he shared with Hugh as an architectural student in Cardiff. Paul Dorfman paid tribute to Hugh unique leadership of the anti-nuclear movement. He quoted at length from this blog recalling how the Welsh Anti-Nuclear Alliance changed the opinion of a nation. We heard too of Hugh and Mag's family life. Linda Hood was the Humanist Celebrant.
His death was expected. His friends paid tributes to him in his final days. He appreciated the messages. Today was a chance to share our sorrow and gratitude for a life brilliantly and productively lived.