My clever, caring, intuitive brother. The first memory of his caring nature is probably when I was about 3 yrs old and Richard about 5 yrs old , in the back garden of our house in Monkton, Devon. Dad was using the push garden lawn mower and Richard wanted to do it which he did with Dads help I wanted to have a go too , but Dad said I couldn’t , being too small. Richard piped up and said  "Yes she can- I can help her” !. That was the first I remember of a lifetime of his caring and loving for all his family, friends and acquaintances. He never stopped taking an interest in all we did , or refuse to help solve a problem we had  .I remember so many things from his school age years at home. The time he kept an old tin bath in the garden with slow worms in it and half a dozen turned into a hundred when they had babies. When one died, mum came home and found it pinned stretched out on her chopping board being dissected. Later it was a frog. He also brought back an injured jackdaw which we all grew very fond of - except our neighbors because it used to sit on the clothes line and "mess" the washing. He would  spend many nights in the woods watching the badgers and deer. He took some close up photos of young ones soon after being born , the does weren’t afraid of him being there.  Love you Richard, always in my mind , Mal .

Pat and I were very sad to hear of Richard’s passing. I have been lucky enough to count Richard as a friend since the mid 1960’s when we were both pursuing our undergraduate studies at the University of North Wales at Bangor. We managed to find time between our university courses for numerous treks into the surrounding mountains, shorelines and woods of NW wales often returning to home muddy, damp, tired but happy. That is a beautiful part of the UK. Since college, our paths have crossed many times. It was always easy to pick up where we had left off from previous get togethers. I have included a few photographs that I found of Richard (and Di of course!) which show him as a younger man See below Our last year in college we rented a centuries old house (which had been a pub- fittingly perhaps) in the village of Llandegfan. We joined in with village pursuits, even playing a game for the village basketball team. The opposing team was very concerned on account of our height, but soon relaxed when they realized that we were complete novices. Fun though. Alongside Richard, Doug and Vin

One summer in college we hitch hiked down to the south of France to help with the grape harvest. Grapes were picked into baskets then poured into the horse drawn cart. Work was dawn to dusk, with each of us getting a daily liter of coarse red wine as part wages. After a day of headaches, we saved the wine for cooking. Also along were Al (not shown) and Bruce

Just outside London, Ontario Joie de vivre! Pat and Di to right

Richard’s stint as a lawman

A visit to Western North Carolina

The family enjoying a winter outing in Western North Carolina

Extracted from The Canadian Botanical Association Bulletin, Volume 55 Number 1 - March/mars 2022 page 12:Dr. Richard J. Staniforth, an Inspired and Inspiring Botanist By Nicole Fenton, Jill Hamilton, Mason Kulbaba, Kate Frego, and Jacques Tardif Dr Richard J. Staniforth, originally from Devon UK, was an exceptional botanist, all round naturalist, and professor in the department of Biology at the University of Winnipeg for 32 years. Having arrived at the University of Winnipeg with impressive research credentials from his PhD at the University of Western Ontario under the supervision of Paul Cavers, he continued research projects on the description and conservation of the Flora of Manitoba and reproductive ecology of arctic and boreal plants. This included many years of work in northern Manitoba in part based at the Churchill Northern Studies Center and has over 30 peer-reviewed articles. Richard Staniforth also made it his mission to collect the flora of Manitoba. Essentially building the UWinnipeg herbarium from scratch, it now houses over 6500 specimens. After his retirement, the herbarium was given his name, the Richard J. Staniforth  Herbarium. Richard Staniforth was also an active CBA member and was the Chair of the Conservation committee, a member of the ecology and conservation section and the systematics and phytogeography section, among other activities. He was also active regionally, as a founding member of the Manitoba Association of Plant Biologists, sitting on the Endangered Species Committee of Manitoba, scientific director of the Churchill Northern Studies Center, and a consultant for a number of groups and agencies; for example, National Parks Canada. Even after retiring, Richard Staniforth continued to describe and document the flora (and fauna! – particularly birds and butterflies) of Manitoba, publishing records in Blue Jay a naturalist journal published by Nature Saskatchewan, including “A New Annotated List of Manitoba Ferns” (Spring, 2016, https://doi.org/10.29173/bluejay235). He continued this work right up to the last year, working on a new manuscript on ferns in Manitoba.  Despite these accomplishments, many botanical professionals across Canada and the world will remember Dr Staniforth for his passion for teaching and mentorship. He taught ecology and botany courses and was particularly well known for his “Flora of Manitoba” course (one of the authors still uses his notes!). His classroom was a place where theories from disparate parts of  biology all began to come together. It was a thoughtful classroom where he meticulously layered ideas together like puzzle pieces, creating beautiful ecosystems that functioned together synchronously. The classroom was an inspiring place and sparked a lifetime passion for botany, ecology, and evolution in generations of students. However, beyond his teaching was the quality of his interactions with his students. Several past students fondly remember his mentorship and how he was able to foster students’ belief in their own abilities through attention and kindness, which has led to many successful careers in botany, ecology and evolution, and conservation. With over 40 honours students supervised, his inspiring teaching attracted diverse students to botany and ecology. The University of Winnipeg honoured Richard Staniforth with the Robson Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2006 after being nominated in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Richard Staniforth left us too soon in January 2022. The legacy effects of his teaching and mentorship for botany in Canada will continue to be felt for a long time to come.

