Richard L. English
English, Richard L. Richard L. English, 76, of New Haven passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2011. Mr. English was born in New Haven on March 5, 1935, son of the late Philip H. and Katharine Dana English. He was descended from two Connecticut Governors. He was educated at The Foote School, Pomfret, Proctor Academy, Nichols College and Quinnipiac College. He was retired from The First New Haven National Bank. Mr. English was acknowledged as a fine musicologist and ornithologist. Among his many philanthropic gifts was the donation of a bird sanctuary at the Boy Scout Camp Sequassen. He was a past President and longest-standing member of the New Haven Bird Club. His greatest joy in life was being part of the on-going bird watches, migratory counts and unusual sightings. Classical music was part of his everyday life. He is survived by his brother, James Dana English and cousins. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 1:00 PM at The Church of St. Paul/St. James, 57 Olive St., New Haven. His burial at Evergreen Cemetery was private. Arrangements in care of BEECHER & BENNETT 2300 WHITNEY AVE. HAMDEN. Gifts in his memory may be made to the New Haven Bird Club, c/o M. Horn, 67 Ridge Rd., Hamden, CT 06517 or to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.
Deepest sympathy to Jim and the rest of the family.
Dick was a dear friend to both of us. He will be deeply missed.
I was saddened to learn of Richard’s death. I always enjoyed our lunches or visits together, hearing of Richard’s bird counting and bird watching experiences. Richard was a good friend of Clifford Beers Clinic and his generosity was greatly appreciated. He will be missed by all who had the oppportunity to know him.
My condolences to Richard’s family on his passing. My first encounter with Richard was in the early 80’s on Mother’s Day at East Rock Park. My family was just getting interested in birding and had planned an early morning walk. .This man. came along and started talking to us, sharing his knowledge, identifying the birds we were hearing, but not seeing. I remember thinking, how DOES this man know so much about birds, and why is he being so nice to us. Come to find out, that was Richard and that was how he was, a very kind man. It was a privilege to know him. May he rest in peace.
Richard, I’ll miss seeing you at the Astronomy and Bird clubs, hearing your outstanding presentations, and miss your support and guidance. Thank you for your enduring good nature, your always friendly demeanor, your enthusiasm, and thank you for the big .Hello. and handshake whenever you saw me, no matter how many people you were talking to! My deepest sympathy to the English family.
I have been a member of the NHBC for many years, going back to the early 1980’s when I was in junior high school. When I came back in the area after grad school and got involved in the club again, I remember going to my first annual banquet. I was sitting at a sparsely populated table, not really talking to anyone. Someone tapped me on the shoulder from a neighboring table and asked if I had seen anything interesting lately. That person was Richard. We talked for a while, with him sounding like he had known me forever. I knew who he was, but I am sure he didn’t know my name at the time. It was a gesture of kindness I will never forget. I often try to .pay it forward. when I see someone by themselves at walks or meetings
I have known Richard for several years through the New Haven Bird Club. Most years I went on his Spring bird walk. Richard was always so sweet and was truly interested in each of us seeing each bird. Often one of the main reasons I went to Bird Club meetings was so I could see Richard. He always asked what birds I had seen and would tell me what birds he had seen in the previous month. I remember when we were once talking about telling apart Fish Crows from American Crows, besides the vocalizations. His depth of detailed knowledge of birds was very impressive. But he was always sweet and open and humble about his knowledge. I will truly miss him.
We at Clifford Beers so appreciated Richard and his brother Jim’s regard and care for the children and families we serve here in New Haven. Richard was thrilled to talk about the eagle watch at Lighthouse, and was so delighted to hear how children and families learned about birds in the various activities he supported. New Haven will miss Mr. English’s vision and dedication.
WISHES FOR CARE, COMFORT AND TREASURED MEMORIES TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS-BIRDERS AND OTHERS.
I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Richard during several renovation projects my company did for him. His warm welcome and genuine interest in how things were going for me and our crew was remarkable. I consider myself as blessed for having had the pleasure of knowing him. Truly, he was a gentleman and a scholar. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family. Frank Iamele Frank’s Applied Products, Inc.
Dear James, It was with sadness that I read of your brother’s death. Recently he answered some questions about Canadian geese that had taken up residence nearby. He was so knowledgable. We also talked about our many years together at Foote School. With his passing the circle is getting ever smaller. I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Wendy
My cousin, my husband and I met Richard English in Oquossoc, Maine, several years ago. My husband and I shared a table with him and his companion at Oquossoc Day for several years after that. We discovered a common lifelong interest in nature and in birds. My cousin and I danced with Richard and his companion to the Al Corey Swing Band the first year it played for the Oquossoc Day celebrations. We shall miss his presence.
I am with heavy heart at the news of Richard’s death. My contact with him over the years for Proctor Academy have been both enjoyable and personally enriching, as we shared a love of birding. I will miss our chats. Proctor will forever be indebted to Richard for his long partnership with the school.