Richard Hastings-james
1943 - 2016
Richard Hastings-james
1943 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1943
DIED
2016
Richard Hastings-james Obituary
Hastings-James
1943-2016
Richard Hastings-James (72) died peacefully of lung cancer on April 8, 2016 in Houston, TX. He was born October 4, 1943 in Plymouth, Devon, England to Dr. Richard Hastings-James and Dorothy Davey.
He attended boarding school at Kelley College, Tavistock, Devon, England. He graduated from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Technical College with a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. He earned his PhD from Trinity College Cambridge University through the Athlone Fellowship. He was a Research Fellow at Pembroke College, Oxford and an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Nova Scotia, Canada.
He had over 35 years of exploration industry experience with Saudi Aramco and Amoco Production Company in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Houston, Texas, and various locations throughout Africa and the Middle East.
He was first married to Suzanne Kennedy. They had three children, Cynthia (45), Richard (43) and Margaret (42). He married Alice Mwangi and they had Dorothy (26).
In retirement, he became a dedicated volunteer of Ashford United Methodist Church, serving as a trustee, usher and photographer. He played an integral role in the family charity Kenya Scholarship Fund International, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which has touched the lives of many Kenyan students.
He is survived by his wife, children, siblings; Susan Ryans, Rosalind Laperriere, Peter Hastings-James, Margaret Hastings-James, Geoffrey Hastings-James, and five grandchildren.
We will celebrate the life of Mr. Hastings-James on Friday April 29, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Dignity Memorial Forest Park Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Kenya Scholarship Fund (KSF) International (www.helptokenya.org).
Please access his guest book at www.forestparkwestheimer.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ed Leahey
January 17, 2024
He was my mentor at NS Tech in Halifax N.S. around 1970. A great guy. I am a physician practicing in Baytown Texas. I would like to source any of the papers he published. My name is Ed Leahey. my phone is 832-414-4593. Feel free to call me. anytime.
Alice Hastings-James
April 7, 2019
I love & miss you more than words can say.
Charlotte Henson
April 4, 2019
Alice and Dorothy, how sweet to remember Richard in this way. I remember him always being there to support you in any and everything you took on to help others. I always thought that was a great quality he had and most women wish for. ;-) I know he loved Dorothy and she him, Daddy's girl. Keep remembering the great things about him to help you thru this difficult time. Kim and I love you guys and miss seeing you. Your presence is greatly missed.
Charlotte Henson
Jacquelyn MASON MOORE
April 3, 2019
Richard, thank you for touching my like with your friendship and brotherly love. Continue to rest peacefully in Jesus' arms. You will always be remembered by all of us at Ashford United Methodist Church.
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dennis johnson
November 2, 2016
Hi Mrs Alice, I want you to know that God need great angels in Heaven too. Keep in mind that God would not put any thing on you with out Him seeing you through it. God Bless.
Lee Brown
May 5, 2016
Hi Ms. Alice this news came as a shock to me while I was away traveling. I wish I were there to hug you and let you know that you and the family are in my prayers. I know how much you loved Richard as you would share great stories of him with me. Please contact me if you need anything even if its just to talk. Many hugs to you and Dorothy.
William Odongo
May 2, 2016
Dear Alice and Malaika, you are always in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you continued strength and peace
William Odongo
May 2, 2016
Never forgotten, always in our hearts. Rest in peace Richard
Aaron Bwonda
May 1, 2016
Dear Alice and Dorothy,
Please accept my deepest condolences for the passing of Richard.My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Francis Bindel
April 30, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Hastings-James family, I wish I could have been there to attend the service and see you in person (I arrived in Angola on 28Apr). I pray God gives you the grace and peace to comfort you during this difficult journey.
April 29, 2016
Alice, Dorothy, and Family
When we think about Richard, the words, "a gentleman and a scholar" come to mind. That described Richard. We are sorry for your loss.
May the memories of time spent with him sustain you. You-all are in our prayers.
Tonie and Vijay Maheshwari
April 29, 2016
Dorothy and Alice and family,
My deep prayers and condolences to all of you as you gather to celebrate Richard's life. I knew him as one of the kindest men, always so gracious and I know he will continue to smile upon all family gatherings and your scholarship activities with eager support, as he always did. Count on my continued prayers and support, always. with love, Sharon Karam RSCJ
Shumi
April 28, 2016
Tribute
Our dearest Uncle Richard,
I will never forget the day that you and Aunty Alice shared the news of your engagement. My first reaction was sadness, because I thought you were taking our aunty away. I couldn't imagine sharing her with someone else as she was and continues to be an integral part of my life and the lives of the cousins worldwide.