Richard was a brilliant human, professor, mentor and friend. I had the immense privilege of attending his botany classes at the UW, where Richard was the only professor who would notice my absence and call to inquire if I was okay. Fast forward to joining Nature Manitoba to submit butterfly records for the Thompson region when our paths would cross again. What an immense privilege to be in such brilliant company, I will cherish the knowledge he imparted always. My sincere condolences to Diana, his children, grandchildren, and all who called him friend.

With sadness a friend has left us. I was acquainted with Richard many years ago. Over time we had many discussions on politics, world events, and birding. Now there is a void. We move on again. 

When I was Chair of the Biology Department, I always knew that I could count on Richard for sound advice and reasoned input on departmental affairs.  He was a tremendous asset to the Department.  He was also an enthusiastic and inspiring teacher, well respected by his students, and recognised by winning the Robson Teaching Award.  His contributions to research resulted in the status of Professor Emeritus.  He leaves the Richard J. Staniforth Herbarium as a lasting legacy.  For his colleagues and his many friends he was a wonderful source of botanical and ornithological information.   Richard was also a family friend, and neighbour of ours across from us on the east bank of the Red River.  In April 1997, on the day that the Red River crested, we walked across the Redwood bridge and bumped into Richard.  He immediately invited us round for tea.  After we had commiserated with each other and with Diana on the loss of garden soil and compost to the flood, we were invited for supper - just one example of the Staniforths’ wonderful hospitality.  On another occasion, we remember walking home across the frozen river after a mid-winter dinner party.  To make sure that we climbed the bank on the other side at the right place, Richard came with us.  It was probably -20C but he didn’t wear gloves!  Just before Christmas, we had an email from him telling us how he and Diana had spent several summers travelling the back roads of Manitoba, botanising for ferns and clubmosses. Their summer trips added many species to the provincial lists and necessitated turning one of their bedrooms into an herbarium.  Last summer they travelled in their new camper towed by Diana driving a massive Silverado!  The email was so positive and the attached photos showing the two of them looking so well and happy that his passing in January was completely unexpected and a great shock. We miss him sorely.

I first met Dr. Staniforth in the late-90's as a recent science graduate from the University of Manitoba. I had just applied, unsuccessfully, for a job with the Churchill Northern Studies Centre as Executive Director. A second opportunity to apply came just a year later and, as luck would have it, I ran into Richard at a PUBS conference. Knowing that he had been involved with the CNSC over the years, I struck up a conversation about the Centre and whether it was worth it to apply again. He was kind, gracious with his time and not shy to share the qualities he felt were required of the job. After my "five minutes of your time" turned into over an hour - aided liberally with a drink or two - he looked me in the eye and simply said, "Apply again." And then repeated, "Apply again." It was a job I held for the next 14 years. Farewell to a gentleman and true friend of Churchill. Michael Goodyear, Executive Director CNSC (2000-2014)

I had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Staniforth (Richard) in two capacities - as my professor/academic supervisor and as a family friend. He shone and left a lasting impression on me in both roles. His wonderful sense of humour, patience and extensive knowledge made all of my time with him memorable.  I have so many great memories of him - hiking at the cactus study sites, sharing diner with me and my family, patiently guiding me through my thesis, visiting me in Ottawa and so many more. He will be sadly missed by me and many others.  My sincere condolences to Dianne and family. ❤ Carol Essenburg  

Dr. Staniforth and I started working at the UW around the same time. I was a receptionist in the Dean's Office and when I had the pleasure of meeting him, he stood out as an academic - he treated me as an equal, no pretense, he was kind, genuine and interested in what I had to say. Each and every time we crossed paths we had a lovely and authentic conversation. I wished I had the opportunity to know Richard better. As it turned out he, Diana and family lived on the same street in Glenelm - the Staniforth family on the furthest north and me and my family on the south. Occasionally, we would see each other when my family went for a stroll along our street to the park adjacent to his property. From those exchanges I always felt warm and walked away with a big smile on my face. Richard oozed unconditional love and acceptance. He was one of a kind. And yes he will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to Diana, his family, and all of his friends and acquaintances.

Patti and I got to know Richard well and were always uplifted by his company. We had the good fortune to live within walking distance of Richard and Di’s house and could visit either by walking across the ice or going by land. Ric and Richard had adjacent offices at the U of W. which also facilitated our friendship. Richard and Ric taught an introductory ecology course which featured a week of field work prior to the start of classes in September. Rain or shine, warm or cold, Richard was always there with an infectious  smile, cheerfully pulling his weight. Richard’s kindness, his limitless  ability to identify whatever wildflower or bird photo shown him, his gentle sense of humour, will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Di, Terry, Ian, Graham, Chris, we are so sorry for your loss. Ric & Patti Moodie

I'm devastated to hear about the loss of Dr. Staniforth. He had a profound influence on me during my university years, and it continues to this day in my  career as an ecologist. I consider myself so fortunate to have known him and be taught by him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

I have such great memories of Richard through my years at university.  First in his classes and as my supervisor.  He was an ideal supervisor so supportive!  I am very glad we got a chance to work together more recently.  It meant so much to me that Richard saw all the time he spent on me was not wasted!  It is crazy but even years out of school it meant so much to me that he was proud.  I am sorry COVID kept us from meeting up last summer to ride ebikes. I just wanted you to know Richard meant so much to me.  He was the kindest person I have ever met and he will be greatly missed.  Please take good care of yourself.

