Tributes pour in for Luton businessman

Tributes have been pouring in for Richard Combes, 67, popular former managing partner at accountants Ernst & Young’s Luton office.

In addition to his many charitable activities, the father-of-three and grandfather of six was a keen golfer, lifelong Hatters fan and talented member of Dunstable Rep where he was both former chairman and treasurer.

Derek Ludlow CBE DL of Premier Bodyshops said: “Richard is almost beyond replacement, a matchless individual.

“He was president of the old Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the new one.

“He was immensely sound, bright and decent, an outstanding, first class fellow.”

He added: “Integrity was written through him like a stick of rock.”

Former Luton News editor John Buckledee remembered the one-time Dunstable Grammar School pupil as: “A terrifically upfront sort of person, very affable, very involved in charity and prominent in Luton business life.”

Richard’s friend and fellow amdram enthusiast Phil Baker recalled: “He was a very generous man, but very quiet in his generosity and support.

“I have very, very fond memories of him going back 50 years.

“He put his heart and soul into Dunstable rep and was very good in serious parts but equally adept in comedy roles.”

Richard was chairman of Luton Dunstable Partnership and Business Link Beds & Luton, a trustee of the Beds & Luton Community Foundation and the St Albans Cathedral Trust and a member of the Council of the Order of St John for Bedfordshire and Luton North Rotary Club.

He was also a board member of The Waterways Trust and British Chambers of Commerce.

He married his American wife Pat, after being seconded to New Orleans in 1970 with Ernst & Young.

She said: “He was a tremendous family man who set a wonderful example to his three children – our twin daughters Mandy and Liz and son Ben.

“After he retired we travelled extensively. We visited Japan, Antarctica, South America, China and many other exotic places.

“Richard had a zest for life and enjoyed seeing other cultures.”

> The funeral will take place at Westoning Church at 12 noon on Thursday, August 16.