Richard Schwarz
16 July 1959 to 21 Nov 2008

We invite you to contribute to our condolence book and share with us your thoughts on the life of Richard Schwarz.

Your message will be shared with his wife Debbie and his children Anna and Terry and while they may not be able to respond personally to each one, please know how much they appreciate your kindness.

Submit your message of condolence here
 

I am deeply shocked at Richard's premature death. Ironically I had spoken to him three days before, when he was working on another's Condolence Page, that of our mutual friend and mentor Cliff Rankin. But if Cliff's death was a shock, at 84 it was not such a surprise. Richard's departure at only 49 leaves me, and his many friends in the industry, deeply stunned.

I feel it particularly as Richard and Debbie met on my 'watch' while I was editor, subsequently publisher, of 'Glass Age'. I appointed them and worked with them for many years until I retired in 2001.

The shorthand and 'hot metal' era had long gone and, apart from his journalistic ability, Rich was more enthusiastic than anybody I've
known about the potential of on-line publishing. So it was no surprise when, ultimately, he quit the 'paper business' to direct his energies into The Glazine and related on-line enterprises.

His death will leave a gap in this sector of publishing which will be tough to fill. And a void in my life and that of so many in the
industry. My heartfelt love and sympathy go to Debbie, Terry and Anna.

Peter Butler

The Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass sends its condolences on the passing of Richard Schwarz.  Richard was always interested in the activities of the Company and ready to assist in publishing information about our Awards, Competitions and events, for which we shall always be indebted to him.  We send our sincere sympathies to his friends and family.

Alex Galloway CVO
Clerk
Worshipful Company of Glaziers & Painters of Glass

I first met Richard when he was working on Glass Age and I was with the Architectural mags. His side of the office was always louder and looked 10 times more fun than at our end… Hardly surprising since the team consisted of Richard who of course was the editor and Brokko was the Ad manager. Add Mark Pennington into the mix and there you are.
Richard was always the life and soul and he will be so, so very missed. I and everyone here at GGP extend our deepest sympathies to Debbie and the children.
Natalie.

Our most sincere condolences, Richard will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with Richard’s family at this very difficult time.
Will all respect, from myself and the Board of Directors at Crystal.

Richard was a gentleman. I have countless fond memories of visits to Fensterbau, Glassex, visits to Profile 22 in Glass Age days, dinners in Telford with copious amounts of wine. And a quality of Richards I cherish above all others was his real skill in simply listening to people, probably what made him the outstanding journalist he was. The Glazine was testament to this too. Sleep well my friend, you will be greatly missed.


Mike Crewdson | Development Director
Emplas Window Systems Ltd.

I am shocked and saddened to the hear the news of Richards death.

I am old enough to remember Richard in the early years of Glass Age magazine (I think referred to as the dream team), I recall a visit he made to my very first exhibition stand at Fensterbau in 1989. Far from the publics' image of a press man, he was in fact always pleasant and gently spoken. He always showed interest in us and our products and always gave us support and encouragement, something he has done ever since so much so that it's hard to imagine a glass exhibition without him.

We all here offer our condolences to his family and many friends.

Peter Wright
Supertrucks Ltd

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Richard he was one of the few people in our Industry that made it special and worthwhile.
Martin and Alan and all the Staff at Kall Kwik Machinery

Mark and I are shocked at this week’s news of Richards’s very untimely passing.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.

Sincerely,

Andrew Agar.
Managing Director.
Oxford Trade Frames Ltd

Tony
Although we didn't know Richard personally i would like to offer on behalf of myself and all at Warmedgeunitcentre our deepest sympathy to Richards family and yourselves at Glazine on the untimely passing of a husband,father, friend and colleague.

Kind Regards
David Scholefield
On behalf of all at Warmedgeunitcentre.

Richard was a great advocate and ambassador for the glass and glazing industry in the UK and, over the many years that he reported on our progress and activities in this market, was a very fair and honest supporter of REHAU and so many other similar businesses. His knowledge, commitment and warmth will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to Richards' family and friends especially Debbie and Tony at this very sad time.

Irene Smith, Marketing Communications Manager, REHAU

I am totally saddened by the death of Richard Shwarz, I had little to do with Richard in recent times but remember him well as a Magazine editor, he was a kind and generous man and lived life to the full, the world is a sadder place and the space that was Richards will never be filled, sleep well Richard.

I pass on my sincere condolences to his family.

Lawrence Breakspear
KEB Fabrications Ltd

Very sudden and tragic news , our deepest sympathy to Debbie and family, we will remember Richard best by continuing to read the Glazine.

