Death of Lt Richard Jack Lowther RN

Richard Lowther at the 40th Anniversary Reunion of LMCDO ‘69 at Gunwharf Quays (formerly HMS VERNON) on 14 June 2009

19 Apr 2023 - ‘Tis indeed a sickly season. I regret to announce that Richard ‘Glops’ Lowther crossed the bar in Cornwall on Sunday 16 April 2023. He had recently been sent home from hospital as he was too ill to be operated on.

Richard Lowther at the MCDOA’s Annual Dinner in 2016

Richard joined the Royal Navy in 1965 and went on to serve in the Ton class minesweeper HMS LANTON and the Type 15 frigates HMS UNDAUNTED and HMS GRENVILLE before qualifying as an MCD Officer on the 1969 Long Course at HMS VERNON. He then served in the Ton class minehunter HMS HUBBERSTON and the Commando carrier HMS BULWARK. Following a brief period back at HMS VERNON, he transferred to the South African Navy in 1973 where he ran local LMCDO and MWO courses in Simon’s Town. He later served in the Sultan of Oman’s Navy before returning to the UK.

LMCDO ‘69 outside the Admin building at HMS VERNON in 1969 with Richard Lowther second right in front row

Members of LMCDO ‘69 celebrating their 40th anniversary outside the Old Customs House pub at Gunwharf Quays on 14 June 2009 with Richard Lowther second right in front row

An informal reunion of LMCDO '69 course members in Poole on 14 July 2011.
Left to right: Former CPO(D) 'Dusty' Miller (Course Instructor), the late Brian Dutton DSO QGM, the late Richard 'Glops' Lowther, the late Bruce Mackay (Course Officer), Dan Nicholson, Julian Malec OBE and William 'Limpets' Lampard.

I am sure all members of our community would wish to join me in extending our sincere condolences to Richard’s wife Pam, other family members and close friends.

Postscript: Richard's funeral will take place at 1400 on Tuesday 2 May in Pillaton Church (near Saltash) with a reception afterwards in The Weary Friar pub where there is parking.