Richard Cormac O'Neill-Dean

Dear Frida, I've just learned the sad news. I'm so sorry. Even though I've lost contact with you both since I left NZ, it was a shock to read. I hope you, Esme and Julie are managing ok. I consider myself so fortunate to have known Richard, both for his presence, his counsel, and the opportunities he offered me while training for his Everest expedition. Memorably on an attempt on Mt Cook. My contact details are with this site and I really hope you'll reach out.

Tēnā koe Richard, thanks for all the great Balint sessions, (or what my partner called my 'play group'). So beautifully facilitated I didn't know facilitation was happening. And thanks for that one meeting for the Masters of GP group, it must have been long ago because it was a group phone call, I was downstairs in a chilly bedroom avoiding the chaos of young children and wondering as I did about what being a GP was really about. You said 2 things which have stayed with me. 'Entertain with reverie the thoughts that float through your head.' In medicine floating thoughts are not considered important but to notice them is to feed our understanding. You then challenged us to take a position of 'Not knowing". Wow doctors not knowing! That moment changed my practice for the better. Thanks. So sad you are gone. I hope there's someone over there to have a good conversation with. Lucy

Deepest sympathy to Richard's family at this very sad time. Your loss is so personal and sudden that I have no words that seem adequate to express sympathy. I particularly appreciated the contribution Richard has made to my life and to the lives of many people in the New Zealand community. I first heard him speak in a paper about Jane Champion's film, The Piano. This was the first of many generous contributions Richard shared and I was inspired and enriched by. Thank you also, for sharing your husband and father, and for supporting him in bring his talent's to me and others here in New Zealand. Kindest regards Mary Fennessy, MNZAP.

Dear Frida Esme and Julie How sad I feel on hearing this news. I always loved Richard and you all so dearly. And in the same moment, I feel a strange acceptance that at least he left us while doing something he dearly loved. What an extraordinary landscape for him to have his last moments. I clearly remember him striding like an antelope across the scree of a mountain tramp in South Island, virtually existing on a tin of anchovies. I feel fortunate to have been graced by his loving presence with you and all who had the fortune to meet and enjoy life with him. I send waves of love and light to you all. Cherishing you, Bon voyage Richard. Thank you for your tender heart and clear mind. Rosemary

I shall miss my fortnightly meetings with Richard and our conversations about work, family, friends, fishing and the mountains. Thank you Frieda and family for giving us the chance to grieve together.

It was with such sadness that we learned of Richard's sudden passing. His funeral was a beautiful and moving tribute to a life well lived. We knew Richard was a dedicated family man, psychotherapist and climber but hadn't been aware of his many other interests and abilities. Our own feelings of a man who was calm, caring and kind, who went out of his way for others was amply backed up by the speakers. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to Frida, Esme, Julie and all the family. Ronnie and Suzanne Richards

My deepest sympathy goes out to you, Frieda, and all Richard's family. Such a loss to you all. Such a loss to so many. I was in a supervision group with him for a good many years. His intelligence and thoughtfulness were only matched by his compassion. He was unswerving and brave in his dedication to his clients and to truth.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Richard’s passing in the mountains he loved so much. The service was a fitting and moving farewell to a remarkable person - it was both beautiful and heartfelt and provided an insight into the extraordinary life he led. Frida, you and the girls can be so proud of such an incredible man.

My husband Maurice and I were trekkers on the 1993 expedition and met Richard at base camp in Tibet. He was a very impressive character. Our sincere condolences to his wife Frida, his children and all his family. Valerie Burris

A beautiful service for a truly beautiful human being. I remember the first day I met Richard in 1983 after starting work in Tiglin as a very naive young girl of 17. I watched as you unfolded yourself from a green Citroen with the ever faithful Ling at your heels. You quietly supported, advised, taught, and counsilled leaving a lasting impression on everyone you came into contact with. Frida, Esmé, Julie, your grandchildren, family and many friends are in my thoughts at this sad time. Fly high Richard, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.

Richard’s friendship, his love, is a jewel, a most precious gift that I treasure & carry within. Whatever the weather, he brings freshness & authenticity, a co-conspirator in the joint enterprise of life, energetically plumbing depths & scaling heights. His quips, his reflections, his listening, his edge, his sometimes speaking things I’d rather not hear - yet I know their value & benefit as we bounce off each other sharing both smiles & sad times, an immediately vital discourse unfolding. In earlier days, it was flying & getting outside. Latterly, our shared interest in groups (group analysis, Balint) has fuelled remote meetings, our regular Balint catch up’s with Hamish & Eamonn. A sublime pleasure to share with Richard – I always came away wanting more (sense it’s the same for all of us!). An exceptional privilege, Richard an exceptional man. Jane & I send heartfelt condolences to Frida, Julie, Esme, Estelle & Elena.

A beautiful service for a lovely man. Had the pleasure of working with Richard at Ashburn Clinic. Much aroha to Richard's family and friends; his passing is still a shock.