Lt Col R A Waterer OBE MVO Hon.DMus MMus Hon.FLCM LRAM RM

Co-admin · Lt Col R A Waterer OBE MVO Hon.DMus MMus Hon.FLCM LRAM RM

It is with deep regret that I inform the RM Band community that the former PDM Lt Col Dr. Richard Waterer OBE MVO Royal Marines (Ret.) passed away Monday night 09 Jan / Tuesday morning 10 Jan 2006 at his residence on the Valley Forge campus.

Our thoughts are with Sue and the family at this very difficult time.

Funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as they are known.

Rest in peace Sir...

Pusser

I served with Richard in the Staff Band and Ark Royal Band.

Richard was a remarkable musician possessed of considerable knowledge and skill. Always calm, modest and unruffled with a keen sense of humour and delightful good manners. I watched his rise to the top of the Band Service with admiration.

Following his well earned Commission he remained always ready to greet fellow 'Ship Mates' with a smile and handshake.

Good times, Richard. Good times.

Stellavision

I am very shocked by this news.

I only worked with Richard Waterer as PDM a few times, but it was always a pleasure. He was very good at his job and a very nice man. My thoughts go out to his family.

revhitchins · Richard Waterer - Requiescat In Pace

No doubt everyone, like me, will be shocked and in disbelief at such unexpected news.
So many good memories of our time together as musicians at Deal, it's hard to pick any succinct thing to say just now; except that I will always think of him in association with generosity of spirit, a smile, great trombone player, but mostly, a true gentleman.
Sue, my sincere condolences and assurances of prayers thanking God for Richard's life. There will be a candle burning for him this week at the RM Commando Logistic Regiment's church.

Graham Hitchins
(staff band 73-78)

Baby Bug · Very Sad

Mr. Waterer was PDM when I was in. He was very kind to me when I applied for my discharge and this news is very unexpected.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

joe90

A very sad loss, Richard was very helpful to me during the brief time we were in the wing together when I changed over to Trombone. Sadly, I never got to serve with him thereafter but he was most gracious providing me with references after I retired in '92.

General Melchett

Tragic news indeed, Richard was my ADOM(T) to start my career and then my Boss at FLEET after Mick Goss had retired. A great and musical Boss (the exception, rather than the rule) a forward looking PDM who took the Band Service forward as the premiere Service Band, my condolences and best wishes to Sue and family. His legacy, thankfully is wide and varied, for me this is what I remember:
Playing Royal Salute on a carrier's lift entering a foreign port....
And Gibraltar, a man's march if ever there was

Jos

Chesterpfx

I'm not an ex bandy but am an ex booty. Saddened to hear this news. I've had the good fotune to hear the bandies play under his direction and he certainly had flair aplenty.
He'll be sadly missed.

RoyKaighin · PDM Lt Col Dr. Richard Waterer OBE MVO Royal Marines (Ret.)

Reading the comments from other members, I can only reiterate them. From my memory of Richard, he is ALL those good things. And many more.

Richard was a true, personable person. An Officer who chose not to loose sight and the caring of the Band members. He was someone you could easily talk to for advice, or a problem. He would always listen to your ideas, and respect them. Always a smile.

This is truly a great shock. I hope he didn’t suffer. He was still young , and still had much to offer life, and peoples lives around him. It’s amazing the effect that just one person can have on so many. Richard has touched all our lives of the community of the Royal Marines Band Service.

My prayers go to Sue. For support, guidance, strength, and the courage to go on. Spiritually, he never left you.

Thank you Richard, for ALL you have done for the Royal Marines Band Service, and for it’s members who were always in your heart.

Roy Kaighin

Ginge3685

I was with Richard in the boys wing at Deal. A great muscian will be missed condolences to his family. Ginge Ritsma RMB 3685.

