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SANBoPC
18-12-2008, 05:35 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spar http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/showthread.php?p=271386#post271386)
Only flew her for the first year,as she hated dog's and would not ,under any circumstances get use to them. Flew her at around 820 grams.Guinnies and frankolin main quarry.

Last night while trying to find a new forum member I sadly come across "Spar" profile and subsequently read his posts. The day after the above quoted post (14.03.2006) "Vam" a imm musket Black Sparrowhawk (pic in another thread posted by "Spar") died in a hunting accident. A month to the day later "Spar" died in a car accident. GaryPCO who first started this thread I hope you don't mind if I post an obituary I wrote for the SAFA magazine as a tribute to "Spar" on your thread. Richard's biography on this forum - "Not to much to say except that i love doing falconry" is how my wife Glodel and I will remember Richard.



Richard Harper – Ronald
28.06.1969 – 14.04.2006



“I have a hawk, a dog and friendship
and lack nothing. May my spirit
forever fly.”



The South African falconry community lost another of her falconry sons with the tragic death of Richard Harper – Ronald in the early hours of the 14th of April 2006 in an 11 car pileup on the N1 highway.

Richard was born in the United Kingdom and as a youngster moved to Zimbabwe with his family where he fell in love with Africa and his first love, falconry. As a young schoolboy his first introduction to falconry was through Reg Querl and later Richard was to mentor under Kevin Nicholson.

After school Richard joined the British Army where he trained as a recovery mechanic. He was based in the UK for a couple of years as well as a few years in Germany. During his time in the Army he did a tour of duty in Northern Ireland and served his country well during Desert Storm.

After his military tour Richard found himself on South Africa’s shores for a short while. On returning to the UK he landed a job doing overland driving tours from the UK to Cape Town. With Richards’s exposure of the overland business, he saw a niche in the market, and together with his father Jake opened a camp site “The Rocks” in Zimbabwe, catering for the needs of over Landers. After a couple of years of success but with the volatile situation developing in Zimbabwe, Richard sold up and moved across the “Boerewors Curtain.” Richard arrived at WildThingZ Animal Park in Polokwane looking for a temporary job of no more than 3 months. After more than four years with us his time was untimelessly cut short.

Richard was very involved in the formation of the Limpopo Falconers Club and served on the Committee of the LFC from it’s inception to his passing. His role from the beginning of the LFC was that of the Assistant Secretary and that of Club Secretary for the year 2005 and again Ass. Sec for 2006. Richard was very active with the LFC’s younger membership and was mentor to many fine young falconers. To mention two youngsters that mentored under Richard, Tokka Lerm and Ruan Botha, are a testimony of Richards success not only by the outstanding hawks they fly but also by their dedication to the club and falconry, with Ruan been voted onto the LFC Committee for 2006. The Limpopo Falconers Club has decided in honour of Richard to create a memorial floating trophy for the most improved young falconer, the “Richard Harper – Ronald Memorial Trophy”.

Richard flew a good hawk and ran a good dog (which as he informed many of us at the LFC’s AGM and Field Meet on the 08.04.2006 never chased she just followed Bunnies to see if they would show her where the birds were at). Richards’s first love was a Musket Black Spar. “Viper” and later “Vam” enthralled many of us with their flying skills, and accounted for many a full bag. Unfortunately both of these fine hawks came to an untimely end. “Vam” died four weeks before Richard and as he had a very special place in Richards’s heart he was cremated with Rich.

Richard lived life to the full and will be missed by many. Much to his girlfriend Adel and non falconry friends disgust a holiday for Richard was in the Free State either at SAFA Tweespruit or Vrede hunting his hawks. While sorting out Richards estate and packing his goods I came across a key ring from his step mother. This key ring summed up my, and Viv Bristow’s staff member and good friend Richard to a tee –

“I’m immature, unorganized, irresponsible, lazy and loud, but I’m Fun”

Richards hawking journal ends on the afternoon of the 13.04.2006 with –

“Thor” (Tiercel Peregrine) ****!! Needs more time on the Kite. “Blaze” (Female Bl. Spar from SANBOPC) great flight on young Guinea, far too easy a kill. Second flight on adult Guinea, long chase through trees ending in kill out of sight. “Gizmo” (Male Passage Lanner) Go on, best flight ever, great pitch stooping and cutting a Crested Frankie stone dead wow”

The Black Spar Richard spoke of in this thread died this breeding season as she was egg bound, she has been replaced with "Blaze". "Gizmo" produced eggs with a young CB falcon and "Thor" produced his first chicks this season. "Sky" joined my pack of Pointers and still asks for assistance from the local bunnies! I believe Richard together with "Vam" are decimating the Partridge population in heaven. "Spar" was last active on this forum on the 09.04.2006, guess they don't have Internet up there!

Trevor

Thanks Gary for allowing me to highjack part of you Black Sparrow Hawk threat and suggesting a post on this link as well.