Fred.

It is a very sad day to lose such an individual, we trust that the staff of the Gl@zine will move forward and hold fond memories of Richard

Colin Double
Sunlite Product Manager
Palram Europe Ltd

I first met Richard in the 1980s and he rapidly gained my respect as one of the best business to business journalists around. Our paths have crossed many times since then and I always thoroughly enjoyed his company. Conversations were always lively and entertaining and included his great insight and clear views on both the glazing industry and wider world issues. The stories about enjoyable times together that suddenly spring to mind are numerous and warming – he will be greatly missed. I would like to extend my deep sympathies to Debbie and the children.
Nick Moss

Walnut Management UK Ltd

What a terrible shock.

A really nice bloke who was kind, considerate and helpful to me when I first got involved in this industry.

Condolences to the family and all of Richard's many, many friends.

Simon Trott

My thoughts go to his family and friends, at this very sad time

Michelle Howe

Dearest Debbie

I know Richard 'the wordsmith' would have known exactly what to say but I'm afraid I don't. Just I am so, so sorry to hear the news. Feelings of everyone I have spoken to since Saturday have all been the same-just shell shock and disbelief. I will always remember my very first conversation with Richard about 12 years ago when he was Editor of Glass Age, and I was terrified trying selling in the Synseal column 'Nick's in the chair'. He was then and has never been anything since but kind, intelligent, insightful and witty. (With that silly little giggle and shrug of his shoulders!).

The two of you were a brilliant partnership. That he has been taken away so cruelly before his time is so unfair and means so many people will miss the opportunity to get to know, love and learn from such a wonderful person.

Please look after yourself Debbie and while it won't feel like it now and life will never ever be the same, it will get less impossible.

With thoughts and all my love
Fiona
I know I probably can't but if I can do anything at all, let me know

xxx

Dear Tony,

I just heard about Richard, I am so sorry to hear such awful news. I met Richard and Debbie on a number of occasions ( usually at The Glassmans / Wigs Dinners and exhibitions) during my time with Glaverbel. I am sad that another great character from our industry has left us. Richard will be very sadly missed. Please pass on my thoughts to Debbie and the family, I am very sad for their loss.

With Kind Regards

Cathy Habbershaw

I’m so sorry to hear the tragic news. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.

Very kind regards

Jocelynne Rowan
(PR Manager at Epwin Group until 2006)

Tony please pass on my condolences to Debbie, Anna and Terry for there sad loss. This has been a very sad week for all of us In the Glass and window business and you are right Richard was one of life's Characters
Rest in Peace now Richard

Viv Jones
T & I Sealed Units

A desperate loss.

My thoughts are with his wife and children

Kind Regard
Ian Moran
Advantage

Thoughts go to Debbie and the kids.
A good man, more right than wrong, clever, observant, accurate and articulate.
Cliff, Spokesy, Johnnie Ware. Gus: so short an appearance
One less

I was saddened to hear that Richard had passed away. We pass on our deepest sympathies to his family at what must be a very difficult time.

I only had the pleasure of Richard and Debbies company once at an awards ceremony and I sure you will be unsurprised to hear that it was one of the most entertaining evenings I have spent in this industry. The Glazine is a testimony to his skill and undoubted knowledge of the market place. Informative and sharp, it was an inspired decision to launch the e-zine format when he did.

Kevin Harvey

I remember my first encounters with Richard - back in the early 80's, as always interesting and challenging but mostly I remember his polite manner and simple use of language that would often dig deeper than you wanted him too! He worked through difficult personal times to become such a proud father - recently telling me that his son was now walking to school on his own, followed by a combination of "you've got to let them & not sure if its alright", which was typical of his way. He was still committed to the industry and in fact looking to defend the image that can be portrayed and will be missed by the industry and certainly many distant friends such as myself. Bob Scott.

I was aghast to read of Richard’s early death, Tony. I have known him for many years and always regarded him as an authority on what was going on in the industry, with a deep understanding of what made it tick. My thoughts are with Debbie and their family at this tragic time.

Alan Thomas
Sales and Marketing Director
British Board of Agrément

I did not know Richard as a personal friend but he was an outstanding professional in his field of activity. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Dr Alan Hearsum
Glass Training Ltd

For all of us on the journalists' side of the sector, there is enormous sadness at the loss of such a respected colleague.