K.S.J.LEVER

I first met Richard in 1987 we met through Steve Misson, I had scored for brassband ROYAL SALUTE a wonderful piece of music that blended well for brassband, we became very good friends. After ROYAL SALUTE I scored his THE MAGNIFICENT MARINES after that came TOP MALO followed by GIBRALTAR, ESPIRIT DE CORPS, H.M.S.OCEAN, KING'S SQUAD all his music fitted the brassband style wonderfully. My family and I will miss him terribly our condolences go to Sue and the family, a friend who will be sadly missed. GOD BLESS YOU DICK YOU'LL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS. Keith, Pat and Debbie Lever.

Nick B

Dick Waterer, a Superb Man, Brilliant Musician and good Yachtsman. I had the privelage to serve with Him as my Boss at Fleet, Dartmouth and Deal.
He will be sadly missed. Sue, our deepest sympathy.

Nick & Pat Buckley

sticky blue

Although I never served with Richard, his reputation was well known throughout the Band service with both past and serving members, his reputation preceded him. My deepest condolences go to his family at this very sad time - Non omnis moriar

evs131

Lt Col Richard Waterer was a first class musician and boss. I served with him many times and every time was a pleasure. He was a peoples man and never became flustered at anything. He will be missed a great deal and all my good wishes go out to Sue and the family. The whole of the Band Service past and present who knew him are thinking of you at this very sad time.

David Thornber · Lt. Col Richard Waterer

It was with great shock that I learnt about the passing of Richard Waterer and send my deepest sympathies to Sue and the family.

I first met Richard when he joined training company as trombone instructor back in 1976/7. He was a breath of spring air and brought his own brand of professionalism and dedication to the class that I am sure stood us all in good stead.

I was fortunate to sit next to Richard when I joined Staff Band. Although I was in the hot seat, I learnt so much about the job by his example. You could not find a more reliable person to have along side you.

Richard had a great sound and never missed an entry - he also dug me out of a few scrapes. I remember at one concert in London that I had a solo to do in the second half. It had been a heavy blow and by the time the solo arrived was totally out of lip. Richard was a real trooper and without hesitation stood up and covered the solo for me - much to Jim Mason's surprise.

Our paths crossed again in Fleet band and finally in Portsmouth band before I retired to join the World of Higher Education.

Richard always took great interest in my career after the mob and I met him on a few occasions. It gave me a particular buzz to see Richard receive his honorary doctorate from the University of Portsmouth. A fitting reward for someone of Richard’s talent.

A kinder, patient and more generous man could not be found and I will certainly miss him. Rest in Peace.

FFoglamp

I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the passing away of Richard. Although we never actually served together, he helped me immensely when DOM at Deal, with my M1's, and subsequent encouragement with the SCC. We also "rigged up" together at the seniors band that lasted about 10 weeks in Pompey RMSM whilst he was still PDM.
He was a truly lovely guy, and will be sadly missed.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Mark & Helen Biddlecombe

euphless · Richard Waterer

It was quite a shock to hear of Richard's passing.
Along with all of his friends and colleagues I would like to add my sincere condolences to his wife and family.
As has been stated many times, Richard was a fine musician, a perfect gentleman at all times, and a good friend.
It was an honour to serve with him.

Rest in peace my friend.

Ray (Lofty) Edwards
RMB 3621

Bilvers

The most influential PDM of his age and certainly the most infuential since FV Dunn. The small world of the Bandservice will morn his passing and the world in general has lost a true giant of a man. In all aspects of his life and career he kept is fellow musicians and human companions at foremost of his thoughts, almost to the detriment of himself. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him and those of us who were privileged to serve with him both as an instrumentalist and boss nothing was to too great a task to work for him.
Every passing of former comrades saddens me, but none more than the passing of Richard he was a good friend and I, like many, will miss him.
I always thought that he should have been knighted for the his work as PDM. Sadly this will not now happen. I hope and trust that the RM Bandservice find it in their hearts to grant this true gentleman a fitting memorial. May he rest in peace and the G.A.O.T.U grant everlasting happiness.
Stu Bilvers (Horn)

Dan A

Deeply shocked by the sad news of Dick Waterer's death. I knew Dick from J wing until we both retired. I served as his Drum Major in the Lympstone Band in the early 80's. Dick was a fine DofM and led by example in every respect. Dick and Sue kept a regular open house for entertaining and both were warm and generous as hosts. Dick deserved thoroughly every promotion he ever achieved and was a fine PDM when his time came. I offer my sincere condolences to Sue, Simon and Jane at this sad time.