Eagle-Eyrie
19-12-2008, 06:55 AM
Thanks again trev 4 putting this up. Richard-spar. Was a fantastic falconer and not only was it his passion but it became his life, and what a memorable one. He was a great friend of mine and those conversations after the hunt in the field having a few sundowners will never be forgotten. His vice was the black spars- jazz. Vam, to name a few. His falcons never let him down and always took an amazing pitch. But of all his falconry contributions, the one he will be most remembered for was his passion for passing on his knowledge to the next generation. You just have to see the quality of falconry that is practiced by his aprentices to see his work. He was able to live the dream most of us falconers can only dream of and his hawks were a testiment to that. My only regret is that i did not spend more time with him. for the year we lived and worked together he most definatly imprinted the passion and love for falconry that i have today. He will always be remembered by us as a great falconer and good friend. I aspire to live as he did and hope to follow a similar path in life and that would be FALCONRY! richard May you live on in the spirit of horus :-)

good hawking
dylan :-(

SANBoPC
18-12-2009, 07:11 AM
88469


The late Richard Harper-Ronald with Gizmo


88470


88471


L-R Ruan Botha, Rich, Dawid Botes, Martin ? and Oom Paul Venter

B C
18-12-2009, 07:50 AM
Now that was a guy I would have loved to meet!
What a tragedy

RIP
Bernie

Eagle-Eyrie
19-12-2009, 10:31 AM
what a falconer is all i can say! some of the best times i had was with this exceptional falconer... i often remember times shared and long for those trips to the hawking ground again... what a falconer and a cherrished friend. love the pic trev. and what a bird gizmo was....

good hawking

dylan

SANBoPC
19-12-2009, 11:45 AM
i often remember times shared and long for those trips to the hawking ground again... what a falconer and a cherrished friend. love the pic trev. and what a bird gizmo was....dylan

Dyl its good to remember friends. Unfortunately indirectly I kind of blame myself for Rich's death, and some days wish I could change decisions made, but I guess hindsight is a bitch.

I came across these pics the other day looking for a photo I wanted to post on another thread. As you know I'm not a great one for photographs (any picture of me are taken under duress or without my knowledge and consent even if its a police "mug shot" :lol: ) and found these in my limited photo library and I knew you would like them.

I enjoyed reading Jake's (Richard's dad) book and it gave me more of an insight to the what's and whys of things. As you know Jake passed away from Cancer as the book was finished before publication. Already the book is finding its place for those interested in military matters and Africana.

This passed breeding season Blaze (Bl Spar) produced infertile eggs - next year. Thor (Peregrine) again produced 3 chicks and Gizmo 2 chicks which I royally messed up. Sky joined Rich after a local farmer ran her over while out hunting.

Take care
Trev

Eagle-Eyrie
19-12-2009, 02:47 PM
I enjoyed reading Jake's (Richard's dad) book and it gave me more of an insight to the what's and whys of things. As you know Jake passed away from Cancer as the book was finished before publication. Already the book is finding its place for those interested in military matters and Africana.

Gizmo 2 chicks

Take care
Trev

Dear Trev

firstly what did you think of the book? i thought that it was an awesome account of one mans life as a soldier and the moments in history that he was part of. i dont think we realised any of it i for 1 was shocked when i called you and asked about the book and jake. would be interested in your thoughts. some interesting stuff in there.

I would love to book a lanneret if gizmo produces again, i'm a softy for that sort of thing you know sentimental and all. let me know your going rate and i'll be ready and waiting.

good hawking

dylan

Little Joe
19-12-2009, 02:56 PM
Sorry to hear about your friend Richard. He sounds like a top guy.

Funny thing, the older we get, the more friends and peers we lose... but an untimely passing is always a hard pill to swallow. Although I didnt have the privilege to know Richard, this thread touched something in me, because I can relate to how you guys feel.

Sincerely, Jannes

SANBoPC
19-12-2009, 04:17 PM
Sorry to hear about your friend Richard. He sounds like a top guy.

Funny thing, the older we get, the more friends and peers we lose... but an untimely passing is always a hard pill to swallow. Although I didnt have the privilege to know Richard, this thread touched something in me, because I can relate to how you guys feel.

Sincerely, Jannes

Jannes, Richard was and still is a top bloke in those that knew him memories. He was one of God's own and I'm sorry you guys did not meet up.

The older we get - speak for yourself I'm still 18. You know Jannes the funny (if that's the right word) thing is when we where playing war games during our national circus and camps, it was part of life and friends got killed. Richards death to me was much like my friend Ron (Hartley) and Princess Di's death, they where just not supposed to happen something was wrong, hope you understand what I mean.

After reading Jake's book the other day I was able to understand so much more of how he reacted on Richards passing. And to a certain extent why we where numbed by what we went through fighting silly war games. I would hate to know how many ex Rhodesians and South African men and woman suffer from post traumatic stress after our war games yet to be honest we have never addressed them like the Americans - we just became numb. Dylan is still a puppy so I don't believe he will recall those "good" old days.

