Richard Ely (12 Feb 1946 - 21 May 2021)

Below is one of my only, albeit shockingly grainy photograph of the great Richard Ely. I didn't get the privilege of knowing Grumps before his Parkinsons diagnosis, neither did I get the opportunity to properly say some words about him after he passed away over three years ago in 2021. Finding this webpage now in 2024, it grates away at me that I couldn't tell those who were part of his life what he meant to Sam and Myself. While it's impossible to forget him, and none of the people who have spoken or shared below will ever come close to doing so, I know that this page won't be revisited by all of them after I post this message. Regardless, I would like to say my piece for the chance that someone does. Sorry I'm late Grumps.

While we didn't get to see him in his Architect glory days, everybody already knows that Sam and I still got to see our share of his living for the thrill and living in the moment mindset. There was no dull moments when he was around, and we were always enthusiastic to take part in whatever activity our Grandma and Parents dissapproved of, whether it be learning to shoot his air rifle, riding round on the tractor, or cutting up random bits of wood with various tools in his garage. We were slightly less enthusiastic about easter egg hunts where the eggs were hidden in 8ft high gutters, or locked in a car boot, with cryptic clues that he had created that Sherlock Holmes would struggle with.

Aside from that, there was the caring Grandparent who let me play pinball on his computer, played angry birds with us on his iPad, and would do anything for us, especially keep us in check when we would fight or mess around in the house. When I was too young to understand what parkinsons was, I remember making fun of his walk in the kitchen. Where most grandparents would either explain the reason for it, or dismiss it completely, he did an impression of me running away from a wasp - which I regularly did - and that was the last time I made fun of his walk. Adding into consideration his bacon sandwiches he really was the best Grandparent that anyone could ask for, and Sam and I owe him so much for his contribution to our lives.

I so badly wish that I could sit down as an adult and have a conversation with him about his past, about my job, and just stay there for hours. I don't think he was a religeous man, and I won't say that I know he's looking over me and my brother because I don't think he would have believed in that, although if he has the ability to somehow, I know he is. What I can take comfort in however, is that part of him, and his memory lives on through Me and Sam. While I don't visit the grave as much as I should, there genuinely hasn't been a day since he has been gone where he hasn't been in my mind at least once.

If you ever catch me blowing insect killer into a wasps nest through a makeshift pipe, or in a tree with a chainsaw, you'll know damn well why, and I couldn't be more proud to be his grandson.

Thank you Grumps, may your memory continue to live on through all of us.

I've just learned of Richard's passing.
Richard was a brilliant engineer, an inspiring manager and a great leader. I was always amazed by his fantastic memory and I valued and enjoyed the time I working with Richard.

Donation from Dennis and Sue Archer in loving memory of Richard

In memory of a much valued colleague and friend.

Anna and Paul

A fitting tribute to Richard yesterday at Bretby. It was clear that Richard was much admired and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I was privileged to have known him personally.

I had the pleasure of working with Richard from when I first started at Severn Trent in 1986, he was a great engineer and knew his contracts inside out and I received many a good natured grilling and became a better engineer because of it, as did many of the graduates who passed through his tenure....many condolences to his family and friend, he

Maggie and I will really miss seeing Richard around the village invariably with his dog Oscar. We enjoyed his dry wit and good humour despite the many challenges he faced, we never heard him complain He was also a great guide and mentor to me during my career at Severn Trent.

Brian Morris

In loving memory of Richard

In loving memory of Richard whose company we so enjoyed on many dog-walking occasions

We have such lovely memories of our long friendship with Richard, enjoying his humour, quick and querky wit, kindness, knowledge, stoicism and much more besides.
We will miss him.

Forever in my heart Dad ❤️

I have very fond memories of working with Richard in his Severn Trent days and he was always a kind and friendly person.
RIP Richard.

Richard was a wonderful mentor to many people at Severn Trent and his positive impact lasted for many years after he left. He was held in very high esteem by me and my colleague's but was too modest to notice. He enjoyed his work and his colleagues and imparted his knowledge and time freely and extensively - he had a massive impact on us long after he left and I think he would have been proud to see so many of those who worked with and for him progress their careers. Richard was a big influence on my career and it was a complete privilege to work for him.