Richard "Grumbo" Pope

Every time I met 'Grumbo' he had a smile. He was always kind and friendly and it was clear he cared about people.

Richard was one of those rare people who made everyone feel remembered. He was endlessly generous, never missed a birthday, and always greeted you with a smile. His kindness showed up in the little things, and those are the memories I will carry with me forever.

Richard ‘Grumbo’ was a very very special person. He always had a twinkle in his eye, which matched his wry sense of humour. He was kind, thoughtful and always seemed chilled. The Boxing Days we shared were truly amazing and I have many happy memories of the games we all played and still do.
I hope he and Jan are having fun together again xx

Richard (Grumbo) my dear father-in-law, I'll miss you lots. You were one of a kind, a unique individual with an infectious joy de vivre.

You and Janet were always incredibly supportive, when I came to ask for Vanessa's hand in marriage - you didn't hesitate for a moment, (even if it was a shock, you hid it well) which was so kind of you. Your politeness and courtesy knew no bounds, and you were, and always will be, a big part of our lives.

I'll cherish the memories we made together - golfing, dancing, partying, fishing, and traveling. The conversations and discussions were rich and fuelled with the dodgy homebrew and Sloe Gin you loved to share with your son-in-laws? Or should I say pour down our throats! Causing stunning hangovers, which you hid so well! As an Irishman who's lived in England for most of my life, you're without a doubt my favorite Englishman - and the competition is stiff!

Thank you for everything you did for us. From the major DIY projects to the unforgettable Christmases, you've been an amazing grandad to our kids, shaping their values and aspirations. Your influence will be felt for generations to come.

As you rest in peace, please give Janet a big hug from us. We'll miss you both dearly, but we're grateful for the time we had with you.

To the dear family of a wonderful and very respectful step dad and grandfather.
You will be great missed, we loved our long chats about the dogs.
Rest in peace Richard
Love and Best wishes
Rose and Steve x🙏🏼

Uncle Richard (Gumbo) was the stalwart bastion of our family and always ready to help any of us at any time. I well remember one dark winter night not long after my Dad had died and I was struggling trying to fix my Dad's old car, suddenly there he was, the same old cheery greeting - "hello old chap, can I help?" No doubt my Gran (Grandma/Gladys) had given him a ring and here he was, with tools, expertise and kindness - ready to help.

Jan and Richard were fantastic decorators and their kindness to Gran in decorating her house, sometimes as a surprise while she was on holiday, brought immeasurable happiness. On one occasion, Gran's bedroom had been completely decorated in pink with a new duvet cover and curtains to match.

Family Christmas' at Mehalah, were a thing of legend - such happiness, kindness and generosity. Their home was always open and welcoming. So many memories.

I know, it will never be the same without them but what a legacy! So, sad as I am, I am trying to focus on being grateful for having had such wonderful people in our lives.

I was named after Richard so he became “Uncle Dick” to us to avoid confusion. He was also my godfather … although I cannot think of any spiritual advice that he gave me!

As he was my dad’s younger brother, I remember a few stories of scrapes that he had got into such as driving flat out in the dark despite seeing a row of red lights across the road … it turned out to be the side of a lorry that was turning so that didn’t end well. It must be something in the name as I had a few scrapes like that as well.

I always remember him as being very interested in the progress of my life, having a great sense of humour, and a very close family with Janet, the 4 girls, their partners, grandchildren, dogs and more … no wonder he was driven to becoming an expert at home improvements … he must have found some peace up a ladder. Anyway, he has gone up the great ladder in the sky now to find peace with Janet and I shall remember them both as having extremely successful lives in creating such happiness in their family.

I have many special memories over the years. From playing games at your house on Boxing Day, to most recently all your dancing at Blaize and Jacks wedding. You were always generous, smiling and keen to get involved. I will always treasure these memories.

Thank you for everything grandad! I will never forget our numerous trips to Thomas the Tank Engine Land! To me being your first point of call for all things tech support. I will never forget these memories and so many more. I will always miss you, lots of love Will xx

Thank you for all the happy memories grandad, there are so many!
I loved playing board games with you and sorry for always teaming with nan so you lost!
We had so many great games of pool in the man cave I will really miss these times together.
lots of love Arthur xxx

Richard was the only man I know, that he
was clever with anything he did, with intelectual financial affairs and at the same time with complicated practical things for example central heating, electrics, etc.
His kindness, sense of humour, always happy to help, his loyalty and love will always stay with me.
Thank you for all your help, advice, friendship and love, you are greatly missed by everyone. Giovanna Stevenson

Thank you grandpa for all the games of sorry the rivalry we had was unmatched. I will never forget those Thursday with you and Nannie also our chats in the car on the way to school were the best.
Lots of Love Jack

You were Uncle Dick to me and that never changed I’m afraid - I could never get my head around calling you Richard! I was your 21st birthday present and always thought of you every time it was ‘our’ birthday.
Molly and I were lucky enough to come and spend time with you on what became your last birthday and the last time I saw you .. and it of course involved a full tour of the house which lasted an hour (!) but you had so much pride and quite rightly, you should have.

One special memory for me is how you and Aunty Janet came to watch Molly perform aerial silks at Hemel Hempstead four years ago. You were both so interested and supportive - thank you.

I will definitely miss you (both) and will continue to think of you on each of my/our birthdays xxx

Thank you Grandad for all our happy memories together. I will never forget your love for gardening and helping me with my very own garden from laying the lawn, to picking out the best plants, removing trees and always giving me the best gardening tips. I don’t know what I will do without your knowledge and wisdom! You will be forever missed x

Thank you, Grandad, for all those hours helping me with my maths homework , turns out it actually worked, so I guess I owe you one. I’ll always smile thinking about last Christmas Eve, heading down to Berkhamsted Wetherspoons together, doing far too many Jäger bombs and laughing the night away. Even the next morning when you woke up with a massive bruise after bumping your head on the way to bed , became one of those classic memories. Miss you loads, and I hope you know how much you meant to me.

Thank you, Grandad, for so many happy memories, including the time we went to That’ll Be the Day. Thank you for all your help and your never-ending patience. You will be missed always. x

You will always hold a very special place in my heart Dear Richard.

I remember Grandad trying to fix my doll when its head came off. He could fix so many things, but not heads. We laughed about it with Nannie, and it's a memory that still makes me laugh.

Thank you for being the best Grandad and will miss you so much.

There are not many people who have known me my whole life, but Richard (or “Uncle Dick” as he was known to our family) was one of those. I will always remember his laugh and also his huge love of dogs. When he met my first dog, Dotty, he spent most of the time rolling around on the grass with her. He was a warm, friendly man whose love for Janet and all their children and family shone brightly. He really will be missed by so many. xxx

Richard was born at home towards the end of the War when we all used to have to try and sleep together in our Anderson shelter during the bad nights and we remained close ever since.
His whole world was his family and creating a loving family home, in this he was so successful. He was never happier than when he was doing home DIY. He was meticulous and dare I say sometimes pedantic - his wallpaper hanging was nothing short of perfection. My abiding memory will be his great sense of humour and who was always having a laugh even if the joke on him. Serious moments did arrive however when we were playing golf together when of course brotherly competitiveness came to the fore!! He will be sadly missed.

I worked with Richard in the 1960s and we quickly became firm friends,
I will always remember him as being a true gentleman with good solid values and as a truly loving husband to Janet and their children...his family was the cornerstone of his life.
RIP Richard