Dickie and I shared so many things in life. We grew up in Holmfirth, Yorkshire, and did school, scouts, and kids stuff together.
He was a good friend: loyal, trusted and fun.
We started caving together with the Eldon Pothole Club in 1971 and first trips were Hillocks and Water Icicle. With the EPC in the 70s and 80s Dickie ticked off most of the UK hard caving trips (many times over), and many European classics. World wide expeditions followed and his interest in caving never waned.
I remember him carrying huge bags of equipment for Paul Deakin’s photography trip down the Gouffre Berger on on a 5 day underground epic - always with a joke or a smile on his face, ready to pose for a snap for the umpteenth time. I also recall his negotiation tactics on an expedition in Sumatra. We had chartered a motorised dugout canoe to take us up river in a remote jungle area to explore the karst region. A week later when we returned back to base, the agreed price started to double then triple, discussions were going nowhere until Dickie suggested that starter crank for the engine which he was swinging over his head might like to go for a swim. - it ended amicably with all parties happy. A very practical and adaptable guy our Dickie.
He was healthily competitive: A trip down “Giants Hole” was a race against the clock, and the Yorkshire classics trips were rated on how soon we hit the Craven Heifer pub after we had bottomed the cave.
I reckon his competitive spirit, and can do attitude, allowed him take the brave decision to return to the UK last year to with old mates and revisit old haunts. I am grateful that he did, and am proud and privileged to have known him.
A great guy who despite his love for his family and life in Brisbane, never forgot his roots and his mates back in the UK.
So long and thanks for all the memories. RIP Dickie.
John (mouse) Middlemist