Loss of sea-loving local, Richard Sillwood

RICHARD Sillwood, a familiar face along the coastline and adored by all who knew him, died on Monday, 30 January at the age of 38.

Richard spent his last weekend at the Lube and Tube music festival in the Drakensburg with his girlfriend, Tanya Licina and friends.

He had unwittingly developed a bleeding ulcer and had to get to the nearest hospital. Due to the severity of the bleeding ulcer, it caused multiple organ failure which in turn lead to his death just after 1am on Monday morning in Ladysmith Hospital.

“Richard’s death came as a shock to all of us. Not many knew that for a long time, he wasn’t well. Many different tests were run but the exact cause of the pain in his body wasn’t found,” explained sister-in-law, Kandi Sillwood.

Richard celebrated every day of his life, living out his passions and dreams and keeping his interests strong.

The local’s everyday life revolved around his love for his son, Slater (6) and the ocean he invested his time into. Richard was born 15 December, 1978.

Apart from working in the UK for a couple of his earlier years, Richard lived locally his whole life, matriculating from Amanzimtoti High School.

“His whole heart and soul was here – he was a real local boy, this was his home,” said Kandi.

The ocean lover was a passionate surfer since his boyhood, a fishing fanatic who would show off his arty flare and marine passions by creating beautiful fish tanks.

“He was an artist who painted the most beautiful pictures as well as wall murals,” said Kandi.

The avid fisherman would land amazing catches and no-one could fathom how he did it.

“He manifested his life into the ocean,” said Kandi.

Thoughts are with his parents Rob and Sheila, brothers Devon and Lance, his son Slater Aaron Sillwood (6) and sister-in-law Kandi Sillwood. A close knit family such as this one is at its very closest during these tough times.

A memorial date has been confirmed to take place this Friday, 10 February at Life Church Amanzimtoti from 3pm onwards. The Sillwood family urges those who know Richard to join the celebration of his life, he would be truly honoured.

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