Dan Archer

Craig Blundell

Shocking news, Richard Waterer was one of the factors that I am doing what I am doing today. I am extremely gratefull for everything he taught me. He was a gentleman in every way and a superb leader and boss, my thoughts go out to his family at this awful time. You will be missed.

Craig Blundell
PO46354W

geushky · Lt Col Richard Waterer

A huge shock to hear of Richard's passing just as he was embarking on a new life in the USA, I would simply like to add my sincere condolences to Sue and the family at this particularly difficult time.

It was a privilege to serve under Richard when he took over from Mick Goss as the DOM of the Commander-in-Chief Fleet Band (Northolt). At the time this was a particularly young Band and it was his leadership that inspired so many that could have fallen by the wayside. On the disbandment of the Fleet Band it was fortunate that we could continue our relationship when we both moved to Portsmouth working closely on the percussive aspects of Massed Bands engagements. Despite the huge responsibility of being PDM he always found the time to have a chat and listen to what members of the RMBS had to say at every level. Anyone who served under him as PDM cannot deny the enormous renaissance that occurred within the RMBS - a fine testament to a great man.

He inspired me to achieve so much in my life and I feel his passing deeply…

Diane Sumner

My husband and I are avid followers and admirers of the Royal Marine Band Service. We have watched Lt.Col Waterer perform on many occasions and we would just like to say that, even though we did not know him personally, we were so very sorry to hear of such a sad loss and our sympathy and thoughts go out to his wife and family.

'Trev Lewis'

Ex HMS Ark Royal

My deepest condolences to Sue and the family on the passing of a wonderful man.

'Paul Harker RMB 3995'

I came to find this website via the very sad news of Dick Waterers passing in an e-mail I received. I too joined with Dick on April 14th 1964 1/64 New Entry Squad. I never served with Dick after we passed out But what I can say is in the short time I spent with him he is one of the nicest men I have ever met or indeed ever likely to meet. My condolences to his family.

'Sid Sheard RMB/x3211'

My only contact with Richard Waterer was when I was 'M'Company Storeman in the late 60's and early 70's, and the pleasing thing I noticed about him was his warm smile and pleasant nature. I know I speak for all who knew him we have lost a good friend and a warm person. To his wife and family I send my heart felt condolences.

Sid

'Tony Hunter'

It was gut wrenching to see the death of Richard Waterer as I joined with Richard with 1/64 new entry squad on the14th of April 1964. He was a great pal in Jr wing and always a good laugh. I really regret not getting down to reunions and seeing old friends again, but will be making more effort this year.

'Ed McDermott'

So very sad to hear of the passing of Richard (Dick)Waterer, another excellent musican gone to the great band in the sky. I served with Richard at Deal from 71-75, what great music making years they where under Paul N and what a trombone section MickEastbrook, Dick Waterer and of course on the bass trombone Frank Wildbore, great music, great times and great mates. May I add my condolences to the growing list of musicans and ex musicans who had the pleasure to serve with Richard in the best band service in the world.

Rest in Peace Richard.

You will not be forgotten.