Richard was always ready with a warm smile, handshake or a hug when meeting for a drink in his and Di's garden or going out birding or "bugging".  Inspired to start an informal 5-year project on butterflies in southeastern Manitoba some years ago, Richard then inspired a small group of naturalists to take part in reporting which species (and how many) we found, and where.  Organized bugging trips, usually consisting of a small group of people, were sometimes held on sweltering summer days (over 30C and humid), with participants stretched out along a section of road.  Often when we looked back, or up ahead, Richard was either at the roadside looking for butterflies (and birds) but was often in a ditch or at the forest edge looking at ferns and other plants.  At the end of the day, having Richard as a passenger, we always wondered just how many ticks we had in the car!  This is how we will most remember him, in his element.  Richard approached life with gusto, good humour, humility and grace.  Garry and I lost a great friend and kindred spirit.  To Di and his family our most heartfelt condolences.  Garry and Deanna

Oh how sad that we have lost Richard so soon. I am a professor in the Department of Geography at the UofW and have many, many fond memories of Richard. A day that included Richard was always a good day....such a great smile, such a great disposition, always interested, so thoughtful. Truly, one of the nicest guys ever. Big hugs to his lovely family.

Mr Staniforth was always so polite, calm and patient. He faced many obstacles the past few years but handled them with courage and grace. A lovely person who will be missed. Condolences to Diana and family. Thinking of you  during this difficult time. 

Sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Richard Staniforth. When I started my Biology studies at the University of Winnipeg (2003) the courses required were rigidly prescribed. It was in my first or second year when they changed the system to allow for more freedom in selecting what courses you took. My interest had always been in human/animal biology and yet I found myself going out of my way to take plant biology courses simply because they were taught by Dr. Staniforth. He was a brilliant, wonderful and kind man and I am thankful to have known and been taught by him. My condolences to his family.

About 40 years have passed since Richard and Di became our friends and sabbatical neighbours in St. Philips, Newfoundland, and despite some wonderful events - Christopher’s birth; botanizing in the tundra; catching mackerel in the Bay; delightful evenings with delicious meals, among others - it was not long enough, except to remind us of our mortality. Yet  Richard will live on in our memories as the gentle family man, unassuming fellow scientist and inspiring artist. He will not be forgotten. Condolences to you, Diana, and your family. Mette and Detlef

What a privilege it has been to have known Richard all these years. A real highlight was the Friday evenings when four families in our neighborhood would meet to share a time of learning new things for our children when they were young and then spending an hour of play for the children and coffee and chatting for the adults.  Our family has fond memories of those times.  We have also felt the welcome you gave us when we visited in your home or out on the deck. And a meeting-up in Tarpon Springs as well many years ago! I am thankful for that last visit outdoors and saw the wonder of how a caterpillar was preparing it's journey to become a butterfly.  I remember Richard's cheerfulness and warmth in the midst of his struggles. I want to thank Diana and the family for the love you have shown.  I know Richard will be missed. With love, Leona and Joe Moder

I was a student at the University of Winnipeg in the department of biology from 1983 to 1987. Although I never had Dr. Staniforth as a professor, I was his lab demonstrator in several sections of first year biology. He very happily left the zoology questions to me and I very happily left the bottom of the questions to him! He was an exceptional man and I’m very sad to hear of his passing. Many fond memories. David Wieler

Richard (with Chris, Graham and Misty) “naturalizing” on the Bay of Fundy

I am clearly not alone in saying Richard was mentor and a dear friend - he was beloved by so many!  He first hired me as a summer research assistant (in spite of grave doubts about my ability), and opened the door to the wonderful world of plants. I took ALL his courses!  His enthusiasm was so contagious, I tackled first an Honours project and then an MSc under his supervision. There was no turning back!  In spite of innumerable adventures in the field (lost keys, animal encounters, poison ivy and more!), Richard brought the world of plants to life with humour and patience. It was a mark of their generosity of spirit that he and Di welcomed me into their home (where we stripped together - wallpaper, that is!), and their growing family.   I can honestly say that Richard Staniforth changed my life, personally and professionally. As a professor myself, he was my lodestar - for teaching, for botanical studies, for work-life balance, and for how to treat people.   My heart goes out to his family, who were the true centre of his Universe.

Richard was a tremendous colleague and wonderful friend, always kind, generous, patient and gentle. He was an unfailing source of knowledge and dedication to his craft, a true naturalist of the most comprehensive and genuine kind. He was also a selfless listener who empathized with the concerns of staff and students alike, yet almost never complained about his own hardships. He was in his best element outdoors in the fields and woods, where he would light up with the excitement of a rare plant or an unusual specimen. His keen eye noticed right away things on my land that I had unknowingly walked by unseeing dozens of times. He always possessed that enviable inner peace and acceptance of the way life was, and there are many of us who carried away a valuable lesson in dealing with things in our own lives, from having known him. When he retired, the void in the department was devastating. He will be remembered with appreciation and gratitude.  Eva Pip

I will remember Dr Staniforth as a kind, thoughtful and knowledgeable teacher. I took a few of his botany courses at the U of W and will forever appreciate the moss, fungi, lichen and flowers around me because of his courses. I hope to share this appreciation with my children - his legacy lives on! 

