Obituary – Dick Grange

Dick died in August 2026 and will be much missed by, amongst others, the members of the 3 Rivers Radio Yachting Club. He joined the club around the end of the last century and has been a valuable member ever since. He took on the roll of Secretary over 10 years ago and only retired from this role last year. Since then, his weakening health restricted his attendance but not a lot.

Initially he joined with a Marblehead boat and sailed it with some success. He represented the club in team racing against other local clubs with team members John Male, Jim Alderton. He and John also competed in the Nationals at the Lincoln club, apparently having a very social weekend – no doubt helped by the beer in the local hotel.

As the club moved also to race the 36R yachts he competed with one of these, subsequently to be replaced by the IOM. He sailed this regularly on Fridays and Sundays right up to the end. When weed became a major problem, he and another dozen members built and raced Nottingham J Class yachts on Sundays during the 3 month weed season.

Dick was a social character and helped new members settle in at the club, being keen to assist in their sailing and racing development. Having had an engineering career in British Aerospace he had a practical approach and was well able to solve operational problems in our boats etc. No doubt his slightly quirky sense of humour made this work for all.

In addition to his work for 3RRYC, Dick was also for many years the Secretary to the Metropolitan and Southern Area organisation of the MYA. He particularly helped with its event organisation and administration alongside the Rep, Peter Popham.

Richard Lord
3 Rivers RYC