When I joined Glass and Glazing Products as Editor in 1996, it was made clear to me that Glass Age, then led by Peter Butler with Richard Schwarz as his deputy and a recently recruited Dominic Bentham, formed the competition with the most experienced team. It became clear that Richard was quite clear, if not strident, in his views and over the years, it has been an interesting experience to have had quite a few contretemps with him. I disagreed him on a number of points about what we as journalists should be doing in our reporting, but no one could dispute that he was committed fully to this industry.

Yes, he did put noses out of joint at times but journalists should be there to stimulate debate, not roll over because an advertiser has booked a series with his or her title. One despairs of many of the younger members of the Fourth Estate who think their job is done at a press event who pick up the pack, disappear and then regurgitate the PR spin. At his best, Richard didn't take the platitudes and would press for answers. Socially he could be extremely entertaining with the driest sense of humour you could hope to meet.

We've lost two real characters in Cliff Rankin and Richard Schwarz – both would have said if they were sitting during their portraitures: "Paint me warts an' all!" and that's how we should remember them; exasperating at times, but nonetheless, very attractive, human beings.

Michael Gannon
Freelance journalist

Our thoughts from all of Solaglas are with his family at this sad time

Best regards,

Nigel Asquith
HSE & Quality Manager - Solaglas Leeds

I have known Richard for more than 25 years. He had a great personality and so many times we had fun together. In fact we became very good friends. His death leaves me very sad. I was hoping to see him in Dusseldorf but unfortunately it did not happen. He has helped me a great deal throughout my long career in the glass industry. My sincere condolences to Debby and all the family.

Horst Mertes
Senior Sales Executive
Fenetech Inc.

I am very sorry to learn this sad news; our thoughts are with Debbie and the children. Richard was as you said, extremely knowledgeable and keen to probe deeper than any other journalist in the industry. He had a genuine interest in the subjects he covered and will be sadly missed, however his work, through Gl@zine must continue. If I can help in any way personally, through masterframe or via the GGF/FENSA do please let me know.

Alan Burgss
Managing Director

Please convey my sincere personal condolences and warm wishes of strength to Richard’s family and friends. Richard was unfailingly friendly, helpful and prompt in publicising information which I sought to share about events and stained glass related opportunities. I appreciated his responses and valued his support for our activities.

Adelle Corrin
Glass Information Officer The Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass

Jill and I would like to pass deep felt sympathy to Debs and family and to say how shocked we are. I think I met Richard at the same Fensterbau as Tony Higgin and indeed first met Tony at the same show. I too can relate to many stories and I prefer to remember Richard from this point for all the support he has always given me but more importantly for the fun and friendship we often shared through good times and bad.

Steve and Jill Haines

I was devastated to read of Richard's death and my heart goes out to Anna and his children. Richard was a great communicator with a keen sense of humour. As one of its leading and most respected commentators, his sense of fairness and diplomacy stood the glass & glazing industry in good stead and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family but also with his friends and colleagues who had the privilege of knowing him personally as well as professionally.

Jean Kloos, BM TRADA Group

It is with great regret that we have learned of the passing away of Richard.
Our thoughts are with Debbie, Anna and Terry.
He is a great loss to his family, friends and the glass industry.

Kind regards,

Ken Sauvarin.

Having worked closely alongside Richard on Glass Age magazine in the early '80s and as industry colleagues ever since, this news is especially hard to bear, particularly coming so soon after that of Cliff Rankin, about whom Richard and I spoke, shortly before Richard himself died.

There are too many fond and happy memories, yes, and of heated debates (Richard certainly had his opinions, and didn't fight shy of expressing them), ever to relate here. Suffice it to say that a light has been extinguished far, far too soon and that the industry will be left a duller place because of it.

David Flitter and myself offer our deepest sympathies to Richard's family and work colleagues.

John Austen

Austen Harlow Flitter PR

Dear Debbie, and Family and Friends,

I knew Richard on a limited basis ,it was with great sadness that I hear of his passing and your families loss, he Helped us as a company And was always insightful and I will certainly always be grateful for his guidance on the industry which to a new company was invaluable.
I offer my condolences to you and the Family at this sad time

Kind Regards
Rod Milicevic

I first met Richard at Fensterbau in the early nineties when working for Actual as the new recruit in the extrusion field.
Richard was always keen to seek out the brits at the show and include some publicity in the next issue.
During his time at the Glazine Richard helped me in so many ways with publicity and features.
Razor sharp and never afraid to say what others were thinking made him such a respected figure in our industry.
His great insight into our business and journalistic skills will leave a great space which will be hard to fill.
My thoughts are with Richards wife, children and family.