In November 1959, my family moved to Honiton from Suffield, Norfolk, UK. Although we were in different schools. Richard at Hele's School, Exeter and myself at Honiton County Secondary School, and after at Exeter Technical College, we  became friends in the 1st Honiton Scout Troop.  The Scout Master of the time, a Mr. Frank Jose, was also the manager of a wine shop (at the time next to Boots) in Honiton High Street,  and was a keen naturalist, He had a great knowledge of local East Devon fauna and flora and used to hold field sessions in woods and on heathland in East Devon, in the early 1960s to teach what he knew and Richard and I were part of the small group that attended. I remember how Mr. Jose would explain about various trees, and in muddy patches, different animal tracks. We would encounter very shy Roe Deer. Later, we both used to go and watch badgers and their cubs come out an hour before sunset in May when the woods were full of Bluebell flowers. One could sit within three metres of the sett entrance, as long as one was downwind. There were a few locations around Honiton with badger colonies, but one of the most extensive was in woods a few kilometres south of the town. I think, partly, that Frank Jose was a factor for us both to eventually study one of the Natural Sciences;  Richard Botany and myself Geology. Since school, we kept in touch while at university and later as the years rolled by and I remember Richard and Diana's  wedding in Llangollen and later visiting Richard and Diana in April 1970 in London, Ontario, on my way back from field work in Peru.  it was a great pleasure to meet up with Richard and Diana, in Winnipeg, after many decades, when I was crossing Canada by train in 2018. It was a great shock to hear this news as Richard was hale and hearty when we met up in 2018. My sympathies and condolences to Diana and all the family. Gordon Knox.

When one looks at the photos in this tribute to Richard, one thing stands out: he is always smiling or laughing. That was Richard; forever upbeat, even when his health was starting to fail. It made him such a great person to be with. I got to know him many decades ago when he would join birding outings and since that time we have had some memorable experiences. He joined George Holland and I on a birding expedition to Mexico in early 2004. On one of the first days of that trip he decided to walk through tall grass in sandals, and he paid the price. His feet became infected from all the chigger bites and looked a mess....but Richard did not complain.  Later, during the years of data gathering for the Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas, Richard and I visited many remote northern fishing camps. Here we would boat and hike, enjoying wilderness we were likely never to visit again. Besides looking for birds and ferns, Richard usually drove the boat. We only got lost once, when we drove in circles in dense fog. He did make some notable discoveries of rare plants during those trips. Richard also discovered Manitoba's first Black-throated Gray Warbler, but he did not have to travel far for that; it was in his own backyard. It was a privilege to have been one of his friends. He won't be forgotten. My sincerest condolences to Di and the family. Rudolf Koes

