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We thank God for the life of Richard Garnett, a long term friend of Oak Hill College who died on 6th September after a decade of mesothelioma. 

Richard was a professional actor for 15 years, in TV, film and theatre (including West End, Broadway and lead roles for the Royal Shakespeare Co.). He was one of the founders of GBS Comms, a leading communications consultancy and in 2010 Richard founded the online presentation tool Present.me. He spent more than 15 years working with Oak Hill College and other ministries and groups running Preaching Workshops.

James Robson, Principal of Oak Hill College reflected on his friendship with Richard: 

I met Richard when he was running a preaching workshop at Oak Hill in 2009. I had been ordained 15 years and had taught at Oak Hill for 9 years. That encounter transformed my preaching. And the friendship that began then has been immensely precious and enriching. 

Five things particularly stand out for me. If this were a sermon, he'd give me a knowing smile, a disarming laugh and say "Just give me one point".

Passion 

He spoke with passion, lived with passion, cared passionately. There was an energy about him and all he did. You knew that what he was talking about mattered.

Expertise

He knew his stuff and was a brilliant communicator himself. But he also had an extraordinary gift for helping others communicate far better than they would have done without his input. We would try, over and over, pushed out of our comfort zones, yet with joy not resentment.

Generosity

Richard was always giving. He was generous with his time, giving it to help generations of preachers, including 100s of students at Oak Hill; generous with his ear, always ready to listen; generous with his money, enabling others to experience God's blessing through him.

Courage

Richard was immensely courageous. Though not a preacher himself, but someone in the pew, he rightly challenged generations of preachers to communicate better,  always giving hope, but never letting anyone off the hook. And he was immensely courageous in going through 10 years of often invasive, debilitating and demanding treatment.

Faith

Richard trusted his saviour and his Lord - with his time, with his money, with himself. He knew that the Lord grows roses through manure. And he had plenty of manure. But the rose that grew was extraordinarily fragrant with the aroma of Christ.

Please join us in praying for his family. 

Before he died, Richard asked his family to set up a GoFundMe page; anything that you can give will be divided between two of his most precious charities. Generosity was at the core of his soul, and these were two causes close to his heart.

You can find out more and donate here.

Finally, Richard really wanted his family to hear your perspectives and memories of him – no matter how long or short.  Please send anything you have—stories, photos, and videos are all welcome to: richardg.memories@gmail.com