Ed (Paddy) McDermott

'Richard Valentine'

I first recall Richard Waterer from my days in boys wing, when it was made very clear that amongst us we had a talent, and to add to that, a nice man with a personality that shone.
The news of this loss of ours is a shock that surely is reverberating throughout the heavens. The angels are just as surprised as we are, but just imagine how all those we knew and loved are welcoming home to rest in peace, a person who on earth commanded the greatest respect, was innovative in change that many were at odds with, yet he carried through his committment with the professionalism and dedication we all knew him so well for.
Always a gentleman, and apart from any massed band gigs I did not serve with him, but whenever there was any correspondence (myself as webmaster of a site dedicated to the preservation of such camaraderie enriched by his existence) he was honest and frank in the most respectful way.
His smile, with that amazing hint of expectancy, the warmth, reached out to you.
We will miss you
We are looking out for your family.
Richard Valentine
webmaster ex RMB web site.

'Roy Hallin'

Came into work today, received a phone call from Bob Scarrett with the shock news of the death of Col Richard Waterer.

I never actually served with Dick, but I do remember him, Graham Harvey, and a few others playing Hearts and Flowers from their rooms in J Wing, as we in 2/66 squad signed on the bottom line.

My condolences to Richards family at this time.

Roy

'Rod Williamson'

It's particularly sad to lose such a fine gentleman and old friend as Richard in the prime of his life. Though he had done and achieved so much, there must surely have been much more for him to look forward to. So cruel!

Everyone has remarked on what a gentleman he was and how helpful he was. I can also testify to that, but also remember his great sense of humour and almost mischievous smile. I didn't serve with him for as long as I would have wished, but look back with really fond memories to the B/Ms Course and the fun we all had there. He was a pleasure to be around, and will be so sorely missed.

Our thoughts are with you, Sue

'Bob Baker'

I would like to add my condolences to those expressed by others at the loss of a very good friend and colleague. Although we met rather infrequently in recent years Richard always gave of his time to remember old friends and will surely be missed by us all

'Barry Radford'

Shocked and saddened to hear the news of the sad loss to us all of Richard Waterer.

Richard was a true gentleman always able to listen and offer help and advice.I had quite a lot of contact with him whilst organising the 'Reunions'.

To Sue and Family our thoughts are with you all.

Dear Richard you will be greatly missed.

'Michael Hickman'

All I can say is that I am deeply shocked to hear of the passing of Richard, my condolences go out to his family and the many friends he has left behind.God bless you Richard you will be sorely missed by all who knew you and were touched by your warmth all through your illustrious career in the Royal Marines Band Service. Like many others I can remember him as a young Trombone player at the start of his life in the Band Service which he served so well and loved. Condolences again to all of his family, and to all the many members of the family that is and always will be The Band Service of the Royal Marines.Rest in peace my friend.

Mik H.

'Ray Lloyd'

Like everyone else who knew him I am very saddened by the news of the Passing of Richard 'Dick' Waterer, he was one of life's gentlemen which is why he was liked by so many, my thoughts go to his family at this difficult time.

Per Mare Per Terram

'Pete Pendelbury'

just received the sad news of richard waterer,s death.like many i new richard from j wing.room 108, also as director of music at ctcrm.a fine musician and a true gentleman.he will be sadly missed,

'Alan Webb'

I was truly devastated to recieve an e mail a few moments ago from Mick Eastbrook, telling me of the very tragic death of my good friend Richard Waterer. It will take some time for this news to sink in, unbeleivable. Richard and I were bandboys together and shared the same room, we spent many years together in the Staff Band, and he accorded me a great honour by agreeing to be best man at my wedding. Even after I left the RMB, my wife Barbara and I spent some very happy times with Richard and Sue, and his 2 children Simon and Jane. Sadly I will not be able to attend the funeral, as I am myself in the USA and will not be back until mid February. My heart goes out to Sue, Simon and Jane. God Bless my friend and rest in peace, you deserve it.

'Steve Quirk'

I just heard the sad news that Lt Col Richard Waterer has passed away. I can only reiterate the aforementioned comments. He will be missed as a fine musician, inspirational leader, valuable colleague and friend. My heart goes out to Sue and her family at this sad time.

