RICHARD ALBERT BELLINGHAM
16 March 1929 - 27 June 2009

Richard was born in Campsie, NSW to Ida and George Bellingham on 16th March 1929 and was followed later by the birth of his only sister Joan. He spent his childhood growing up on a property in Kurrajong, NSW.

After leaving school, Richard began an apprenticeship as an automotive mechanic. This was to be an introduction to his love of cars, boats and aeroplanes which continued throughout his life and filled much of his leisure time.

In 1951 he joined the Royal Australian Air Force as a fitter and was soon sent to Korea and Japan. By 1953 he was back at the Richmond RAAF base and was later discharged due to ill health from diabetes.

He went back to being an automotive mechanic at Richmond for a while and then joined Qantas for a short stint in aeronautical line maintenance.

After that he went to work at Rolls Royce as an engine fitter for aeroplane engines and later became their Service Engineer.

Richard was always involved in some form of voluntary work within the community. After moving from Sydney to Port Stephens with his wife Lyn, he joined the Coastal Patrol and reached the office of Lieutenant and Communications Centre Manager. He also did some voluntary work and education for Diabetes Australia while there.

In October 2004, they moved to the Sunshine Coast and he found the Queensland Air Museum and became a volunteer there. His health deteriorated over the next few years and after surrendering his driving licence he found it difficult to get there.

Richard enjoyed holiday visits from his three children - Kay, Jan and Geoff and grandchildren - Aaron, Tara and Callum and took great delight in taking them to the Air Museum to show them around. He passed away on 27th June, 2009 after a short illness.

QUEENSLAND AIR MUSEUM www.qam.com.au