Page 91 - The Wish Stream Year of 2021 (Crest)

then commanding, described Dick as a ‘tour de force’ when he persuaded the NAAFI to hand over management of the bar to the Battalion. Following a week-end of frenzied activity involv- ing paint, brushes, and a glitterball, the TUCAN Club was born. Success was instant. Within six months it was the largest outlet for Grolsch beer in Northern Ireland.
As Nick Henderson prepared the 1st Battalion for deployment to Iraq in 2004, so it was his sugges- tion that Dick take over command of Headquar- ter Company, where his experience, knowledge and understanding proved invaluable. Two years later, in 2006, Dick retired from the Army. He then had more time with Wendy, his wife, whom he had married in 1977, and a chance to indulge
in favourite past times like camping and walk- ing. Never one for indolence, within a year Dick had taken a role at Prince Khalid Abdullah’s Fair- lawne Estate in Kent; not unexpectedly he soon became the lynchpin of the operation and he and Wendy a cornerstone of village life, living across the green from the pub until the day he died.
Dick McCormack will not only be remembered for his ability, but his humility, compassion and under- standing. A good man, blessed with a modest and unassuming manner, he was a dear friend to many who achieved a great deal and more than made his mark on life; it was my great privilege to have marched alongside him. We offer our deep- est sympathies to Wendy, Simon and Kelly.
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