In Memoriam: Richard Pacholski Hugh Vanstone shared: "I am just one of the many ALD colleagues who are mourning Richard Pacholski -- known to most as R2 -- who died on August 19, after a brief battle with cancer." "I've found myself deeply affected by his untimely death and have been thinking about why. There is no doubt that he was a consummate professional and excelled at his work. He started as a production electrician and then became the 'go to' associate in his native Australia. But it was the other side of R2 that made him really special: the fatherly/pastoral side, the best friend; the bon viveur." "I first worked with him on the Melbourne production of Joseph in 1992. Andrew Bridge was unable to attend so sent me as his associate. I was very green and more than slightly scared! R2 was incredibly kind and supportive and gently initiated me as to how the Aussies did theatre! Thanks to his brilliant organization things went so well that I once reported back to Andy that things were going 'swimmingly' (code that I was at the beach with R2!)." "R2 soon became my best friend whenever I found myself spending a few months on the underside of the globe. Since then we have worked on countless shows and as my own design career developed he became my associate for every single production I brought to Australia (most recently Matilda)." "Throughout this time, as well as doing the work, he took me on innumerable early morning swims, improvised picnics, concerts, movies, to his home at Avoca beach for weekends, and the meals out ... well they're legendary. And, throughout these adventures he was absolutely the best company, even when times were hard for him. It is no exaggeration to say that he was one of the very kindest and good people I have known, and that is why I shall miss him so very much." "It has been overwhelming to hear and see the number of incredibly heartfelt expressions of love and admiration for Richard from the many people he worked with in the industry, a selection of which are below:" "We've all lost a wonderful friend and brilliant talent -- Heaven is going to look fabulous though!" ~ Cameron Mackintosh "Such sad news that a true professional and good guy has departed. You were always in such safe hands with R2." ~ Andrew Bridge "One of the nicest guys I've ever known." ~ Martin Koch "R2 was simply one of the greats of lighting and that rare thing, a great human being. The theatre and the world is a poorer place without him." ~ Howard Harrison "You never knew where or when R2 was going to pop up, but you could be sure that when he did he would be enthusiastic, helpful, and full of laughs. His generosity and modesty belied his great talent; always working tirelessly to make the rest of us look better." ~ Willie Williams "I am sure there will be tech teams around the world dimming lights. He was such a joyful beacon of calm skill." ~ Chris Grady "I remember an amazing day drinking poteen at his house one weekend, at least I think I remember!" ~ Alistair Grant "His contagious joy for life definitely impacted me." ~ Devin Keudell "The only man I know who enjoyed having a few days off to clean the gutters on his house ... one of a kind." ~ Rick Fisher "Such a wonderful person! Only great memories working with him in Brazil." ~ Almali Zraik "A man of true adventure. Who else would convince you to go outside during a hurricane to go walk around the park. A truly loving and wonderful man." ~ Thom Schilling "He was one of the most welcoming and unperturbed fellow designers I know. So many are cagey about having young upstarts around, R2 embraced me. I will always hold those memories." ~ Trent Suidgeest "He was utterly wonderful -- and, most rarely of all, hugely empowering to us as women. It is rare to meet someone who is so unquestioningly supportive....." ~ Paule Constable "You never quite knew where you'd see him next -- but seeing him was always a delight. He was adored by everyone he worked with, everywhere, always a fine balance of serious professionalism and serious fun. A pleasure and a joy to work with." ~ Bryan Raven "A comedian to the end, I'm told that in his final hours in the hospital, surrounded by teary eyed relatives and friends in the process of saying goodbye, he suddenly awoke, sat bolt upright with his trademark wry smile and said 'I'm still here you know!'" "In a way he is still here, and will remain with all of us who knew him as one of the nicest people to walk the earth. To close, as R2 would doubtless be telling us now, look after each other and be sure to make the very most of every day." 
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