Tributes from Manitoba birders added on behalf of Diana Staniforth I was shocked and greatly saddened to learn today that Richard Staniforth had passed away, the result of a fast-moving and aggressive cancer.  Richard's boundless enthusiasm and gentle curiosity for a wide variety of subjects, including birds, botany & butterflies, to name a few, endeared him to virtually all of us.  I know I always looked forward to reading any of his messages here on Manitobabirds or in other nature-related forums and I'm sure I speak for many. Whether you considered him a mentor or a friend or both, his passing leaves an enormous void in Manitoba birding and other naturalist pursuits.  I can say with confidence he will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.  Rob Parsons                                                * I only knew Richard a little, but he was  patient, kind and gentle man.  My condolences go out to his family and those who knew him in the birding community.  Linda Curtis                                           * He was indeed an outstanding person whom I shall certainly miss. I knew him mostly from has butterfly project and related interaction, but also enjoyed seeing him in the field, reading his posts and exchanging other communications in areas of mutual interest. Michael Loyd                                                  *  I am deeply saddened to hear about Richard, though my wife and I last saw him at Oak Hammock last summer. We knew he was ill. Richard and I were colleagues at the University of Winnipeg, though in different departments, and he was truly what I would call "one of the good ones", friendly, erudite and always willing to listen. One further sad thing was that Richard and I didn't realize that we were both birders until after we had both retired. He will be truly missed.   Chris Meiklejohn                                               * I am shocked and saddened to hear of Richard's passing  To the contributions already noted, I would add that he was a great friend to the Manitoba Museum and spent many hours peering down a microscope to add his expertise in confirming or correcting identification of plants, especially ferns. I will always recall with fondness our many chats on ferns and a wide variety of worldly topics. His contributions to the Breeding Bird Atlas in the board room and on his camping trips far afield to the north will be a lasting legacy to add to his academic publications on plants in Manitoba, and likely many other aspects of the province's natural history that I have neglected.  He will be missed.  Condolences to all that knew him.  Randy Mooi                                             * I have many fond memories of Richard, especially the many bugging trips that we would participate in around Manitoba. My fondest memory is doing a birding/mushroom/plant hike out at Hecla. He showed me five species of native ferns growing on Hecla. Prior to that hike, all ferns looked alike. I will never look at a fern again without thinking of Richard.  Bob Shettler                                                     * Richard was a warm and kind man who was always generous in sharing his knowledge and observations about the natural world.  His death is a huge loss to Nature Manitoba and to all of us as individuals.  I did indeed consider him to be both a mentor and a friend, and I will miss him. Eugene Szach                                              * Richard was one of my favourite teachers and mentors at UW. To me he was a skilled botanist first and foremost. He taught me much of what I know about the taxonomy and ecology of plants (Biology, Plant Taxonomy, Ecology, Advanced Ecology, Projects in Biology) and started me in my career as an interpretive naturalist. I only learned later of his keen interest in birding (through this group) and other taxaHe will be missed. Michele Kading                                                       *  I am an alumnus of UWpg and took courses in pretty much every department, except biology.  As a result I never met Richard (that I know of) in-person but we had a long relationship via ManitobaBirds, or rather, ManitobaBirds adjacent.  He had a special spot on the River where the peregrines, young and old, never failed to visit at some point during the breeding season and Richard always passed along these sightings.  We had some wonderful email chats.  I will miss his observations this year but I will think of him fondly looking out over the River on a summer day with a peregrine perched on a tree overhanging the riverbank. Tracy Maconachie                                                      *   Brent and I had the honour of meeting Richard when we were graciously invited into his home by himself and wife Di during our first Winnipeg Christmas Bird Count to warm up (2019, pre-COVID times).  Since then, we have kept in touch to discus birds in our Glenelm neighbourhood and have enjoyed quick waves or visits when passing their home regularly while walking our dog.  What wonderful accounts of his life, influence and character many of you from the Manitoba Birding community have shared; we feel privileged to have met him and known him for even just a short time. Our condolences to his family, friends, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Natalie Reinhart                                                         *  What a shock it is to hear about Richard's passing. I had exchanged a few emails with him very recently as I sent him an image I took of him and others on a birding outing many years ago. He was indeed a soft-spoken gentleman with a genuine love of birds and of his friends. My thoughts and support certainly go out to his family. Dennis Fast                                                 *  We lost a great  Manitoba naturalist and I am very saddened by his passing. I called Richard many times over the years if I was stuck with the identification of a wildflower or shrub and he never failed to get right back to me with a prompt answer no matter his busy schedule. I met up with Richard on several occasions at the mazenod ponds in St. Boniface where he spent time birding on a pretty regular basis. I will miss his presence.   My condolences to Di and family. Ryan Porteous                                                             * I met Richard one day while birding in the park next to his house which was across the highway from mine in elm wood. He pointed out a number of birds I hadn’t even noticed in his shrubbery and in his garden. He invited me in to his yard to sit on his deck and take in the sites and chat. His wife made us tea and joined in the conversation. I had the pleasure of chatting with him many times after, and was tickled when I was able to lead him to a Coopers Hawk nest close by. I left the area a number of years ago and hadn’t seen him until one day I was at mazenod ponds (a block from my home!) and ran into him! He recognized me, we chatted a bit, and he was off to his next location. I saw him there a few times after. He was always open to chatting, super friendly, and extremely informative! Rest In Peace Richard. Kevin Kodak                                                             * Dear Diana!  Here are some of our recollections of our friendship with you and Richard (Stan!).  In those distant days of around 1968 Roger shared a small research lab with Richard, a couple of other graduate students and a research technician, while Sarah often came down to visit from where she worked on the main floor of the Botany Department. Like Richard we had recently immigated from the UK and we could not wait to introduce him and Diana, when she arrived, to the fun of weekend camping together at Pinery Provincial park and others nearby.   We recall that Stan and Di bought all the same sort of gear we had; a Coleman stove, metal chilly bin, tent and picnic set (we still use that picnic set to this day!). Seems we always made sweet and sour spare ribs and ate them around the campfire; where we might expect a visit from the RCMP patrolling through the dunes to ensure that no one was consuming alcohol in a public place - unless they were staying there overnight!  On one of these happy camping trips to Long Point Park this time we became aware of a strange fellow with binoculars that he kept trained on our sunbathing location. Richard promptly jumped up to head towards this character ending up chasing him some considerable distance along the beach to see him off. It seemed like ages before Richard returned grinning from ear to ear!  With his keen sense of humour Richard always enjoyed a prank. One we played on our supervisor Dr Paul Cavers, who had completed his own PhD on the Curled Dock - Rumex crispus, was to replace the name and number on his office door with “Room X: Dock Cavers”.  We shared so many great times together but finally in 1974 when time came to widen our horizons again and we prepared to leave for New Zealand we were honoured to receive a copy of A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand with the inscription “We hope this book will be as useful to you as you were to us on arriving in a new fauna and flora. All the best, lots of love, Di and Stan."  Richard’s good fortune to attend a Conference in Brisbane, Australia in July 2005 became our good fortune with him visiting us here in New Zealand on his way back to Winnipeg. We were able to show him, to his delight, Comb Ferns that we had only recently found growing in our bush and that he had included in his lectures but never seen in the wild. Every time we pass them we are reminded of his visit.  In 2011 after our adventures climbing Mt. Killimanjaro  we detoured home through Winnipeg where Di and Stan hosted us like no others! We had a wonderful but all too brief visit with them, meeting the Staniforth family for the first time and getting a feel for local lakes and forests. And sadly this was our last time with Stan, but let’s hope not the last for visiting Di - she is such a wonderful cook!  Stan, you left us far too soon.  With fond love, Sarah and Roger.  Sarah found this poem while reading Delia Owens’ “Where the Crawdads Sing” just last night:  Broken Gull of Brandon Beach Winged soul, you danced the skies, And startled dawn with shrilling cries. You followed sails and braved the sea Then caught the wind back to me.   You broke your wing; it dragged the land And etched your mark upon the sand. When feathers break you cannot fly, But who decides the time to die?   You disappeared I know not where. But your wing-marks still linger there. A broken heart cannot fly, But who decides the time to die?                                            *  I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Richard and wish to send my sincerest condolences to you and your family. Richard was a wonderful human being and it was a pleasure to know and work with him all those years at the University. His good nature, sense of humour and fairness was greatly appreciated by all that worked that worked with him over the years. Our last gathering at Jacque and Rod’s place at Victoria Beach a couple years ago, reminiscing about old times, was a great pleasure and it will remain a memorable moment for me. I was saddened to learn of his subsequent illness and hoped a recovery would prevail.He will be missed but greatly remembered. Take care Larry Didow    