Steve Quirk

'Michael Hutton'

Very sad news today. The death of Richard Waterer. Yet another of our great family of Royal Marines musicians has left us, and at such a young age. He never had any time to enjoy his well deserved retirement. My memories of him go right back to the mid 60s when as B/M of the Staff Band he was one of the young up and coming stars of the Trombone section. A great player, and a gentleman. I was fortunate to spend a day with him at the RMSM in 2002 just before his retirement as PDM and he gave me a tour of the school and all the offices of the HMS Nelson music scene which was very impressive. It was he who had planned the move from Deal to Portmouth and I'm sure he will always be remembered for that as well as being a fine PDM and wonderful example to all in the Royal Marines Band Service.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Maureen & Michael Hutton.

'Paul Harker'

I came to find this website via the very sad news of Dick Waterers passing in an e-mail I received. I too joined with Dick on April 14th 1964 1/64 New Entry Squad. I never served with Dick after we passed out But what I can say is in the short time I spent with him he is one of the nicest men I have ever met or indeed ever likely to meet. My condolences to his family.

mickyrmb

So very sad to hear the passing of such a wonderful man. We both followed each other around the Bandservice and indeed the World for 14 years. Deal, Dartmouth, Fleet and Portsmouth.
Dick looked after me like a Dad through troubled times in 1994. He encouraged me to be better and was always fair, patient and loyal.

My abiding memory of Dick was whenever something went wrong, from a Split note to half the band going in all directions on a beat retreat (remember HMS Bristol!!), he never once flinched. He always acted as if nothing had ever happened. WHAT A PROFESSIONAL ! On a personal note, I always thought that because of this I had got away with it!!

What stands out for me was that he loved his music, looked after his lads and adored his family.

My thoughts are with you Sue

bootybandy

Richard really was a special man. I was fortunate enough to have served with him when he was the Band SNCO on the Ark Royal, as well as DoM at Fleet, (Northolt) and finally as PDM. Nothing would ever fluster the man. He really was the true professional. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him or had cause to meet him. I will always remember him with great fondness. I hope the Band Service can perform a suitable send off for him. Brian Starr.

Gary Pumford

Deeply shocked to hear the very sad news. I can only reiterate what everone else has said, Richard was a lovely man who loved the Band Service, a fine musician and a true professional. God Bless you and may you rest in peace.
Our sincere condolences to Sue and the family, and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Gary and Liz Pumford

'Derrick Clark'

So sorry to hear of the passing away of Richard Waterer, I served with Dick when he was a B/SGT on HMS Ark Royal in 1976 and I will always remember him as true 'Gent'.

Dek

Russ & Nicki Queenan

It was with great shock that we heard the sad news. We can only reiterate what has already been said and hope that Sue and family can find some comfort at this difficult time.

Russ & Nicki Queenan

Josie & Chris Couplan

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Richard Waterer, we met him at our daughters passing out and he was a true gentleman, so caring and down to earth.
He will be truly missed.

A fan

Lt Col Waterer will be remembered by many for the gift of music that he has left behind for us to enjoy. May he rest in peace and we trust in the lord to keep him.
He may be gone but his music will echo for many years to come.

DW

The news came as a real shock. I served with Richard on board 'Ark Royal' 75-77 and later as his assistant when he was DOM(T). A superb musician and a gentleman through and through.
My sincere condolences to Sue and may he rest in peace.

David Duxbury-Williams

LTCP123 · RICHARD WATERER'S DEATH

A SHOCK TO ALL WHO NEW HIM.
RICHARD WAS ALWAYS FAIR TO ME WHEN I SERVED WITH HIM AS MY DOM. AT CTCRM.
CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
LUCIEN & ALISON PRIDAY

rawlij_1

I never had the privilege to meet Col.WATERER,but I did have the pleasure of attending the Mountbatten Festival of Music when he was Director.This as always reminded me of how lucky I,and countless others,were to have served in the Corps.
Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

hartg

Tempus Fugit.

Today I accessed the revamped RM-bands website after having not visited it for some months and was shocked to be greeted with the news of Richards' passing.

