Richard was such a wonderful man. I first met him in November 2000 when I applied for the position of Marketing and Sales Executive at Lauda Air. Shortly after commencing in the role at 143 York St Sydney, he nicknamed me 'Jimbo'. It became clear very quickly that Richard had built an incredible team around him and generated an energy that inspired staff to give their absolute best. It was through his leadership that he made us 'want' to come to work. I have some funny stories to share about Richard. His laughter at jokes I would send him from his office down the long hallway at 1 York St will always stay with me. One day, we were proofing a brochure to publish, and doing a spell check. I remember debating with Richard the spelling of the word Program. I thought it was as written, but he was convinced it was Programme. I remember Richard looking at me directly and saying, 'I'm a Pom and you're debating the English language with me?' I couldn't help but laugh and for the record, the word Programme was used! When I was employed, Richard made me the local IT contact with Vienna. One day he said, 'Jimbo, there's something wrong with my laptop'. For the record, Richard was an enthusiastic two finger typist! I eventually figured out that he was mortally wounding his laptop typing so hard that it was going into shutdown mode. I went and bought him an external keyboard and told him to stop beating the life out of his laptop. He cracked up laughing! Such a sharp dresser, spectacular networker, and the best boss one could have. I had quite a chuckle when Richard told me he was going to the Maldives with Gaye around 2009. Aside from the thought of Richard being on a beach in a hammock with a laptop, I remember thinking, I hope the laptop survives! :-) Gaye my sincere condolences and thank you for taking such loving care of Richard. Seeing him with such a smile on his face whenever he was with you will warm my heart always. RIP Richard. James (Jimbo) Dunne.

As a cousin of Richard’s, I remember visiting the family in Ruislip in the very early days which was quite a hike from Lee in South East London. Dad took us in his motorcycle and sidecar which was a long way to go in an uncomfortable contraption! Their flat was tiny but Richard had obviously inherited his parents’ sense of humour and was always a good laugh. As we grew older I lost contact with him, especially as by then he had moved to Australia. But then in 1994, having just got divorced, I decided to take a trip to Sydney on my own. As I knew Richard worked for Lauda Air, I asked if he could organise my flights and hopefully get me a decent seat as I was travelling economy, which he kindly arranged. So I landed at Sydney airport and walked off the plane and then heard this voice say “Welcome to Gods own country Jim” it was Richard standing in the passenger boarding tunnel, having driven all the way down from his home to meet me! I was so surprised and pleased that he'd taken the time and trouble to come and welcome me to Oz, it was just such a lovely beginning to my trip. Not only that, but he then took time off work to show me around the sights of Sydney and beyond including a trip up the Hawkesbury River in a friend’s fishing boat to see their country house. More visits followed to other places and restaurants which all helped make my stay in Sydney so much nicer. This all left me with an abiding appreciation of Richard's generosity and kindness which I never lost. So I would just like to finish by saying how really, really sad I was to hear Richard had passed away. He was a really lovely cousin with no airs and graces and took me for what I was, just another fun loving relative who appreciated his sense of humour and understood his personality. He is very sadly missed.

Richard was instrumental in supporting my aviation career progression. What I remember most is his vibrant encouragement which meant he was always open to have a chat about ideas/trends and ways to drive revenue. He will be missed.

RIP Richard - and condolences to all the family. From when I arrived to NZ as a fresh new airline manager in late 1999 until he left the industry, Richard was always both a great airline and personal colleague, always providing his views and comments with his trademark mischievousness. Whilst we were not in close contact over the last few years, memories of endless BAR & Star Alliance meetings with Richard taking the floor remain fond ones. He will be missed but remembered as one of the most colourful airline execs in my memory! krgds, Stephen Pearse

Georgie & I wish to add our condolences to all family and friends. He certainly lit up the room where even he lived We knew Richard from his Airline days and particularly his Lauda days when established the Airline spectacularly into the market His energy was always evident and his friendship welcomed His memory will linger as a kind and hard working Executive with a very positive approach to life Georgie Phillips and Don Ferguson American & Delta Airlines Marriott Hotes

I first met Richard at London Heathrow - in the classrooms of BOAC training school set up to teach us young trainees how to operate the airline overseas. That was the theory any way and we all had fun learning before we were all sent overseas to put this into practice. I remember Richard always being so well groomed - I think he must have lived above a barber shop. I remember going to the Royal Albert Hall with our fiancées -some weeks after announcing to the trainee course that we were both engaged (and Richard Cobb)to get married on February 14th. of that year ( no not to each other! but certainly on the same day!). So we never got to attend each others weddings! Since that time our paths crossed again many yeras later when Richard was in Melbourne with BA and I was based in Sydney.with BA and then Ansett. When we met up again - I swear he must have brought his hair dresser with him! Richard's time with Lauda AIr brought him to Sydney. when I was there with Menzies Aviation - we became Lauda Handling Agents for their Air Cargo. but as Area Manager for Lauda Air Richard stayed in the city. with the hairdressers! I do remember attending a Lauda Air travel event hosted by Richard, he in his element showing his true immaculate colours as a marketeer and a true salesman! I somehow maanaged to win a 7 day holiday in Bali -in the lucky draw. I swear no money changed hands! Richard was always a postive engaging and gregarious friend to be with. Rest in peace my dear friend `see you beyond "the great white cloud".