Richard was a wonderful brother-in-law and loved my sister and family so much. The first time I met Richard was when Diana took me to Bangor to meet her friends, I was only 13 but straight away knew they would be together. Then when they asked me to be bridesmaid I was  so excited to be part of their big day. He also looked after us when we visited them in Canada for Graham and Nicole's wedding, he was so proud. We were so sad when we learnt of his illness which I know he battled through but always had a smile when we rang them. He will always be in our hearts and will never be forgotten.(Sandra & family - sister-in-law from Wales) Caru o Cymru x

Richard was a childhood friend back in East Devon, England of my father and we got to visit Richard and Di on a number of occasions. They were always incredibly kind and generous hosts to me, my father Michael, brother Leon and (our now sadly passed) mother Mary, and amazing guides. Richards passion and knowledge of wildlife (especially birds and of course plants) was obvious and its thanks to him we got to see so much of it during our relatively short times there. We also got to meet their family and know how much this loss must mean to them all. One of my favourite memories of Richard is when, during a long drive conducted generally in a rather sedate manner he suddenly slammed on the brakes in a fashion that in the UK would have caused an instant pile-up, just because he thought he had seen an owl in the roadside trees. On that occasion there was no owl, but its the best example I can think of at his infectious excitement at seeing wildlife. We had many adventures in Canada with them all, getting to see so many wild things that in the UK would be once-in-a-lifetime sights but with Richard they almost seemed to fall out of the trees every few minutes, from ospreys to bears to woodpeckers, eagles and even a glimpse of a lynx.    We will miss him. - Justin, Michael and Leon Palmer, family friends.

One of the greatest things of having best friends is the opportunity to truly get to know and spend time with their entire family, and finding a family like the Staniforths is truly one in a million. I vividly remember meeting Richard for the first time 22 years ago - with that great English accent of his, and immediately conceded to Graham that yes his parents are really just as British as he said!!  I immediately felt incredibly welcomed into his and Diana’s home, and over the years have been so fortunate to have enjoyed countless visits in their kitchen, enjoying their beautiful yard, or joining in a birthday dinner at the Elephant and Castle.  Every time I would come over, I was always so curious to see what random part of the Staniforth house Graham had decided to tear apart and renovate, and remember how proud Richard was of all renovation outcomes. A real memory that sticks out for me is being with Graham in our late teens or early 20’s and somehow running over a giant concrete boulder with my car – putting it out of commission for several weeks, and Richard, without hesitation, handing over the keys to their spare vehicle so I could have a car to get around in during those few weeks.    To this day, Richard and Diana remain the only people to have ever loaned me their vehicle for an extended period of time!   We know that all of the stories being shared and so many more will be brought up and shared everyday, and that he will remain with all of you in every bird, plant and tree that you pass, in all of your adventures to come. Love to you all, Matt & Lisa Eldridge   

Richard, Many years ago now, you loaned me the dictionary on the left. I fear it may have led to the dictionary on the right :-0 As a true friend never leaves you, but may be urged by time or events to remain at a distance, I hope that my belated hail will respect the continuation of our friendship. Years ago, you supervised me into a B.Sc.(4yr) at UW, following a happy summer’s research at old Akudlik. I very much enjoyed those years of learning about botany. I was truly pleased when you aided my visit to Britain with some contacts in Honiton and Dalwood, and I very much benefitted from guidance from your parents and relatives around there. I was somewhat appalled to hear that more recently the birds had got you😄, but have learned not to disrespect our avian neighbours (except for the jaegers, who enjoy flying up behind unsuspecting humans and clapping their wings together to create a reaction…🤣). I pray that you, and all family and relatives, will remain in the hands of God. Gordon Hart

Chris and I remember what a special man, Richard was. Such genuine love for and faith, in those with whom he was connected. Just a lovely and inspiring person, who has left a lifelong impact on Chris and my life, along with his lovely, beautiful and caring wife, Diana!! We miss Richard and feel along with you, this deep loss. We are SO THANKFUL to have crossed paths in this lifetime, with Ricard and Di!!💗💗 We are with all of you in spirit!!🤗 Heidi and Chris Friesen

I will remember Dr. Staniforth (that was the only name we knew him by in those days) as a kind and compassionate teacher at U of W in the eighties who always made himself available and was able to dumb things down for students like me who weren’t the most gifted shall we say. He always had a smile and a positive comment to offer no matter the situation. I particularly remember one terrific field trip we took to the Sandilands with a dozen or so students and knowing that not everyone would likely bring along a lunch as suggested, he made hot dogs for us on an open fire.  He was a great mentor. My condolences to his family. 

