Geoff Yeo writes: I am saddened by the loss of Richard Harding. Although of advancing years Richard displayed all the tenacity of an much younger person.  He was a standard bearer for The Freedom Association I always sought him out when I attended meetings and was always encouraged by his attitude and knowledge.  We have all lost a true friend.

Raj Mattu writes: Richard Harding was a great and dear friend to me and my fiancée, Sangeeta, and it is hard to capture, in short, an adequate portrayal of Richard and his life.  He was a charming, affectionate, true gentleman whose kindness and selfless support for his fellow man was matched by his high principles and integrity.  As a great advocate of the Freedom principles, he remained active in fighting to preserve those rights, particularly freedom of speech and human diversity.  An accomplished and prolific author, Richard's knowledge and interests covered wide ranging issues, from global warming, Europe and its community, UK democracy, amongst others.  He remained an eternal student and his scholarly activities at 90 years of age included the study of an English translation of the Quoran to help him to better understand Islam.  He educated me on many of his interests with great enthusiasm, an infectious feature that any one who came to know Richard soon realised.  It was a joy and pleasure to be in Richard's company.  His intelligence, humour and endless energy stood him out as a most remarkable person.  The support and help that Richard gave in his pursuit of justice on my behalf was immeasurable. Sangeeta soon came to share my fondness and attachment to Richard.  We will truly miss Richard.  He brings a lasting effect in to the lives he touched, and certainly mine and Sangeeta's will never be the same without our most dear friend, Richard.

Judith Bland writes: My dear friend Richard was proud to show his birth certificate giving his birth date of 26.12.1915. Therefore I will be particularly sad on Boxing Day, because he was determined to make it to 91 and beyond. Despite his advanced years, Richard was extremely mentally alert and even after his stroke was still a joy to be with. I attribute this to the fact that his friends are of all ages and from all levels of society, creeds, colour, and political persuasion. Richard was well into his 70's when he learned how to use a computer, and became very expert at using it. He had a vast number of people to whom he would send emails on so many subjects. Richard was an academic, and one of those rare people with a great deal of common sense.  Richard was a prolific letter writer, and had been so for much of his life. In his efforts in support of another TFA member, Dr. Raj Mattu, who has been suspended from Coventry's Walsgrave Hospital for almost 5 years, Richard did not hesitate to give interviews on local radio or to write to anyone, including the Chairman of the Hospital Trust, its Chief Executive, Members of Parliament, and anyone else he could think of who might influence the outcome. Richard was a staunch opponent of any kind of injustice.  I feel privileged to have known him, for no one could have had a more generous, kind, supportive and loyal friend. He will be sorely missed by a huge number of people.

Councillor Keith Standring writes: My wife and I met Richard and Rebecca at this year's Gloucestershire Branch (TFA) Annual Summer Party at Stanway Hall. He struck me as being a man who preferred to 'wear out' whilst his quality of life was good and he could muster sufficient energy to campaign, than to 'rust away' with a consequent reduction in his powers. He was an intelligent and personable man, whose dedication to the Seven Principles of  a Free Society shone through and was wholly infectious. Richard will be sorely missed by all who met him, and not least by his wife and family to whom I extend my condolences.