The first time I met Richard, I’ll admit—I was intimidated. It was my interview for a Sales Executive role, and still the hardest interview I’ve ever done. Richard looked at my marketing degree and said, “So you think you know marketing? Prove it.” He gave me 10 minutes to prepare a plan, then had me stand up and present it—no warning. Somehow, I must have done something right. That was Richard. He kept you on your toes, challenged you, and pushed you to rise—but he always had your back. He was larger than life—a natural leader who built great teams and brought out the best in people. Working with him could be challenging, keeping up with his energy and vision, but it was always exciting. There was never a dull moment, and plenty of laughs along the way. My years at Lauda were some of the best of my life, and a big part of that was Richard. I’ll always be grateful he saw something in me, gave me a chance, and mentored me. If there’s one downside, is that he set the bar so high that nothing since has quite compared, and every other job has seemed somewhat dull by comparison. Thank you, Richard—for the opportunity, the lessons, and the unforgettable experience of being part of your team. Rest in peace, Richard. You will be greatly missed.

I met Richard soon after I arrived in the UK from Barbados after joining the BOAC General Apprenticeship in 1967. His friendship was exceptional and his humor did much to make me feel one of the boys. We were not in contact in the last few years, but he was always a special friend. May he rest in peace.

This is one of the saddest moments in my life! I have known Richard for more than 30 years when we both worked at Lauda - he in Australia and I in Germany. The first time we met at one ogf the Lauda Management conference we immediately connected and bonded and we became Friends. We have constantly been in touch - even after our times at Lauda and I am so happy that we managed to visit Richard and Gaye two years ago in Auckland! It was so great to see him again - despite his illness, he was in great form and almost the "old" Richard. My wife and I immensely enjoyed spending this precious time with Richard and Gaye and I know Richard was also very, very happy that we could see us again. It is very sad to hear that Richard is now gone, but his spirit and the memories will continue to be with Gaye and his friends! I am truly happy that I was able to call him a friend - it meant so much for me! To Gaye: All the best, lots of strengths and we are here for you! Love Steffi & Michael

It was never a dull moment when Uncle Richard was in town! With is trademark Froggatt sense of humour, high energy and enthusiasm for catching up on all our news, his visits were always fun and memorable and those memories will stay with me. Forever grateful for the big family holiday in France in 2019 which was very special. May he now rest in peace. Sending much love to Gaye and the rest of the family for Friday - I will be thinking of you all, Suzanne xx

My memories of Uncle Richard Age 3 or 4 – going round to see him after he had broken his leg skiing. This is my first memory of him. Shortly afterwards they moved abroad. Age 10 – the family visited us in Cheshire and we had a few days in the Lake District. Age 14/15 – Richard came to stay with us in Godalming and he was great fun. We played sports (mainly cricket) in the garden and had a laugh. Age 18 – I stayed with Richard in Australia during my gap year, a few times. He picked me up from the airport and took me to my first accommodation. I remember him laughing because I said I was “cheesed off” about something and he hadn't heard that expression in a while! He drove me around Sydney, put me up at his house and took me out for some lovely dinners. He really looked after me, and dropped me back at the airport when I left. Age 21 – My sister and I were interrailing and met Richard in Vienna. We turned up at his grand hotel looking tired and scruffy, which raised a few eyebrows! Later, he had us posing on staircases and by paintings, being silly – it was hilarious. Age 27 – Richard visited the UK a few times, including a fantastic charity cricket match at Shamley Green in memory of Grandad. He brought great energy and even some famous cricketers. My 30s – he stayed with my parents and met his grandnieces for the first time. My 40s – the last time I saw him was in Paris, where he and Gaye helped us celebrate Alan (my father's) 70th. A wonderful week.

I met Richard in 1969 on a BOAC traing course for overseas Station Officers. Some of the subjects we studied were not particularly exciting but we certainly had good fun. I recall some hilarious exchanges between Richard and the tutors. When we graduated we each went our various ways and I did not meet up with Richard again until I was posted to Auckland in 1986. Richard was then with BA in Melbourne and we met monthly at regional Sales meetings. These were always very dynamic and great fun and the annual conferences were superb. I have many memories of all the antics that went on but as they say what happened on tour stays on tour! Richard was a great character and good friend who will be sorely missed. RIP mate

Richard How do you forget someone who gave us so much to remember.. I will always remember your smile . You were a gentleman thru and thru During his illness I never heard him complain he just kept going until he couldn’t. He fought his battle with dignity. He was very fortunate to have his darling Gaye every step of the way fighting for him. He was a well loved man earning his first class wings to travel to heaven ! RIP Richard you so deserve it..