As an ecology M.Sc. student I first met Richard at the University College of North Wales, Bangor in 1967. He was in his final year as a B.Sc. student in Plant Sciences. We were lab. partners in a couple of courses for which he was the gentle, insightful naturalist and I was the numbers guy. We immediately felt a friendship and bond, especially for a love of fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Soon after our first meeting I was introduced to Diana. I always remember that I was near the top of the stairs in the Plant Sciences building, Diana was on the way down and Richard was half-way up, introducing and acting as conversational go-between. As that academic year drew toward it's end both Richard and I decided that we would like to go to Canada and each pursue a Ph.D. We kept in touch, he at UWO, London, Ontario, I at Guelph, Ontario. Richard's Ph.D program progressed smoothly, mine did not. After a run-in with my supervisor I left the program after 18 months and secured a teaching job in an agricultural college north of London, Ont. My girlfriend and future wife had secured a place as an M.A. student at UWO and so we moved to London where we got married. This gave Richard and I the opportunity to do things together including fishing outings and the occasional camping trip. After two years I left London for Mississauga to have a second shot at a Ph.D. During those student days Richard graduated, became Dr. Staniforth, and moved to Winnipeg to take up his professorship and so our social contact was greatly reduced. This isolation by distance persisted after I graduated and became an ecology professor at Toronto. However, we were both locked in to the same professional plant ecology network and so maintained contact. We met at scientific meetings and met, as families, on occasional visits to our respective cities. Two of my successful Ph.D students came to U. of T. from Winnipeg on his referral. Richard was one of those very special friends and colleagues who came into my life early on, with whom contact was only occasional and sporadic, later in life, but with whom it was possible pick up exactly where we had previously left off as if the intervening months and years did not exist. I have focused on the singular character but really the same is true for Diana. It was never just Richard but always 'Richard & Di.' We did things early on in London, Ont. as two couples including a memorable camping trip to Pennsylvania - a two car motorcade of VW beetles. About 19 years ago Richard and I had our one and only opportunity to teach together. It was at an inter-university field course in Churchill, led by my close colleague, Bob Jefferies, now deceased. Richard lent his botanical expertise to the course with enthusiasm and close attention to the needs of the students. Sadly the time demands of the course did not give us a chance to go grayling fishing together. At the end of the very successful course Richard felt impelled to get back to be with "the boys". Time that was precious to him. In my memories of Richard over the span of the years, 55 in all, it is hard to remember when he was not bearing that smile of reason and kindness that became his trademark. He wore his personality on his sleeve as a gentle, kind and intelligent friend with a deep intuitive insight and love of nature, which included human nature. His delightful south Devon/Somerset border accent conveyed a personability of understated trust and warmth reminiscent of a sunny afternoon in the delightful southern English countryside. His passing is sadly missed even at the very long distance that separated us. Goodbye old and dear friend. You will not be forgotten. Terence Carleton

Dr. Staniforth was my botany professor at the U of W. His knowledge, encouragement and humour inspired me to become a better person. Thank you. JoAnne Buth 

My world is a smaller and sadder place without Richard in it – as I expect is the case for many others. I was shattered at the suddenness of Richard’s death. After watching him battle cancer so valiantly for two years, I thought he was destined to brighten our lives for many more years to come. I’ll always remember his warmth and humor, his insatiable curiosity, and the enthusiasm about so many things that he was generous enough to share with me and others. He was always quick with the comment “Good for you!” whenever I mentioned a new bird I saw or a new adventure I completed. What a great friend! I’m especially grateful for the trips we took together and the meals we shared. Luckily I have a framed photo that he and Di gifted me from our trip together to Peru. It’s a happy reminder of brighter days. My sincere condolences to Di and the Staniforth family.

When one looks at the photos of Richard in this tribute, one thing stands out: he is always smiling or laughing. That was Richard: the most positive man one could imagine, always upbeat, even when his health was declining in the last few years of his life. I got to know Richard - and Di -sometime in the 70s, shortly after they arrived here. Richard became a frequent participant in MNS (Nature Manitoba) bird outings. In early 2004 he and I joined George Holland on a month-long trip to Mexico. Early on he had decided to walk in sandals through a grassy area....one can imagine what chiggers did to his feet and legs!! But Richard did not complain and we had a fine holiday. Later, during the Breeding Bird Atlas of Manitoba data-gathering phase, he and I visited several remote fishing camps in the north of the province. Here we had numerous adventures: watching a wolf amble by as we quietly sat on top of an esker, taking a break during a strenuous hike. The animal never noticed us. At another time we had landed on an island and the first thing we encountered were enormous fresh footprints of a Grizzly - they were larger than our size 13 boots. Needless to say, we were mighty relieved when we got off the island! Richard usually drove the boat - we only got lost once, but he was not to blame as we could not see shore in dense fog and ended up driving in circles. On shore, Richard always kept an eye open for ferns and other plants - he made several notable discoveries during those forays. And on top of that, he found Manitoba's first Black-throated Gray Warbler at his home. Richard will be missed, but he will remain in our memories. Sincerest condolences to Di and the whole family. Rudolf Koes