David White
White Extrusion Machinery Ltd

I met Richard in 1990 when I started working for Wegoma (under Steve Haines at the time) I thought then that he was ahead of the Industry and that Glass Age as a product was way ahead of it's competitors. I have very fond memories of being in Richard and Debbie's company both at Glassex, Fenstabau and on factory visits over the years. A truly great bloke who had a genuine interest in other people and their issues, both professionally and personally, he will be missed in a big way. Our thoughts go out (both Jude and I) to Debbie and the family.

Bill Pratt. Ten Human Resources.

There I was thinking, self pityingly, I had had a bad day only to read of the untimely death of Richard Schwarz. I never met or knew the man but somehow, on the basis that I believe people seem never to have the time , I am bound to say I am very sorry for his family. I am reminded of the death of my father and thinking, as we went through the day of the funeral, why it was that people were still flying around, at apparent breakneck speed, all around us, as if nothing at all had happened. I guess that is the way of the world.

Brian Mac Cafferty

Richard, I can't believe it…always at the edge but I never thought you'd actually go over it. You're too young to go, we had too many adventures left. God but you've scared me at times my friend, whilst also amusing me, making me laugh and sometimes I swore a bit too. We've had some crazy times - though I was a relative onlooker - but the world will be a much, much poorer place without you. Goodbye Richard and God bless you Debbie and the kids. Lots of Love, Godwin.

Paul Godwin
VAST PR

A mercurial mind, an articulate writer and a good bloke to know: Richard  will be sadly missed and our thoughts go out to Debbie, Anna and Terry.

Chris Church
The Image Works

So shocked and saddened to hear that Richard has passed away and the thoughts of all at Edgetech are with you. Richard came to see us at Coventry only a couple of weeks ago and we had a great day; the kind of day we usually had when in the company of such a splendid individual. 'He will be sadly missed' has become something of a cliche but in Richard's case it is most definitely true.
Goodbye mate and God Bless.

Alan Fielder

Very sorry to hear about Richard, read all his articles over the years. He will be sadly missed

Regards
Tommy Girvan
Cash and Carry Windows and Conservatories Ltd

Dear Family Schwarz,

With a shock I read the massage of the lost of Richard. Several times I have met Richard and Debbie in the time I work for Ritec on a reception in London, ore Glasstec. What he was for the glass branch in England and more or less the rest of Europe was tremendous, first with Glass Age and later with The Gl@zine, which is a modern platform of the branch. This age is not acceptable someone to lose and my sympathies goes to his wife Debbie and his children, wish them to be strong to carry this lost and will always remember this great guy,

Kind regards,
Paul Bastianen

Very sad news, our thoughts are with you.

Regards

Petita Wiles

Words don't mean much at times like this and when it concerns someone only part of the way along the road of life it all seems so much worse. Richard was always Richard when I met him with no side to him, no concern of whether you worked with him or were a competitor one of a dwindling breed - a gentle gentleman.

The industry is a sadder and certainly a less colourful place.

Kind regards
Chris Reynolds

On behalf of everyone at Timbmet, we wish to pass on our deepest condolences to Richard's Wife and children during this very sad time.

Paul Leach

I have worked with Richard for the past five years. I always found him to be tremendously helpful and insightful. We had many a conversation about our web traffic – sad to some I know but it’s upsetting to think no one will quite get this topic like he did! I will miss his emails and banter and cannot begin to imagine the hole he will leave behind for Debbie and his children. My heartfelt condolences go to his family and those who knew him well. He will definitely be missed.

Sarah Makin
CGI International Ltd

Richard - sadly missed, happily remembered

Nick Dutton

Saddened to read of Richards untimely death. A great loss to all who knew him. My condolences to all the family.

kind regards
Graham Cockroft
MD Wholesalevillas Lda

Words don't mean much at times like this and when it concerns someone only part of the way along the road of life it all seems so much worse. Richard was always Richard when I met him with no side to him, no concern of whether you worked with him or were a competitor one of a dwindling breed - a gentle gentleman.

The industry is a sadder and certainly a less colourful place.

Kind regards
Chris Reynolds

Saddened to read of Richards untimely death. A great loss to all who knew him. My condolences to all the family.

kind regards
Graham Cockroft

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely and sudden death of Richard. I didn’t know him well on a personal level but for the 10 years that I worked as Marketing Manager for Profile 22, his was a strong professional presence in the glass and glazing industry with a formidable reputation for incisive reporting and also for fun. Supporting and challenging us with his journalistic approach for his readers benefit, but ultimately fair and balanced reporting. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife Debbie and his children at this very sad time and to his friends, who I know will feel Richard’s loss most deeply. May your happy memories of Richard comfort you and give you strength as well as the love of those around you. My thoughts are with you.
 

