Obituary

 

It was with great sadness we record the death of Past Master Richard Blaxland on 26th February 2024. Richard, or Dick as he was known to most, was a much loved and respected member of the Livery, and will long be remembered for his dedication to and support of the Wax Chandlers’ company.

He was born in 1929 in Ramsgate, Kent and spent his whole life in Kent with much of his working life based in the City of London. On completing his articles he joined Coopers and Lybrand and commuted daily from the family home in Rochester. His long business career lasted from 1940’s to the end of the 1990s and included Orion Insurance and culminated at Quilters as managing partner.

He became a Wax Chandler on 6th November 1980 and was later elected as a Court Assistant. Dick, as a beekeeper since the age of seventeen, encouraged the company to support the National Honey Show in the 1990s and helped set up the new Wax Chandler Charitable Trust.  He was an active Millennium Master, a difficult time for him as Jean his wife had become seriously ill and he himself had to have medical treatment.

After Jean’s death, Richard married Daphne and they enjoyed many Wax Chandlers events especially the annual Master’s outing. Richard could be seen with a glass of red in his hand busy networking and suggesting approaches for the better financial management of the Company!

He was a loyal England rugby supporter and a wonderful Twickenham car park patron- many Wax Chandlers will have experienced his incredible hospitality in the Cardinal Vaughan car park and imbibed his legendary lobster bisque with added brandy!

Dick was renowned as a delightful, sociable and generous member and the family connection continues through us and our children.

 

Lynda Marston-Weston & Andrew Blaxland