Tributes pour in for beloved “Cheapside character”

Wednesday 13 November 2019

Hailed as one of Cheapside’s most “loved characters,” a man's kindly manner with strangers has been praised in a flood of tributes following his sad passing earlier this month.

The death of 54-year-old Richard Gordon Mears has shaken a St. Helier neighbourhood where he was often found sitting on a bench, playing music and paying small acts of kindness to passers-by.

Richard’s regular spot on the bench at Cheapside was bedecked in flowers by the nearby Pallots Florist who also posted a tribute to him on their social media page.

They wrote: “It's always sad news to hear people have passed away, today we say goodbye to Richard, one of Cheapside’s loved characters. He's probably best known for sitting on the granite bench near the tree at the top of our road in all weathers, music playing, happily waving to passers-by and singing away to himself. Now at peace.”

The floral homage to the Leicester man, who was an avid supporter of his home town’s football team, also prompted a flood of messages from islanders reminiscing about their fondest memories of him.

Now, several other people have left flowers for Richard at his favourite spot.

Father of five and grandfather to eight, Richard moved to Jersey in his 20’s where he worked in several different trades until a lung condition stopped him working. 

One of his children told Express that he was “a devoted dad” with a “love for music” and “a great sense of humour.”

Hundreds of islanders added their memories of Richard to a thread of comments on Facebook.

Pictured: Several bunches of flowers have now been left near Richard's bench.

One user wrote: “I was working across the road for a long time he would be on that bench in all-weather big smile with a big soul he used to come onto site at break time and have a coffee and sandwich he always had good stories to tell us.” 

Another said: “Hopefully he can [see] all these lovely comments and realise he made an impact on the lives of the people who passed him daily. God bless.”

Someone else added: “Look how many people’s lives he touched. He will be sorely missed by all those who passed him by every day and were brightened by his beautiful smile and sunny nature. RIP and thank you for being you.” 

Reacting to these fond recollections of his father, Richard’s son wrote: “Can't thank everyone enough for these comments that have been put on here of my dad, I never knew how much he has had an impact with people just passing by or stopping to chat. 

“It is honestly heart-warming to know. He had five children was born in Leicester and was a mad Leicester football supporter, he passed away peacefully on Tuesday 5th November in the general hospital.”

Pictured: Richard as a younger man (Sophie Mears).

One commenter suggested that Jersey should participate in a new urban trend to introduce ‘talking benches’ which are designated spots for strangers to start a conversation with each other and the first one should be dedicated to Richard’s memory. 

They wrote: “I think it would be perfect if the very first ‘talking bench’ in town could be dedicated to the memory of Richard Mears who has obviously made an impression on so very many people going about their day.  

“I read a news item recently about the possibility of introducing ‘talking benches’ to the island or to town. Sitting there would indicate that you are happy to have a chat and pass the time of day with anyone else needing a friendly word.”

The idea is being welcomed by James Le Feuvre, Executive Director of Mind Jersey, as a fitting tribute to Richard:

“Anything and everything that we could do as a community to encourage people to talk more and open up about their feelings is to be welcomed. Whilst we have made progress in raising awareness there is more to be done. Getting out and about, in the fresh air and finding somewhere peaceful to sit and chat to someone else could be a real benefit. Talking benches can be found around the world and would I’m sure be hugely welcomed in Jersey.”