Take care
Trev

Little Joe
19-12-2009, 04:24 PM
Jannes, Richard was and still is a top bloke in those that knew him memories. He was one of God's own and I'm sorry you guys did not meet up.

The older we get - speak for yourself I'm still 18. You know Jannes the funny (if that's the right word) thing is when we where playing war games during our national circus and camps, it was part of life and friends got killed. Richards death to me was much like my friend Ron (Hartley) and Princess Di's death, they where just not supposed to happen something was wrong, hope you understand what I mean.

After reading Jake's book the other day I was able to understand so much more of how he reacted on Richards passing. And to a certain extent why we where numbed by what we went through fighting silly war games. I would hate to know how many ex Rhodesians and South African men and woman suffer from post traumatic stress after our war games yet to be honest we have never addressed them like the Americans - we just became numb. Dylan is still a puppy so I don't believe he will recall those "good" old days.

Take care
Trev

Jeez, a weekend of hawking and brandy around fires are long, long overdue here my friend.

Im in SA next year July-ish - make room! ;)

SANBoPC
19-12-2009, 04:36 PM
Dear Trev

firstly what did you think of the book? i thought that it was an awesome account of one mans life as a soldier and the moments in history that he was part of. i dont think we realised any of it i for 1 was shocked when i called you and asked about the book and jake. would be interested in your thoughts. some interesting stuff in there.

I would love to book a lanneret if gizmo produces again, i'm a softy for that sort of thing you know sentimental and all. let me know your going rate and i'll be ready and waiting.

good hawking

dylan

Dyl next season God willing and everything going according to plan, you have my word you have the "pick of the clutch" of any of Gizmo's kids, at no cost to yourself. It would be my pleasure.

I enjoyed Jake's book very much. A epic journey from Northern Ireland, Rhodesia, Mozambique to mercenary duties in Iraq. Working for the SA, USA, Zim and UK intelligence agencies often at the same time was quite a juggling act. Unfortunately it was also a reminder of how silly we are as men as well, by allowing ourselves to be used as cannon fodder.

Cheers
Trev

Little Joe
19-12-2009, 04:44 PM
Unfortunately it was also a remind of how silly we are as men as well by allowing ourselves to be used as cannon fodder.

Cheers
Trev

Hear hear! But lets not have this great thread regress into politics.

Jannes

SANBoPC
19-12-2009, 05:21 PM
Jeez, a weekend of hawking and brandy around fires are long, long overdue here my friend.

Im in SA next year July-ish - make room! ;)

That my friend is no lie. I've cleaned out the cottage just need to turn on the geezer and you will be sorted. The SAFA field meet next year (mid July) is just down the road from me. I have also just (yesterday) ordered some of Ed's pot stilled brandy for my local farmers and in fact called him again to include another bottle of beetle juice to keep my winter warm - so we in business :lol:

Trev

Eagle-Eyrie
20-12-2009, 05:42 AM
Dylan is still a puppy so I don't believe he will recall those "good" old days.

Take care
Trev

as you might recall from one of our conversations many years ago during the bush war i was a semen (pronounced seaman) in the Rhodisian navy!lol.:oops: but have a great appreciation for all the peolpe who gave up so much for a country that was lost not by soldiers but by polititians!

good hawking

dylan

Eagle-Eyrie
20-12-2009, 05:46 AM
Jeez, a weekend of hawking and brandy around fires are long, long overdue here my friend.

Im in SA next year July-ish - make room! ;)

if you could make the meet then that would be awesome. hope that it works out and trev might get you on to those pipes hes busy with. as for the mampoor better bring a bucket of painkillers for the morning after.lol


good hawking

dylan

Little Joe
21-12-2009, 05:46 PM
if you could make the meet then that would be awesome. hope that it works out and trev might get you on to those pipes hes busy with. as for the mampoor better bring a bucket of painkillers for the morning after.lol


good hawking

dylan

You kids! I LIVE on that S hi t! :lol:

Seriously Dylan, it would be an honour to meet you and see your AfHawk do its thing china!

Cheers, Jannes

Falconry Favourites
31-12-2009, 03:35 PM
though this is a sad thread with the loss of some one,what a interesting thread it is to read what a top guy he was

SANBoPC
31-12-2009, 04:59 PM
though this is a sad thread with the loss of some one,what a interesting thread it is to read what a top guy he was

Thanks James

Trevor

MusketMad
31-12-2009, 05:22 PM
my condolences

Nigel

Falconry Favourites
26-01-2010, 07:52 PM
no bother trevor mate

Paul Harper-Ronald
01-03-2010, 02:26 AM
Hi guys I'm Richards brother who lives in Austraila , I was looking on line and found this site ,there loveley words to hear about my brother and some good pics ,it was nice to see him looking so healthy thanks again guys Paul