From RSA newsletter, Feb 2007:

It is with deep sadness we have to announce the sudden death of one of our founder members Dick Churn just before Christmas this year. I will miss a true friend and excellent crew member.

It was Dick who crewed with me on my first journey over to Kent in SWANTI, where, typical of Dick, he brought along his bag of fittings, needles, threads and ropes. Throughout the weekend he busied himself tightening shrouds and adjusting the rigging so that she had never sailed better.

Again it was Dick who crewed with me at an OGA event and when sailing into Shotley Lock, saved the day when I approached the lock gates too fast, missing the reverse gear. Dicks quick thinking enabled him to catch a cleat just before SWANTI’s bowsprit met the lock gates. His quick action saved the day, but he cracked a couple of ribs in doing so. He has my greatest respect and gratitude for all his help over the many years I have known him. I know we will all have fond memories of Dick and will miss his companionship.