Obituary of Richard Henry Calder

Richard Henry Calder, 78, passed away Friday, April 24, surrounded by his devoted family after an incredibly brave two-year battle with cancer. Richard was the beloved husband and soul-mate of Margot Calder, and treasured father to Rachel, Toby, Caitlin and Fenna. He was born in Caterham, Surrey, England, May 9, 1936, but was a New Zealander at heart, having moved there with his parents at aged two. An aeronautical engineer, Richard spent his career traveling the world with Rolls-Royce, living in England, Canada, the USA and Brazil before settling in Chester in 1977. A true gentleman, Richard was the epitome of selflessness, strength, kindness, warmth, curiosity and courage. Richard also leaves behind his sister, Susan Gray of Wellington, New Zealand; his five grandchildren, Jack, Milo and Tilly Kunkle of Cambridge, England, Arthur Calder of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Nicolas Suarez of Chester, CT; his two son-in-laws, Dan Kunkle and Jose Suarez; and many dear, dear friends. He was predeceased by his mother Margaret (Peggy) Calder of Dunedin, New Zealand, and his father, Malcolm Calder of Temuka, New Zealand, Chief of Air Staff of the New Zealand Air Force from whom Richard inherited his great love and passion for flying. A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Essex on May 2 at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Palliative/ Hospice Care Unit at Middlesex Hospital Office of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457 (online: https://middlesexhospital.org/donate-now/donate-now1), or The Chester Hose Company (Chester Ambulance Service), P.O. Box 214, Chester, CT 06412. To share a memory of Richard or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.