TRIBUTES have been paid to a Northwich man who was a well-loved artist, teacher, historian, broadcaster, writer and much more.

A memorial service will take place tomorrow for Richard Kelsall who died on January 22, aged 72.

Richard, of Woodlands Road, in Hartford, lived a life full of the arts – exhibiting his own paintings and drawings, teaching others, writing regularly for both the Guardian and the former Northwich Chronicle and enthusiastically reviewing mid Cheshire’s amateur dramatics groups for the Guardian’s Rose Bowl Awards.

He was also a leading member of both the Northwich and District Society of the Arts and the Northwich and District Heritage Society.

His wife Patricia, who has been inundated with cards of condolence from the many well-wishers, said: “He was the kind of fellow who kept having ideas.

“When my parents retired, they were quite happy pottering in the garden and around the house, but not Richard, he was always doing all kinds.”

Richard, who achieved a Master of Philosophy degree for his study of arts education in junior schools, was first employed training teachers in art and design at a college of education in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

He and Pat came to Northwich with their children Simon and Yvette, now 45 and 43, in 1982 when Richard got a job as the head of art and design at The Grange School.

He worked there for two years before taking on a 12-month post as exhibitions officer at Theatr Clwyd.

After this he became an audio visual aids officer at Mid-Cheshire College, where he stayed until 1995.

Until two years ago, Richard taught evening and weekend classes at Mid-Cheshire College and Sir John Deane’s College in a range of artistic subjects, from portrait painting to calligraphy.

He and Pat also taught holidaymakers on board ship during a grand total of 12 cruises. The couple showcased their work, often with fellow artist Richard Hannabuss, in exhibitions in Northwich, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, Theatr Clwyd and even Glengorm Castle’s gallery, in Scotland.

Pat said: “Richard was always so encouraging – he was always so supportive and made our lives richer in experiences.

“He always tried to develop my and the children’s potential and all his students’ potential.

“And he was so friendly – he had a real knack of people just loving him and opening their hearts to him.”

Richard was also proud of the work he did for local BBC radio stations, which included Art for Life and Sport for Life segments in the 1970s, where he interviewed athlete Steve Cram and photographer Lord Lichfield.

The memorial service will be at St John’s Church, in Hartford, at 3pm tomorrow, Thursday.

Family flowers only but donations to Macmillan Nurses will be welcomed.

Tributes

Nick Hallissey, Guardian reporter from 1997 to 2000: “I was extremely saddened to hear of the death of Guardian arts writer Richard Kelsall.

“As a former Guardian reporter, I worked closely with Richard in the late 90s, and together with Nicola Dufty, we established the Rose Bowl Awards for local music and drama.

“Richard was one of a kind; a supremely devoted champion of local arts whose reviews, columns and interviews were always a pleasure to read.

“It takes real skill to review amateur productions; not to over-praise or under-appreciate; to speak like an everyman despite oodles of specialised knowledge; and Richard had those skills in spades.

“He delighted in encouraging local talent and always knew how to offer constructive criticism where he felt it was due.

“His writing was packed with wit and insight; the gentle humour of a man who simply loved what he did, even when it took him to isolated village halls in darkest January.

“I am sure more than a few actors, set designers, directors and producers in the Vale Royal area will feel they benefited from his endorsement and encouragement, and learned from his wise words.

“As a cub reporter, I know that I found him an inspiring mentor too.

“I’d like to send my sympathies to Richard's family, and to all those in the Cheshire arts scene who knew him, as I'm sure his loss will be deeply felt in rehearsal rooms across the region.”

Nicola Dufty, former Guardian editor: “Richard was one of those very special people who gave so much of his own time for the benefit of others.

“He worked for many years as a judge on the Guardian Rose Bowl Awards, for music and drama, and was dedicated to encouraging local talent – he was truly one in a million and our local community will be poorer without him.”

John Reilly, principal of Mid-Cheshire College: “Richard’s connection to Mid-Cheshire College goes back many years and he was highly-respected by his colleagues.

“He will be greatly missed.”

Patsy Chuter, adult education manager at Sir John Deane’s College: “Richard had worked at Sir John Deane’s College adult education department since it began over 10 years ago and he was much loved for his talent and kindness.

“He was extremely popular at college and he will be sadly missed by staff and his students.”

Stuart Hogg, former president, Northwich and District Heritage Society: “Though Richard had been unwell for some time, his recent sudden death was a shock and I shall miss him greatly.

“We worked together closely on the Northwich and District Heritage Society, of which he became chairman in 1997, and everyone appreciated all the work he put into arranging eight talks a year ever since.”

Michael Troy, from Hartford: “I moved into Hartford from Sweden in 2003.

“As I tried to make my mark as an artist in this area, I heard people speak of Richard and Patricia Kelsall. They always spoke of them in fond and respectful terms.

“I then met them and came to appreciate them.

“Richard and his wife have always been supportive, polite and giving. A gentle man. Talented and encouraging I shall miss his interactions.

“I wish him peace and his wife Pat well and am sure he will be missed and it will be a double tragedy should Pat not feel she wishes to grace the locality with her illustrations and art work.”

l Pedantic, from Northwich: “As one of the many who Richard taught to paint and draw in his evening arts classes, and for his time as chairman of the N&DHS I shall miss this really nice kind man. “One of the best.

“My condolences to Pat and family.”

Vivien Kandel, former Guardian news editor: Richard was Mr Rose Bowl – we couldn’t have done without him.

There was no point in carrying on when he announced he was leaving – there was no Rose Bowl without Richard.

He was a deeply knowledgeable man on so many topics and was always ready to listen with a friendly ear.