RIP Dick Ogilvie

Last Updated: Tuesday, 15 November 2022 18:16

Vale – Richard Ogilvie (1944 - 2022)

Richard or Dick (or at times Tricky Dicky) as he was better known in Orienteering circles began orienteering in the early 70’s and was a foundation member of Uringa when it was formed in 1974. Dick took to orienteering, loving the physical and mental challenge that the sport offered, a far cry from his earlier sporting endeavour, playing 1st Grade Rugby for UNSW, as a prop forward. 

Dick was not content to just compete. He served as Uringa President on two occasions and during the 80’s served on the Board of ONSW as the Technical Officer.  In this role he was very focused on fairness in course setting. 

Dick also set up a unique event called the “Uringa Pairs” which ran for a number of years mainly in Belanglo Forest.  Dick set and controlled many events, favouring the mental challenge of course setting, always looking for that “perfect leg” on the courses he set. In 2007 Dick was the controller for the Junior World orienteering Championships staged in Dubbo a unique feather in his cap of achievements. 

Never one to miss an event, Dick and Maureen’s trusty white VW Camper, superseded by the Yellow Camper was always first in the carpark. This was a comforting beacon for those who arrived unsure that they were in the right place. 

Along with Maureen, they travelled across Australia to events, visited New Zealand a number of times. Perhaps the highlight of their New Zealand trips was the 2006 APOC event with Maureen winning Gold and Dick Silver in their respective classes. It was in Europe that the pair found their adopted home, here they travelled and competed extensively over a number of years right up until the last decade. 

When Dick was unable to compete, he was still very involved in the sport as could be seen by his many Facebook comments.  He would pour over maps and was recently heard to comment after viewing his course from the Aust Champs in Victoria- “Yep, I would have won that”. 

Dick was devoted to Maureen and equally proud of his family, daughters Lorna, Saskia and Jenny plus the grandchildren.  

A Funeral Service will take place on Monday 21st November to farewell Richard, a longtime member of Uringa and great friend.

The service is being held at the Helensburgh - Stanwell Park Surf Club, 1 Beach Rd Stanwell Park commencing at 2pm.

Ron Pallas (Uringa Board Member and ONSW Delegate)