Richard and I first met in September 1965 in London. We were both in the first ever intake of 50 BOAC General Apprentices, a 4 to 5 year commercial training scheme. First pay packet 5 pounds seven and six pence! Slave labour but what incredible training we received. That set us up for amazing careers and adventures. Richard you have achieved so much in your journey and made a big impact on all you have met, with lifetime friendships. You will be greatly missed. My condolences to Gaye and family. Richard may your skies be forever blue with smooth flying. Rest in peace my friend Michael Meade

It is very difficult to accept that Richard has gone. He was such a force of nature that it is difficult to believe that he could succumb to any illness. Now he is probably reprimanding the powers that be, above or below, that they had the temerity to cut short his life so early. Personally, Richard had a huge impact upon my life. We first met in the 80's in Melbourne, Richard with BA, myself with Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa. We were both in turn the President and the Secretary of the Interline Club of Melbourne, which was really just an excuse for all the local airline characters to get together, have fun and tell lies. In 1991 Richard gave me the great opportunity and challenge of establishing the Lauda-air operation to Melbourne commencing in October that year. Those were demanding days establishing a start-up operation for a small airline recovering from the recent tragic loss of Lauda flight 004 in May. The unenviable task of offering condolences to the relatives of the Australian victims had fallen to Richard, and I can only imagine how difficult that must have been for him. However, sustained by an excellent product and a can-do attitude, we prevailed. Richard was always our public and professional face, a strong and prevailing presence. He was Lauda-air to the Travel Industry, and we batted far beyond our real weight because of him. As long as he had good people behind him to sometimes pick up the pieces, we were a great team! Personally, he instilled in me the confidence to take difficult decisions. He was my mentor to whom I owe whatever relative success I enjoyed in the airline and travel industry. He would always back me up regardless of the wisdom of my decisions. I regard the years that Richard and I shared together at Lauda as the happiest years of my commercial life. He could be a tough boss, but he was always had my back and was always my friend first and foremost. Thanks for the memories, Richard. RIP old friend.

I first met Richard in London, through John de Pear, whilst on my BOAC training programme late 1969. Later, we were both posted to Bahrain Airport. We worked hard in that unbelievable heat and humidity, and we also played hard. I clearly remember being with Richard on the Ruler’s beach, and me being asked to leave the beach! Plus other good times we got up to in our downtime. Thereupon, I had gained a good friend for life, as we were both somewhat of the same ilk!! Particularly when Richard settled in Oz. Such an infectious, positive personality Richard had, which permeated to all and sundry wherever he went. Something that we will all badly miss. The Richard/Gaye team was something wonderful to see in action! Their devoted deep love and affection made such a close couple. Sincerest condolences to you, beautiful girl. Rest in peace Richard, and have fun up there. I’ll catch up with you again sometime later. Your good friend, Peter Gabler

I was sad to hear the news about Richard today. I send my heartfelt condolences. Richard and I worked on opposite BOAC shifts at Rome Fiumicino airport in 1971. The transiting VC10s and Boeing 707s left from Gate 11, where we had an early technology metal detection gate set up. Our job was to carry out emergency security checking after recent terrorist incidents around the world. I haven't seen Richard in over 50 years since then. The news today brought back a flood of memories from our time together. He was not the sort of person you forget - extrovert, sociable, humorous and likeable. I recall sight-seeing in Rome, visits to famous sites and tours to the neighbouring Anzio beach and Valpolicella wine-growing hills. Our work was boring but life was livened up by equipment unreliability, learning basic Italian, good company and snowstorms - pretty much unheard-of in Rome. It feels like yesterday. Off-shift in Ostia, We used to chat about interesting incidents during the shift or what we had done on previous postings. Richard told me that, on one posting, he’d woken up in the hotel to find a rat on the wash basin. I asked: What did you do? Richard: I asked it, ‘Who’s going to shave first, you or me?’ What a sense of mischief. Unforgettable. Sincerely, Jim Mackison

In a long timeframe of 35 years we had many unforgettable events and locations we have enjoyed together. From Airline events to Formular One, from Sydney to Vienna, from the Styrian Mountains to a luxury resort on the Maldives, from Genova to Auckland and further. Richard, you have been a remarkable person and a very good friend to me, your fine humor and precise language will be missed and also your positive attitude. Thank you for your friendship and I will miss you, Ronald