Sharon Rees

Something clicked when we first met, Richard. What I didn’t know all those years ago was that something clicked when you met most people. You were knowledgeable and passionate about your industry, asked penetrating questions and listened intelligently.

You were an outstanding business journalist and an editor that the industry and other editors looked up to, even if they didn’t always agree with you.

My PC has just prompted me to call and fix lunch with you and Debbie again. With so much to talk about in the industry you’d have been in your element.

The industry, and everyone here will miss you. I’ll miss you very much.

Mike Rigby
MRA Marketing

Dear Debbie and family, I am still so shocked and deeply saddened by how Richard could have been taken away from us so suddenly and so very early – it’s just so unfair.

Our first press trip together was in the early 90’s, it was to WERU Windows and I was terrified – not because it was my first proper ‘grown up’ trip with an editor but because it was very apparent that Richard knew so much more about the company and its products than I did!! He knew his stuff and his brilliant quips and tone of voice let me know exactly what he thought of my latest ‘more windows in a building’ offering. From those early days, you both grew to be very dear and true friends. You always made everyone around you feel welcome. From Lake Garda to downtown Haydock, Richard’s ability to seek out the best watering holes and local delicacies never ceased to amaze me – although Debbie, do you remember your determined quest for pizza in the sun? I have many memories of wonderful times (and hangovers) to treasure.

Richard, I will never forget you and will really miss you. The industry is an emptier place without you. My thoughts and love are with Debbie, Anna and Terry. Debbie, I’m here for you at this tragic time. With my love, Lesley xx.

My sincere sympathy to Debbie and all Richard's family. I always had great respect for Richard's work but I will best remember the numerous late night (alcohol induced) conversations and debates that were always bizarre but quite hilarious.

Mark Rogers

When I entered this great industry and placed my first ever ads at my first ever Glassex in 1988 it was Richard and Debbie who welcomed me immediately like an old friend. Over the last 20 years I am proud to have been able to build that friendship and to have always known that the commitment and enthusiasm for this crazy industry was matched by us all – sometimes by being crazy too – but always by caring about how we develop the industry to be better. Richard was a sharp, intelligent and vibrant man who always was good to be around. I chatted with him at the Glastec only a few weeks ago and that smile and giggle where as warm as always – I am deeply saddened to have to accept I won’t see that smile again; god bless you Debbie and the family; I remember you pushing Terry around Glassex as a babe in arms…and the joy on your two faces…hold on to those memories and celebrate them in this difficult time. If I can help you in anyway- please just ask.

Regards

Gary Dean
Managing Director
Bohle Ltd

Like everyone else, I was shocked to hear of the sudden and cruelly premature loss of Richard. I first met Richard over 20 years ago and memories of past Glassex and Glasstech exhibitions particularly, came flooding back. Richard was a gentle and convivial man who seemed to live life to the max but treated everyone with courtesy and respect. This in turn earned him the respect of everyone he came into contact with, both as a journalist and as a person. The loss to Debbie and the children must seem almost too hard to bear and my thoughts are with them and everyone close to Richard at this terrible time.

With deepest condolences,
Gerald Batt.

Sincere condolences on the recent and sad loss of Richard. I'm sure he will be a big loss to his family and friends, The Glazine and the industry in general.

Yours sincerely,

Brendan.

Brendan Hyland
Marketing Manager
Freefoam Plastics

Without Richard, I wouldn't be where I am today. Without Richard I wouldn't have had a career in the window industry. He was fun, considerate, gentle, intelligent and I cannot believe that I will not have the pleasure of watching him grow old disgracefully.
Although I no longer worked with him and Debbie, we still kept in infrequent contact, and I always hoped to hook up again soon. Debbie - I hope we don't lose that. My thoughts are with you, and Terry and Anna.

Kate Ashley-Norman

Hello Tony, so sad to hear the news of Richard’s untimely passing.

Please convey my sincere condolences to Debbie and the children; Richard was every bit as you describe him and seemed to me to be a permanent part of the industry and someone to whom you could always look to for an honest and straight forward view on topics of the day.

Richard will be very much missed and the Glazing Press has lost a true character.

Best Wishes at this difficult time.

Jon Skinner
Commercial Director

Deceuninck Ltd

Please accept our sincere thoughts of condolence for the loss of such a friendly and interesting person as Richard.

We only met a few times over a long number of years when we bumped into one another at various exhibitions.