As time passed, I came to understand that we were not losing her but gaining a BELOVED uncle.
You were a man of few words yet your humility and kindness could fill a room. We will long cherish the delightful memories of and photographs from your countless visits to Massachusetts-No matter the weather! What a privilege it was to experience authentic Boston with and through you.
What a positive influence and role model you were to all your nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, even the ones who "adopted" you along the way.
You enriched all of our lives immensely. I am so grateful to have crossed paths with you in this lifetime.
Our wonderful Uncle you remain FOREVER in our hearts.
Panos Kelamis
April 28, 2016
Richard, you will always be in my heart...our long discussions on geophysics led to many successful projects and produced a number of innovative solutions for Saudi Aramco...rest well my friend and keep smiling from the skies.
Dear Alice, live long and remember him!!! Please accept our sincere condolences...Panos & Rea Kelamis
April 25, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to my dear friend, Margaret, on the passing of your brother. Condolences to Richard's family and friends for their loss.
Kimberly, Kylie and Devin Field
Justo Marin
April 25, 2016
Alice,
Our condolences for the passing of you husband, Richard. Michelle and I were traveling when we heard the sad news, so I took the opportunity to say a small prayer for him and you in Strasbourg's beautiful Cathedral. Although I only met Richard once or twice, I know he was a good person. I know because your happiness and loving way at the office was a reflection of your life together. May the good Lord look after you in this time of sorrow. Your friend, Juice.
joanne eicher
April 23, 2016
We were honoured to dine with Richard when we came to visit from Switzerland. Malaika and Alice, our condolences. May the Almighty God Jehovah be with you now and always. luv joanne and fam.
Emma Njoroge
April 19, 2016
Dear Alice,Dorothy and All Hastings-James Family, Richard's passing came as a shock to us in Kenya and we will keep the best memories. His loving nature made a big impact on us. We thank God for the time He gave Richard, to see his children's children. Remember, 70 years are what God gives to us but he received a bonus!!! We pray that God will embrace you with His LOVE. Amen, Emma, Nairobi
April 18, 2016
Alice and Dorothy, We were very sadden to hear of Richard's passing. Richard was truly a kind, generous person and a joy to talk with about just anything. He was a real asset to the neighborhood, taking pictures of all the get togethers and joining in at the Halloween table. We will miss him very much. Ardy Callender and Nancy Ross
Yasmin Khory
April 14, 2016
Dear Alice and Dorothy,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the sad passing passing away of Richard. May his soul rest in peace. May God give you and the family the strength to cope with his loss. Treasure all the memories you have of him as no one can ever take those away from you. Just recently I was looking through some old pictures and saw the one of Dorothy when I used to babysit her in Dhahran. My how time has gone by. Take care and be strong.
Yasmin Khory, Toronto, Canada
April 14, 2016
Alice and Dorothy, I share your sadness in the loss of a mate and father. I have experienced both and want you to know that I and your follow Rotary Club members will always be here for you. I know Richard was proud of all you have accomplished as you were of him.
Jerry Harris (Houston, TX)
April 14, 2016
Dear Alice and Dorothy,
We are very saddened to learn of Richard's passing. We extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to you and your family for your loss. Our caring thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Josefina & Harold
Donpaul Henderson
April 13, 2016
I was proud to have known him these last few years. I sat around with him and his long time friends having guiness and talked about our dealings and misadventures in working in the oil industry. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten. Donpaul Henderson
Jim Ryans
April 13, 2016
Dear Alice and Dorothy,
Richard was a wonderful uncle, I have many fond memories. He was always so happy and calm, seeming to enjoy life in whatever he was doing. With a cocktail out beside your pool, talking about his old travel adventures. I remember when I was still in high school back in London, Ontario, he visited with us one summer when he was back from Saudi Arabia. I thought it was hot and humid, but he was bundled up in a winter jacket, he had adapted so well to the Arabian heat. I'll miss him.
With all my love and prayers,
Charlotte and Kimberly Henson
April 13, 2016
Dear Alice and Dorothy, just wanted to give my condolences and well wishes as you go thru this tough time in your lives. God makes no mistakes and he is in a better place watching over and protecting you guys. Love you both and will keep you in my prayers.
