Vale Richard CROFTON - R43439

BC · **Posted:** Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:13 pm

It is my very sad duty to let you know that we have lost one of our term mates and a member of our broader MOBI family. Richard has finally succumbed to his illness and passed away peacefully on Saturday morning (20th Jan) with family and friends by his bedside.

Richard was a true gentleman, always a hard worker, great mate to many and would do anything for his family. Plus, he was a great sportsman, loved his fishing and had a wonderful, dry sense of humour.

On behalf of all those of those who knew Richard, our deepest sympathies and condolences go to Rhonda, Danya, Allison, Kevin and families. He will be sadly missed by many, many people.

Richard CROFTON (aka ROOTS) - R43439

Jan 1967 Intake, HMAS NIRIMBA

His Vietnam Service consisted of 9 x Vung Tau Trips in HMAS Sydney from Jun 1970 – Nov 1972.

RIP Richard, thank you for your service, your friendship and your loyalty.

Your watch is over!

FUNERAL DETAILS:

A funeral service will take place on the 2nd February at 11.00am at the Maclean RSL Club, 36-38 River St, Maclean NSW.

Following the service, there will be a gathering at the Maclean Bowling Club at 1a McLachlan St, Maclean NSW.

Seejay · **Posted:** Mon Jan 22, 2024 10:17 pm

Sad news indeed. I spent a couple of years on HOBART with Dicky (as I knew him) in the late 70's, and I can attest to BC's description. Just a real good bloke who could always be relied on in a tight spot. He was an integral member of that very special crew we had at that time

Farewell Richard, may you have a soft sea breeze, a following sea, and the warm sun on your face on your final deployment. You will be missed.

My condolences to your family and your many mates.

p.s. Perhaps you could say Gday to Possum Glock and Harry Pearson when you get there, I'm sure they'll be waiting for you!

Chippy Ned · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2024 6:38 am

Farewell Dicky Roots, we had fun when we served together at Creswell. :yea:

My condolonces to Rhonda and the kids.

Today is another sad day. :tear:

Fair winds old mate.

BC · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2024 8:48 am

There will be a live streaming, but there are no details at this stage. Those arrangements will be worked out tomorrow.

Hippy Chippy · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2024 10:09 am

Whilst I never served with Richard/ 'Dicky', it's clear from the posts above :laughing3:

that he was held in high regard by his many mates... :3some:

Another MOBI gone too soon, :roll:

rest on your oars, 'Dicky', your voyage is done... :prayer:

VALE, may you R.I.P. :notworthy:

Graeme Rhodes · **Posted:** Tue Jan 23, 2024 10:23 am

Knew 'Dicky' quite well and bumped into him a couple of times over the years.
Really sad to hear of his passing.

Pony · **Posted:** Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:51 pm

Can wholeheartedly endorse the previous comments. Was fortunate enough to serve at Nirimba, with Richard when he was with Tony Hills on the MEDB staff. He was a driving force with Tony and Steve Hosking's with the apprentices "Steam Club" amongst other things. Very capable, affable and well liked and respected by all. Don't recall ever seeing him have a bad word for anyone.
Sadly all three have now crossed the bar. He will be missed by many.
Condolences to his family.
Vale Richard, RIP, fair winds and following seas.

BC · **Posted:** Sat Jan 27, 2024 1:21 pm

First up I would like to make an apology to Rhonda and her family, for using the incorrectly listed details from DVA’s Vietnam Service Records. Rhonda has informed me those details are wrong. Rhonda has also requested I drop any “aka details” as well. I am sorry for using those details, any offence was certainly not intended.

Rhonda has informed me that there will be a Live Streaming service, but it will not be recorded or archived by the Riverview Funeral Service.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Riverview Funerals have requested that the link not be publically shared as it is a security risk. Please only share with those who have requested the information or know who would like to attend. Remote hacking is not uncommon for live streaming events.

Because of security risks, there will be no broad or public distribution of those live streaming link/details. It has been requested to keep details at a personal level, please.

So, it is probably best that anyone wanting the Live Streaming details, to PM me for those details.

Some of you may have already been in contact with Rhonda, and know those details, there will be no need for you to contact me.

When you do receive those details, please do not post them on to social media or public platforms, just individuals on an as needs basis, thank you.

There could be an RSL Poppy Ceremony, so medals should be worn.

BC · **Posted:** Sat Feb 03, 2024 8:34 am

Just a short report as I'm still away in Maclean. It was a beautiful service with I estimate, using the old sheep counting method, about 300+.

The place was chockers with lots standing at the rear. Dickies' kids, Danya, Allison and Kevin, all gave very emotional and sometimes funny tributes to their father.

There were a lot of ex-military attendees including a lot of ex-ship mates. From Pony's post above, there were actually 2 ex-apprentices that were trained by Dickie. One did 20 years and another did 36 years and paying off as Commander Eng.

Of course there were a number of Dickies' term there also.

I There were so many different organisations, groups and individuals that Dickie had an impact on. A truly decent bloke who would be a mate to anyone. And as CJ implied, Harry and Possum will have a beer waiting for him.

RIP Dickie :ok:

Vale Richard CROFTON - R43439

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