Our thoughts are with Debbie and family

Fondest memories

Ziggy Boban
AsTec Window Systems Ltd

As someone relatively new to the industry I read avidly all I could to improve my knowledge and understanding of what I do. Reading all the archive material I could find over the years I saw Richards name again and again and looked forward one day to perhaps meeting the man in person and introducing myself to him. This tragedy has deprived me of that honour but that cannot be measured against the loss to his family and friends who did know him so well land will miss him deeply.

Ray Greening

Scottish Area Sales Manager Tormax

Dear Debbie, Tony, Family and Friends
I was so sad to hear the news of Richards death I remember him for so many reasons and have so many memories over the years he wrote numerous articles for me when I was the Managing Director of PDL and Sales Director of Hallmark Panels he always had time for everyone in the industry even though I am now living in Indonesia I recently saw him at Glass Ex this year and again he had the time to write an article on our company I know Debbie has lost her best friend and to say I can not believe it would be an understatement I think the whole industry needs to get together and let us arrange a Richard Schwarz night to honour and remember him as we all can all my thoughts are with Debbie and the children some times you can not put your feelings in to words.

David Rowson
Managing Director PT. Kaisar Internasional

During my time working on GGP I had the pleasure of Richard's very good company at many press functions and exhibitions. Cheerful, with a great sense of humour and fun to chat to, Richard was always a friendly face to see and will be sorely missed. My sincerest condolences to Debbie, Anna and Terry.

Ariane Blok

I knew Richard very briefly and not at all well. Even so, I am sorry to hear such sad news. James knew Richard much better than I and needless to say, I have heard lots of great stories about him, many of which I am sure will continue to keep alive his  memory.
Debbie, may I say that everyone I have come into contact with over the last few days are deeply shocked and upset, and I mean EVERYONE. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Christina

Richard was a genuinely nice guy who will be missed by everyone who knew him. Sincere condolences to Debbie and family.

Damian Kemp

My deepest sympathy to Richard’s family and also to his friends and colleagues.

Kind regards

Tony Smith
Regional Sales Development Manager
Pilkington Group Limited

My sincere condolences to Debbie and family on the untimely passing of Richard, a true gentleman and character who will be sadly missed by all. God bless.

Mark Atkinson
Hurst Plastics

We were both so shocked and sorry to hear of Richard's death. It's difficult to know what to say but please know that our thoughts are with you, Debbie, and if there is anything we can do, let us know. Richard was a lovely person and what came across most whenever we met him was his warmth and sly sense of humour, and over emails, his endless patience with last-minute requests for the Gl@zine!
 
Quick to see the point and peel away any PR puff (especially if you didn't want him to), both Richard and his words will be much missed in the industry.
 
Jane Rigby and Lucia Di Stazio

When I joined Glass Age more years ago than I care to remember, I found in Richard the best and most exacting mentor I could have hoped for, and a great colleague who always made me feel valued and never failed to make me laugh. I left the magazine a better journalist and a better person thanks to Richard and the world is poorer for his passing. Debbie, Terry and Anna, my heart goes out to you.

Pat Jennings

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) was shocked to hear of Richard's untimely death. Richard was a great ally to the Federation and so very enthusiastic about the industry he worked in. Our condolences and sympathy go to his family - Debbie, Terry and Anna and all his colleagues and many friends.

Nigel Rees, Chief Executive, Glass and Glazing Federation.

I cant believe it only a few weeks ago we were joking around in Dusseldorf!
My condolences to Debbie and Terry.
The weekend we spent with them when they got married was one of the best few days partying I have ever done and that’s the memory of him I will savour laughing in the sun drink in hand!

Cheers Richard!
Mark Hickox
Thermoseal Group Ltd

OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF RICHARD

FROM PAUL AND ALL AT EXPRESS GLAZING CONTRACTORS

I was shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news about Richard. I enjoyed working with him over a period of nearly 4 years whilst I was marketing manager at Solaglas, until mid-2007. My thoughts are with Debbie and his children.

Kathryn Dalgleish

Dear Debbie

I have only just heard this terrible and devastating news about your wonderful husband Richard.

I am deeply shocked and offer my deepest sympathies to you , Terry and Anna.

Whilst working with you and Richard and the rest of the original cast of Glass Age for a decade between 1988 and 2000 , I can honestly say that i had probably the best time of my working life and thoroughly enjoyed the field trips that we would all make to far away places to enjoy the company of our industry friends.

Richard was always at the forefront of reporting and also a fabulous man to be associated with.

He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

I am currently living at working in Croatia and fear that i may have missed the opportunity to celebrate Richards colourful life. Please let me know if you are intending to hold a memorial service for Richard.

deepest sympathies to you Debbie.