Having known him since I first entered the Staff Band in the early 70's, he was always the truest gent.

We met on a few occassions after I moved to the Central Band of the RAF, and it was always the same sincere greeting along with that endearing smile. I'm sure it will always be there with us all.

Mere words are not enough to describe someone as gifted as Richard.

We were fortunate enough to be here when he was, let that be his legacy.

Rest in peace in heaven.

My sincerest condolences to all of his family.

Geoff Hart.

Dave Tremaine

The accolades for Richard can go on for ever. Having attended his funeral on Thursday it was just as he would have wished, a celebration of his life and work and it was wonderful to see so many bandsmen there. Some had never served with him but still felt they wished to be there.
I have known Richard since he joined at Deal and we had great times sitting together in the Staff Band at Deal. Richard was not only a great musician and trombone player but he was also a great human being. Always friendly and always ready to help anyone in need. Besides all this, Richard was what we all are or were, a Royal Marine Bandsman and he never forgot that. Yes, he became an officer and eventually the PDM but he never forgot his roots and was never afraid to get his trombone out of its case for a blow with a big-band or any other combination and he always greeted you with a smile. That's the Richard I shall remember.
Dave Tremaine

Muttley PU · Dick Waterer

Not being musically disposed I was, however, a Royal Marine.

I did not know him personally but had the pleasure, with my wife, of attending several MFoM's at the Albert Hall, and have seen "His" bands perform in Plymouth and Deal. They were, as always, brilliant.

He will obviously be sorely missed by, not just, his close family but also the greater families of the Band Service and the Corps in general.

No doubt the Angels are busy practising for his arrival! They have a high standard to maintain.

Aye, Muttley

The Donkey · RIP

I only met Richard on a few occassions, but he always made the effort to say hello and was always willing to offer sage advice when asked for. He was definitely one who won't be replacable. My sincere condolences to his family.

Matt Hobson · Waterer

Dear all,
I was upset to hear about Richard Waterer and wish to pass my sympathies to all that new him well. He was a great man to work for. He knew his men well even if he had no direct contact with him.

I had the pleasure of playing a solo at an officers do at lympstone. Richard and his wife were there and were sat about 4 feet from me. Richard, noticing I was very nervous due to his prescence, gently smiled and afterwards stood up infront all the officers and shook my hand. His gently, kind nature helped to produce a good performance from all the RM band members everytime he was out front.

pearlkit

VFBANDSMAN*ETSUD

I am not a Royal Marine, I am a Band Cadet at Valley Forge Military Academy, I have had the pleasure of working with COL Waterer during our annual Tattoo where he conducted Dark Island. A most magnificant man, he is missed by our corps of cadets and most of all our regimental band. I wish I could of learned more from him and his experence. Probably the best Commandant of Cadets we ever had. I am always reminded of him when I listen to Gibraltor and Dark Island.

joe90

Yesterday, I had to go to a Student Loans Company meeting at Portsmouth University, unfortunately it was all day or I would have attempted get over to visit RMSoM.

The meeting was in the Boardroom at the top of the building and in the course of going up the stairs I noticed a photo gallery of well known personalities, Lynford Christie, Matthew Pinsent, Anita Roddick, Don Lusher and others. Nestled in amongst them was a photo of Richard resplendent in the academic robes of Doctor of Music, the photo taken shortly after his conferral of the Doctorate by the University.

It was fitting to see him in the same company as so many other great achievers and a brightener for what was going to be a long day.

Lt Col R A Waterer OBE MVO Hon.DMus MMus Hon.FLCM LRAM RM

Richard Waterer - Requiescat In Pace

Very Sad

PDM Lt Col Dr. Richard Waterer OBE MVO Royal Marines (Ret.)

Lt. Col Richard Waterer

Richard Waterer

Lt Col Richard Waterer

RICHARD WATERER'S DEATH

Dick Waterer

RIP

Waterer