Ralph Popple pays tribute to his father Richard who died recently.
Richard Popple was a career estate agent having joined the firm of Geering and Colyer in 1948 and moving to Rye soon after. Despite various takeovers and name changes he continued to work from the office in Cinque Ports Street until he retired in 2000. Richard sold many properties in the area several times over but never moved himself having found an ideal family home at Winchelsea Beach.
He was a familiar face in Rye not only to the numerous clients had worked with over the years but to many others through involvement with Scouts, school projects and in particular the Rye and Winchelsea Rotary Club where he was the longest serving member, having given 65 years service. Richard was regularly seen collecting in Market Road and more recently Jempson’s at Christmas. Over the years he was also involved in various events including the country fair, charity walk and cycle ride.
Richard was a true family man, devoted to his wife, Linda, he had three children, five grandchildren, four great grandchildren and had just learnt that a fifth was on the way.
He died peacefully at home with family by his side on November 5 at 92.
The funeral will be at Hastings Crematorium on Thursday 5th December at 11.15.
Our condolences to Richard’s family and a special thanks to Ralph for writing this tribute to his father.
Image Credits: Ralph Popple .
Ah am sorry to hear the news. Our paths crossed some years ago in the estate agency world where Richard was very approachable and professional.
Thank you for your kind words Lisa, much appreciated.
My parents bought their home in Rye though Mr Popple. They always spoke highly of him. A good reputation is the highest accolade in life. One Mr Popple deserves. I also recall that Linda owned and ran a shop called Squirrels and was as lovely person to know.
Happy memories.
My deepest condolences to all the family.
Thank you for sharing your familys experience and thoughts, it means a lot to and has been conveyed to my mother.
My parents always used Richard as he was a most honest and hardworking estate agent. I used his services to sell a property and his efforts in doing so were excellent. When he retired he was sorely missed.
Condolences to his family.
Thank you David, your comments are appreciated.
Richard was the most trustworthy and modest of men. I knew him through Rye & Winchelsea Rotary Club and as an Estate Agent. He always excelled in both roles with his calm and honest manner whatever the situation. Richard gave his life to making Rye a town to be proud of.
David, thank you for your kind words, such comments mean a lot to us as a family at this difficult time. .
So sorry to hear this news Ralph, please accept our condolences.
Your father was of that generation as was mine, who put values before themselves and devoted so much time to the town through the various activities of the Rotary club. He was certainly a key figure in the history and development of Rye during that era.
Thank you Michael, I concur with your thoughts, and remember your father well too, certainly a good generation to have learnt from.
Even though I was quite young I remember Richard lodging with an elderly couple in Rope walk,when he first came to this town and I also bought property from him at the Geering and Collyer office that he ran in cinque ports street.