Martin Gray , Luthansa
xx

In the editorial circles of the glazing industry Richard will be deeply missed. His dedication to the industry and his exceptional journalistic enterprise were to be admired by all his counterparts. On a personal level Richard has offered me help and guidance over the 12 years I have had the pleasure in knowing him. I have too many instances to recollect that would bring a smile to my face and his. I will miss our chats and beers after press events and will do my best to carry on the Richard tradition of mixing business with pleasure.

John Cowie

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Richard, only the pleasure of reading his work. My deepest sympathy is with his family at this time.

Anne Davies

Well I have sat here for a few days trying to put into words my thoughts and feelings about one of those people who make a true impression on your life. I met Richard and Debbie over twenty years ago as a young salesman from the north and from the very first time I met Richard I knew that he would be a friend for life. It is thanks to Richard and Debbie that I am where I am today, their drive and enthusiasm for our industry was infectious. We have had countless entertaining evenings together and it is those evenings that I shall cherish forever. Richard was probably the most entertaining, intelligent, charismatic person I have ever had the pleasure to meet and I cannot believe that I will never see that smile again. I was lucky enough to have a few great nights out with Richard at Glasstec and a great evening with Richard, Debbie and Richards daughter Anna at a recent industry awards dinner, for that I am thankful.
Richard Schwarz is a great loss to our industry. Never one to fear publishing a story, a man of true integrity.
I am not great at putting things down on paper, indeed I would usually call upon Richard to do that for me!! All I can say is that in life we have many acquaintances and friends that come and go but very few true friends that you know would be there for you whenever they were needed. Richard was one of those true friends.
I love you mate and will miss you loads.

See you one day I am sure, save a beer for me.

All our love

Andy, Mandy, Rachel and Joe Westhead
Glass Times Magazine

Richard Schwarz was the best journo I ever worked with. Occasionally he made my life utter hell and of course I drove him nuts too but I forgave him his bloody mindedness and the occasional social faux pas and he forgave me my irrational impetuosity and periodic arrogance. That's what friends do and we had the utmost respect for one another. Still, at any given point in a discussion he was want to say "I have forgotten more than you will ever know about the glass and glazing industry", a statement that had the added benefit of being true.

He and Debbie persuaded me to leave Glassex for Glass Age in 2000, as Richard put it "So my education could begin". I learned more about glass that first few months than I had gleaned the previous ten years, mostly in the bars of the Altstadt in Düsseldorf. We worked hard and partied harder and a lifetime friendship was forged in those heady days on Glass Age. A narrow escape with the grim reaper ended my time on the magazine and nobody was more supportive than Dick n' Debs. Debbie and Richard were joined at
the hip and when Terry came along, they went everywhere together, an incongruous sight at Glassex where kids were not allowed but who would have dared face down Richard? Not me and Tony that's for sure. If my sense of loss is great I cannot begin to comprehend the grief Debbie, Terry and Anna must be feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with them and the family.

More recently he had some sport with me, Glassex and Interbuild on the Glazine. He was very good at pricking egos and of course, he had me biting instantly by return email. We had a good laugh about it over the phone last week and I was looking forward to prizing a beer out of him at the annual liver bashing at the Glassmen's Lunch. Sadly that will not happen now but in the spirit of Richards sense of humour the toast will be "To Schwarzy.what some people will do to avoid buying a round". They say there are fewer characters in the industry these days and we have lost two giants in a week. Let us honour their memory the way they would have wanted - celebrate their lives and their contribution to our industry by raising a glass. Rest in peace Richard Schwarz and your dear friend Cliff Rankin.

Dave Broxton

Tony, I was shocked to read about Richard and I know that this will be a tremendous loss to you and the Glazine.
I met Richard & Debbie when they were assisting Peter at Glass Age and always found them to be really genuine and helpful, giving me enormous support during the growing times of Plastmo. Richard will be a massive loss to his friends in the industry who will all have tales to tell and many happy memories.
His views were always very professional and well thought through - A True Gentleman.
My thoughts and prayers are sent to Debbie and family, words just do not seem enough.
Eric Davis

On behalf of the British Society of Master Glass Painters I send our sincere condolences and our deepest sympathy to Richard Schwartz family and friends.
He always showed great interest in the world of stained glass and always promoted our Events.
His death came as a great shock and he will be missed by many.

