Richard Alfred Bullock

Obituary for Richard Alfred Bullock

Richard Bullock passed away peacefully on 24th July 2016, after suffering from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, aged 85 years.

The funeral at St Mary and St Margaret’s Church, Sprowston, was well attended. With black-draped Standards, a Guard of Honour was formed by Norwich Branch Members.

That which follows was prepared by the family and read at the Funeral service.

Richard was born in Melrose Road Norwich on the 3rd March 1931. He attended Avenue Road School in Norwich and left at the age of 14. Richard’s first job was as an Errand Boy for Dakin’s Tea Company in Davey Place Norwich and then at the age of 16 an opportunity came for him to join British Rail where he worked as a Fireman on the Steam Locomotives.

National Service in 1949 meant that Richard had to go into the Army. After training in Colchester he was sent to the Far East on a troop ship where he served in the Suffolk Regiment in the jungles of Malaya.

Richard was demobbed in 1951 and while in Norwich on a night out in May of 1951 in the Murderers’ Pub on Timberhill he spotted a young girl across the room. This was the start of a long and wonderful relationship with Audrey. They were married in September of the same year. Audrey would always say: ‘He took great pride in himself and was a smart good looking gentleman’.

In later years Richard would often talk about his days in the Army and the pictures he brought back vividly show the unforgiving terrain that the troops had to deal with while on ‘Patrol in Bandit country’ but it was especially evident that lasting friendships were formed. Richard would have been so proud to see representatives from the Armed Forces here today and being able to honour his last wishes so willingly and professionally.

Richard and Audrey supported each other constantly throughout their 65 years of marriage, They had 3 children: Karen, Stephen and Michael. He was always there to help his wife and family in times of trouble or strife.

Richard retired at the ripe old age of 62 after 46 years service with British Rail. He was very busy and had a full life in retirement enjoying monthly meetings with his regimental pals. He was always out and about in his car with Audrey, taking the grandchildren and great grandchildren for days out to the seaside or the country for picnics.

Richard continued to have a wonderful retirement with his beloved wife and family for the next 18 years, but, sadly, Richard was struck with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in 2011 but was always lovingly cared for by his dear wife Audrey and family.

Richard – husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather, you’ll be sadly missed by all of us. but you’ll be in our hearts forever.

Family and JLR