Obituary - Harrogate businessman Richard Jones made 'a real difference to the wellbeing of hundreds of young people'

Tributes have been pouring in for much-loved Harrogate businessman and entrepreneur, Richard Jones, MD of Clever Association, who passed away very unexpectedly from acute myeloid leukaemia.
Much-missed Harrogate businessman Richard Jones - "His contribution to Martin House made a real difference to the wellbeing of hundreds of young people." (Picture by Simon Dewhirst)Much-missed Harrogate businessman Richard Jones - "His contribution to Martin House made a real difference to the wellbeing of hundreds of young people." (Picture by Simon Dewhirst)
Much-missed Harrogate businessman Richard Jones - "His contribution to Martin House made a real difference to the wellbeing of hundreds of young people." (Picture by Simon Dewhirst)

Living in the Harrogate and Wetherby area most of his life, from running design agency Finepoint in Harrogate for a number of years, his current company Clever Association had just completed a significant project installing the audio visual and lighting technology throughout Grantley Hall.

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In a recent article for the Yorkshire Post, Richard, who passed away on Wednesday, January 13, said he wanted his epitaph to be "he tried hard, until he couldn’t."

Martin House Hospice said he his support for Martin House Hospice over the years had made "a real difference to the wellbeing of hundreds of young people."

He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Richard's family have asked for donations in his memory to two causes which were close to his heart and already nearly £5,000 has been raised for Martin House Hospice and more than £4,000 for Wetherby rugby club which the RFU have pledged they will double up to £10k.

Paying tribute, Technical Director at Clever Association, Anthony Gallon stated, “Richard founded Clever Association in 2003 and over the past 18 years, steered the organisation into a successful, multi-award winning business.

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"We've worked on incredible projects together, across the UK and abroad; the luxurious Grantley Hall and an extraordinary home cinema in the South of France being two recent achievements that Richard was particularly proud of.

"He was a great businessman, respected by all and thoroughly charming, but more than anything he was a friend. Richard was so full of life, a true force of nature and will be so deeply missed by the Clever Association team, past and present.”

Richard was a big part of the Wetherby Rugby Club, having captained the first team for several years when he was younger to his more recent role of Head coach of the U12 team and Vice-Chair of the junior section.

Richard gave his time and expertise to many projects at the club and was keen to raise funds to complete the refurbishment of the clubhouse.

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In addition to his involvement at the rugby club, Richard was well known for his support for local charities, in particular Martin House Children’s Hospice where he provided a High-tech den for the older children to use.

Rebecca Wynne, director of income generation at Martin House Hospice, said: “We are very saddened to hear of Richard’s death, and would like to extend our condolences to his family at such a difficult time.

"Richard was instrumental in creating The Den – our multimedia lounge which has been enjoyed as a place to relax and have fun by young people staying at the hospice for many years – and has been a long-standing and very valued supporter.

"His contribution to Martin House has made a real difference to the wellbeing of hundreds of young people, and it will leave a lasting legacy for years to come.”

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His family have been deeply touched and are overwhelmed at the outpouring of tributes, flowers, cards and messages they have received.

Richard’s wife, Anna, and children, Carmen and Frankie, want to thank everyone who has been in touch.

His funeral will take place at 11am at St James’ Church, Wetherby on Thursday, February 11 following a procession via the rugby club.

How to donate to Richard's causes in his memory:

The family would like to leave a legacy in his memory and would ask that anyone wishing to make a donation, do this by supporting either the Wetherby RUFC or Martin House Hospice at Boston Spa by visiting the following links:

Martin House Hospice

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/anna-jones57

Wetherby RUFC

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https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/wetherby-rugby-club-tackles-the-pandemic

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