RICHARD
JAMES BEARD
‘DICK’
Dick
Beard, who died suddenly on 20th July 2005 aged 87, was Secretary of the Mid
Sussex Branch of the Regimental Association for ten years. He often said his
prime interest in life was The Royal Sussex Regiment. He volunteered for the TA
before World War 2 and joined the 4th Battalion, but being a vehicle fitter by
trade he was transferred to The Royal Engineers early in the war. He served
with them in the
He
was born and bred in Cuckfield and he returned there
on demobilisation and soon married Mary who sadly pre-deceased
him in June 2005. His local interests were considerable for, in addition to being
a Boy Scouts Leader, he was an active member of The Royal Sussex Regimental
Association, The Royal Engineers Association, The Royal British Legion and the
Normandy Veterans Association. He was a keen gardener and was an expert grower
of Chrysanthemums, for which he received many awards.
Dick
was a compassionate man with a heart of gold who never forgot the Widows and
was always ready to lend a hand and help anyone in need, despite the fact that
he himself had suffered from Emphysema for several years.
The
continued success and strength of Mid Sussex Branch was due in no mean part to
his personal interest and efforts; always on the look-out for new members, be
they ex Royal Sussex, Queen’s or Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiments and he was
known as the Branch Recruiting Sergeant. His zeal, dedication and enthusiasm
were legendary and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Reproduced from The