As many of you may know, Richard was a long serving dentist at Longborough Dental Practice and he was also the father of Alison our practice manager.
After he had qualified from Guys Hospital he joined Longborough as a partner with Brian Calvert in 1963. He made Longborough his home and continued to work here until he retired in August 2003, having made many friends amongst the families of Dorking and surrounding Surrey Hills during his long and successful career.
In 1990 he became a lay-reader at St Giles and St George’s church in Ashtead. Richard was ordained in 1999 at Guildford Cathedral and became Reverend Dr Richard Hooker. He continued his ministry at St Giles and St George’s, Ashtead where he led services, preached regularly, presided over weddings and funerals and held services in nursing homes.
He was very popular and highly regarded by his congregation.
Apart from all of his hard work with the church, in recent years he still managed to find time to journey around the world. He loved to travel and particularly enjoyed visiting Africa.
Throughout his life he always owned and loved dogs and enjoyed many, many long walks with them on Fetcham Downs.
He always kept himself fit and was a very keen sportsman. In his younger days he was a runner, an enthusiastic squash player and loved cricket and rugby. He attended St John’s School, Leatherhead and remained a rugby Old Johnian. He also served as lifelong Vice President of Leatherhead Cricket Club.
He leaves behind his much loved wife, three children and his beloved grandchildren.
Richard will be greatly missed.
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