Rajiv Taimni
April 13, 2016
Dear Alice,
It was really sad to hear of your loss with Richard's passing. We pray that you and Malaika are granted the strength to bear this loss with courage and fortitude. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Yours in grief
Rajiv & Divya Taimni
Doris Regina Soebbing
April 12, 2016
Dear Alice and Dorothy, my deepest condolences to you both and all your family. I have nothing but great memories of Richard. We've celebrated many holidays together throughout the years and shared many, many interesting conversations.Most recently, I have fond memories when Richard and Alice went to OKC for a wedding... I will cherish every memory that we've shared. My love, thoughts, and prayers to you all.
Jacqui Mason-Moore
April 12, 2016
Dear Alice and Malaika;
Thank you for sharing Richard with me. I will remember him always for his smile and big hugs. I am still in shock that he has passed on. Gone to soon and he will be missed forever. May God strengthen each of you and the rest of Richard's family. I will continue to lift you up in my prayers.
Don, Ann & Carly Bucklin
April 12, 2016
Dear Alice and Dorothy, Our hearts are heavy. Richard was a kind and loving man. Gone much too soon and much too quickly. We will always carry the fondest memories of him. We hope you find comfort knowing how much he loved both of you. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you.
Kamal Al-Yahya
April 12, 2016
Dear Alice and Dorthy,
It is sad to hear of the loss of Richard who left behind many fond memories to many of us. I, for one, enjoyed many years of his companionship and learned many things from him. He was a fine example of a dedicated person who cared so much for the people around him, especially the young ones who benefited a lot from his mentoring.
My heart goes out to you in these difficult times. May he rest in peace.
Kamal Al-Yahya
Robert Outland
April 12, 2016
Dear Alice and Dorothy, It is with great sadness I write and with condolences to all of Richard's family. It was such a privilege to have met him through close friends overseas and to share the enjoyment of our social life there. May he rest in peace knowing that he left him mark with all of us and it was good. God Bless.
Nancy Todd
April 12, 2016
Dear Alice and Dorothy,
I am shocked to hear of Richard's sudden passing. May God give you the strength to see you and Dorothy through this. My heart and prayers go out to you two at this difficult time. May Richard rest in peace.
April 12, 2016
Alice and Dorothy, we are still in shock over the sudden loss of Richard. I keep expecting to walk outside and see him. We are here for you! Thinking of you and love you!
Donna and Kenny Baum
April 12, 2016
With Deepest Sympathy on your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Pat Castaneda
Victoria Rodriguez
April 12, 2016
Dearest Alice and Family,
I'm so sorry for your great loss. I am fervently praying for you all. I cannot imagine what you are feeling but my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lots of love my sweet friend,
Victoria Rodriguez & Family
Kate Ryans
April 12, 2016
We were so sad to hear of Uncle Richard's unexpected death last Friday. He was such a lovely man who was so close to his family and had a great sense of humour.
Steffen has fond memories of him trying for "death by chillies" when he insisted he liked spicy food and needed to have his mango salad made with a 10 chili spice level at a Toronto restaurant. Richard turned red in the face and started sweating profusely when he tried it, but managed to finish off most of his salad. They had a great evening together that night.
Mum and I will never forget the amazing Thanksgiving we spent with Richard, Alice and an adorable baby Dorothy in Houston back when I was still in high school.
He was such a warm and generous man, and we will certainly miss him.
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
April 11, 2016
Dearest Alice and Dorothy - we were so saddened to learn about your sudden loss of Richard. May God speed you the love and comfort you need. Much love, Jinx, Dave, & Erin
Esther Garza
April 11, 2016
"Dear Alice and Dorothy - You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm here for you if you need anything. God has accepted him unto his kingdom and we do not grieve without hope. For to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord." Love you, Ray and Esther Garza
Brian and Ana Dent
April 11, 2016
We were very shocked and saddened to hear of Richard's death. The last time I saw him, he seemed well and happy, cheerful as always, still vitally interested in geophysics. I must say he was a true scholar, and one of the most important expats in the continued success of Saudi Aramco. You have our deepest sympathy.
Martha Gay, Lee & Nathan Brunell
April 10, 2016
Dearest Alice and Dorothy-- We are so, so sorry and very sad that your loving husband and loving father has died. Richard touched so many lives in different ways. He will be deeply missed. A man of great character and strength, a pillar of his church and community, the heart song of his family... with much sympathy and love-- Martha Gay, Lee & Nathan Brunell.
Denise Condren
April 10, 2016
Dear Alice and Dorothy
I am deeply saddened to hear of Richard's death. I remember Richard fondly as a devoted father and loving husband.
I pray you are comforted by knowing that Richard's love of you two is such a large part of who you are and that this strength and connection remains with you always.
I am so so sorry for your loss and wish I could somehow lessen your pain. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With much love
Denise Condren Pratt
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12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077
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