Shock for creative industry as Aussie expat creative director Pat Richer shot dead in Kenya
November 18 2013, 8:36 am | | 23 Comments
The Australian creative industry will be shocked to hear of the tragic death of Aussie expat creative director Pat Richer, who was shot dead in Kenya on the weekend.
His death comes almost seven years after he and his wife Leslie survived the crash that killed fellow Aussie creative Julian Horton and Fiona Horton in Kenya.
Formerly at Mojo in Sydney, Richer had been in Africa for almost a decade, most recently as as creative director at TBWA Flame Tree Advertising, Nairobi.
23 Comments
So sad. Pat was such an awesome person in so many ways. Sending thoughts to his family.
Pat was an incredibly positive, energetic person and a great guy. Horrible news. RIP dude.
Tragic news, my heart goes out to his wife Leslie, his family, and friends. Even though Pat had been away for 10 years, he still has so many close friends in Oz and all over the world. He loved life, loved his family and loved the industry he was in. RIP Pat, sail safely.
So sad. Especially in a country he obviously loved so much.
Condolences to his family. He was a top bloke.
Absolute tragedy. Patty was one of the most fun people I ever worked with. An ever present smile, a monster heart and a beacon of energy.
Senseless act robs the world of one of the proper good guys. You’ll be deeply missed mate.
Heart felt condolences and prayers to Pat’s wife and family.
Legend of a guy. Will forever remember the awesome times we had at Mojo with DK, Langers, Mamo, Lancey, Horto, Coxy, Gruber, Wiley and the whole crew. You were the man who lived life to the full- Australia couldn’t hold you down; Africa it had to be. Pat, you’ll be sadly missed and fondly remembered. RIP.
I was lucky enough to work with Pat in Kenya. One of the most genuine, salt-of-the-earth dudes you could meet. And a bloody talented and driven creative. Loved a beer and a laugh for sure. Will miss you mate.
I am so sad today. So very sad.
very sad news. pat was someone who embraced life. a privilege to have known him.
Very sad as he was talking of coming back to Australia….
I don’t know Pat. Just terrible news. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
R.I.P.
This morning, I woke to the news that Pat Richer, my first art director, a gentle, caring soul with a heart as big as Australia, who lived for adventure and loved unconditionally, was murdered in a senseless act of violence in his home in Kenya, just a few short hours ago. Reading the report left me numb. My thoughts are with his wife Leslie, his mum Sue and the rest of his family.
Though we haven’t seen each other for years, I often think about the times we worked together, taking our first, formative steps in the advertising world. The early days at AWARD School, lugging our big, black portfolio around from place to place, sitting with our layout pads on the front steps at VCD in Ultimo late at night, the challenges on the fussball table at mojo and working on the waterfront in the Rocks at Batey Kazoo.
You were a good bloke Pat. I’ll always remember your advertising ponytail, your big smile and your big, big heart.
We’ll miss you mate.
RIP PAT.
Very sad stuff. What not everyone knows is Leslie was the fourth passenger in that 4wd with Julian and Fiona. And in the aftermath of the 2006 tragedy Pat and Leslie helped each other get through their grief – and friendship over time turned into marriage. It seemed an amazing example of something good happening in the wake of a tragedy. It seems so sad that this latest tragedy takes this away. I’ll miss you Pat.
Well said, DK. He was a brilliant, talented mentalist with an infectious passion and a lust for life. Those days working at VCD with you, Pat and the gang were some of the best days of my life…and much of that was down to Pat’s relentless energy and huge heart.
His emails from Africa were the ramblings of excited kid so in love with life and creativity. Like a young Charles Bukowski on ecstasy and fizzy pop. The two times he came to visit me in London were unforgettable for all kinds of reasons. I’m gutted I’ll never get to be called a “useless lightweight English softcock” by him ever again.
As Smac says above, Pat was “one of the proper good guys.” I’m so sad today. This bullshit senseless nonsense is an absolute fucking tragedy. You were a one-off Pat, I’ll really miss you.
Pat had a big heart and a mischievous mind and will be missed by all.
Pat was such a kind hearted bloke, full of joy and passion. Such a sad day.
Ant Melder said it right. A young Charles Bukowski. Uncompromising. Original. Funny as fuck. Crazy and composed. Sensitive and heroic. And lateral-minded in every bit of his life. Not just work.
If I had to compare him with another author it’d definitely be Ernest Hemingway, for the way Pat approached life. He loved a party, he always hid his stress, he always had time to laugh, he always had time to help, he always took charge of situations, he always moved forward in a straight line. Chest out. And he pissed people off by his stubbornness but he always earned his antagonist’s respect. Even CEOs of potential clients.
His was a huge personality.
Chest out.
Pat was passionate about Nakuru National Park, a few hours away from Nairobi. He knew every square foot of the place. We’d argue about certain features and animals and he was always right. I hated that about him.
Pat nurtured so much young talent in Kenya and later Ghana. There is a very sorry mood in our industry in Africa today as the word spreads.
Patrick Richer, go well mate.
My thoughts are with Lesili and both sides of your family.
Jas
All I can say is, I am extremely saddened by this news….so smart and full of life. Such a very kind soul. 🙁
Pat was the Rudest F*** to ever come into our house
………………………………………………………………………..the kids loved him
On a shoot with him it was fear and loathing in Las Vegas with real grit
……………………………………………………………………………………….if I’d had a Granny I would have taken him to her house for tea…
those tw**s in uniform who gunned him down better not try the Pearly Gates, pretty sure Pat and Charlie et al will be waiting!
Always full of life… and that bloody smile!!
I understand that the Manly Daily will hopefully run a tribute tomorrow.
charis.chang@news.com.au is chasing high res pics to accompany the article, feel free to share what you have, I am sure that she would not mind.
Pat was just starting out when I worked with him (and his partner Dk). He took the piss mercilessly with that mile wide smile. And made us all laugh. It was a sad day when he left on his adventure. And a sadder one now the adventure has run. I wish his family well. P
RIP Pat. May your humble soul rest in perfect peace