Caroline Benyon
Chairman BSMGP

Sorry to hear that very sad news
His family are in my thoughts

regards

Mick Coulson

To hear from the death of somebody you know for decades is always bad, and  it makes it even worse when the person was younger than yourself. My deepest condolences to Debbie and the whole family from myself and everybody at Lisec Austria and Lisec U.K.
No need to say that this is a tremendous loss for the family Schwarz but it is also a big one for the whole branch of the industry.

Manfred Lesiak
Lisec Group

I was saddened to hear of Richards passing away, and at such a young age.
I would like to pass on the sincere condolences to his family from everyone at Fuhr head office in Heiligenhaus Germany, a place he and his wife visited some years ago.
Over the years I have had contact with Richard, I always found him to be a very enthusiastic and genuinely interested in what I had to say, even if he may have heard it all before.
My sympathies to the family for their loss, he will be missed by many.

Kind Regards
Ian Ward

So very shocked and saddened to hear of Richard's passing. Richard was a true individual and it was an absolute privilege to have known him, he was an articulate, witty and intelligent man who was never afraid to express his opinions. A larger than life personality who leaves the industry a far poorer place. My sincere condolences to Debbie and the children. David  Parr
xx

Richard - An editor held in the highest regard from all who knew him.
Never a dull moment and with always something to say – always stimulating, often controversial. !
Richard will be sadly missed, his smiling face and appetite for a beer will long live in my memory. I am so pleased to have recently spent time with him in Germany, where he was at him mischievous best.
My thoughts go out to Debbie and the family at this very sad time.

Steve Gravestock

I am so shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news. Richard you were such a character and you will be missed by so many of us folk. You always made me smile and laugh. Such a bright and happy person! My deepest and warmest sympathy and heartfelt love goes to Debbie and their children in this very sad time. Goodbye Richard and God bless you and your family.
Davinia Gill xx

I remember meeting Richard for the first time when you and I met for the first time at a Fensterbau exhibition. Although I had not spoken with Richard recently I of course kept in touch with his work through the Glazine.

I was deeply shocked and saddened when I heard the news the other day, please pass my sympathies onto his family.

Tim Clemmett

I first met Richard in the early 90's at his office in Southern England. We exchanged "words" professionally on our first meeting and many times since but never did personal animosity enter the picture.

An entertaining raconteur, a good friend and also a fund of knowledge about our industry meant that Richard was always a welcome guest at any table of mine as I was at his.

I will miss his friendship, honesty and objectivity. Sincere condolences to Debbie and their children. Your "fella" was one of a kind and a kind fella.

Steve Lipscombe

Hi Tony,
I have just heard of the untimely death of Richard and am extremely shocked and upset. I would first like to send my condolences to his family and many friends. I have probably been in this industry longer than most and met many people, Richard being one of the best. I and the rest of our industry will miss him
Steve Howes
Glasslam

Tony,

Although I cannot claim to have known Richard personally, I was shocked and saddened to hear of his loss at such a young age.

My sincerest condolences and sympathy go out to all his friends and family.

May he rest in peace

Liz Pegg

The British Society of Master Glass Painters extends its condolences and sympathies on the sad death of Richard Schwarz who has been a consistent and valued friend of stained glass and of the Society. From early in Glass Age days through the recent issues which held information about our current members exhibition, Richard was always ready to help with publicity and genuine interest in our work. He will be greatly missed.

My sympathies are with Debbie, and the children
Jonathan Parr

I was shocked to learn of Richard's death.

It does not seem fair.

On several press trips that I organised in his "formative years" i learned to both respect his intellect and admire his ability with the written word.

He had a knack of asking the "right" question, which was not always what you wanted to hear.

To Debbie, and his family i would like to send my deepest sympathies.

Gordon Mclachlan

On a personal level and on behalf of Combilift Ltd I would like to extend sincere condolences to Debbie and her family. I finally met Richard in person a couple of years ago at an event in Ireland and he proved to be the larger than life character I had imagined from my many phone calls with him. It will not surprise anyone who knew him that within a few hours of arriving at the hotel in Monaghan, he had got to know pretty much the whole of an Irish wedding party and was asked to join in the celebrations, which he and Debbie did with enthusiasm. He will be sorely missed.
Liz Townsend, Avenue PR

I remember Richard doing a silly walk in Uri Geller's back garden, shuffling round Glasstec like an Emperor Penguin carrying an egg on his feet (like many of us he'd fallen on the icy gang plank leading to the boat we stayed on), saying harsh words to me for trying to please the advertisers by using big photos, coming close to throwing things at a certain very boring famous former cricketer, still being at the bar from the night afterwards when I got up the next morning and generally being one of the most extraordinary people I ever met. Too young Richard.
Jonathan Brind