Tribute to Richard Muir published in the Haslemere Herald on 12th March 2019
Fond memories of museum stalwart
Mr Coe said: “The passing of Richard Muir was a most sad occasion for the museum in more than one way. Apart from the loss of someone who had been over many years such a stalwart of the museum as trustee, chairman and president, it also saw the breaking of the museum’s link with the Muir family.
“For nearly 100 years the grandfather, father and Richard himself had been closely involved in the management of this illustrious town institution. Richard was chairman during most of the 1980s, a period when it underwent a most difficult and worrying period with its finances. He later revealed that at one time there was barely enough in the kitty to pay the staff salaries.
“Added to this problem was the desperate need to refurbish a 300 year-old building, if only to stop it falling down. But thanks to Richard’s great efforts and leadership, the museum survived to become the thriving and treasured organisation it is today.
“He restored public confidence and, as a result, financial support followed. If only for this he should be placed high on the museum’s honours board
“Richard was blessed with an excellent memory that only became sharper when his eyesight was failing. His unparalleled knowledge of the history of Haslemere never faded and many a time he was consulted about events in the town’s and museum’s past and invariably he knew the answer.
“His knowledge was not just restricted to Haslemere, as he was associated with the management of the Surrey Local History Council, the Surrey Record Office and the Surrey Archaeological Society.
“This made his role as a trustee invaluable and if only for this he will be much missed.
“Because of his poor eyesight, Richard had a speaking watch and to see him at a trustee meeting pull it out and put it to his ear, reminded other trustees it was time to close the meeting - if just for this alone he was invaluable.
“Without doubt the museum owes Richard a very great debt, for his service, dedication and wisdom over many years. He will be irreplaceable.”
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