The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community

FFoglamp · Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:17 pm Post subject:

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
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euphless · Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:59 pm Post subject: 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 · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 5:08 pm Post subject:

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 · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 8:58 pm Post subject:

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
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Craig Blundell · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:59 pm Post subject:

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 · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:27 pm Post subject: 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…
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Diane Sumner · On audition Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 1

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' · Guest

Ex HMS Ark Royal

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

'Paul Harker RMB 3995' · Guest

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' · Guest

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' · Guest

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' · Guest

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' · Guest

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' · Guest

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' · Guest

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