It is with great sorrow that we let our members know about the loss of a great champion of the almshouse movement, Richard Knipe who died on 27 February 2025.
Richard was well known as a leading light in the almshouse movement, joining the Association in June 1999 as Trustee and Director, then board member of The Almshouse Association, later appointed as Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Subcommittee. Richard was also a much valued and longstanding Clerk of The Spalding Town Husbands almshouse charity.
Professionally, Richard was a solicitor in Spalding from 1973 to 2012, originally for B Smith and Co and then for Knipe Miller and Co from 1991. Through his work and legal experience, The Almshouse Association was robustly supported by Richard whose advice and guidance on legal and financial matters, combined with a strong moral compass, was invaluable.
Richard worked hard for almshouse charities and their residents and was much respected by those with whom he worked. Above all, however, Richard was a great friend to many, and we will miss his friendship enormously.
Richard had a great love for sport, playing hockey and cricket and took up golf in later years. In retirement, Richard pursued his interests in travel and walking, often combined on walking holidays in Germany and Turkey and he also took up ballroom dancing.
Richard leaves his wife, Olivia, son, Matthew and daughter, Stephanie who are very much in our thoughts at this time.
March 2025