Oh, the adventures we shared with Richard and Di. . .we hauled those RVs of ours through Nebraska blizzards down to the southern States, and even into Mexico. (How many times did we spend the night in a Mexican gas station parking lot?)  We saw incredible sights, we watched exotic jungle birds, listened to howler monkeys while camped near ancient Mayan ruins. We roamed desert trails in Arizona, went into caves in New Mexico, kicked at waves along the California coast. We explored. The trip we took to Peru, with them and Gene, was the highlight of all those adventures. That Manu Road, the boat trip down Madre de Dios, balsa rafting in a bird-filled lagoon, new birds, new plants, new butterflies. . .what a spectacular trip that was. And with all these adventures, there was laughter, so much laughter, and a strong sense of friendship, even family. Richard, you are in so many of our best memories, and you always will be. Your friendship was valued, and we will miss you. Andy and Sam Courcelles

Birds in Peru 

Peru

2016 Peru

I knew Richard 'professionally' through his work on ferns at the Manitoba Museum and through involvement with the Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas. But to know Richard professionally meant that you had a friend as well as a colleague. He was quick to smile and share a humorous story, and, in particular, listen to what you had to say and then provide a few, quiet words of wisdom regarding an aspect of research or life in general. I will always treasure our 'lab chats' on his visits to the Museum, as I interrupted his gaze down a microscope at an herbarium sheet. Reading his legacy, one recognizes what a privilege it was to have shared even a small part of his life. The Museum, and all of us, will miss a wonderful friend, but will always have cherished memories and benefit from his many contributions. To the family, thanks for sharing - Richard renewed one's faith in the human race. Randy Mooi Curator of Zoology The Manitoba Museum

As friends and neighbours for 44 years, we spent many hours at Richard &Di’s enjoying their relaxing company. Many of our very special and happy memories involve spending time with Richard & Di outdoors, whether camping or sitting on the deck overlooking their beautiful garden. There was a definite theme in all these times together. We all could be deep in discussion or laughing as we shared the happenings in life. In the middle of a sentence, Richard would typically either look up and silently drift away from the conversation or suddenly point out a bird or a butterfly. Binoculars were usually close at hand. Often there’d be a little explanation on what made the bird or butterfly special or why it was there. Sometimes he mimicked the bird’s song. His enthusiasm and extensive knowledge, coupled with his ability to explain things in simple terms, made these interludes fun and interesting, and no matter how difficult it was to teach me anything, he never gave up hope.  Richard was patience personified. He never spoke down to anyone whether adult or child. He stimulated learning with a deep sense of adventure, playfulness and a gentle sense of humour. Walking with Richard along the ocean in Peru is a treasured memory. He loved the huge masses of birds there, and he pointed out their unique features and the reason for their behaviour. On walks at Hecla he’d explain the interconnectedness of everything in nature like unraveling a mystery. Nature walks with “Uncle Richard” were a highlight and a staple for our children and their cousins when they were growing up. His joy in the fascination of nature was contagious.   We miss him so much. Rika and Bev Lewis

We had a fantastic trip (Richards sister and family) to enjoy Grahams wedding years ago. On wedding day Richard decided that the apples on his tree in the garden needed to be harvested only minutes before the cars were coming to collect us for the ceremony. Di shouted so loudly “Richard not on wedding day love” Just as uncle Richard was teetering on the top rung of the ladder arms out stretched, “I’m not letting theses apples succumb to nature they’re  too nice’. Did make us laugh!!! Uncle Rich, you will always be spoken so highly of by us all and thought of everyday in recounted tales of days gone by.❤❤

Richard was one of the first people to welcome me to Winnipeg when I moved here 18 years ago, providing me with advice on how to be a good Curator.  As part of his fern atlas project, he carefully reviewed all of the ferns, horsetails, club mosses, quillworts and spikemosses in the Manitoba Museum’s collection, and donated many specimens he collected in remote areas of the province,  endeavors for which I am very grateful.  Most recently, he helped review the fern section for the Manitoba Flora that I am working on.   Richard was one of the classic naturalists, able to identify most plants and birds after only a moments’ pause.  He was eternally enthusiastic about nature, and kind and patient when explaining to me why one species was different from another, even though at a passing glance they looked identical.  He was clearly like that with everyone, as he won an award for teaching excellence. He will be sorely missed.  I am sad that the pandemic prevented me from being able to talk face-to-face with him before he died.  RIP.  My condolences to his family for your terrible loss.

We have been incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know Richard these past 4.5 years. New to the neighbourhood, Richard and Diana have always made us feel like family. From sharing tools, to swapping stories about the latest bird we’ve seen; to treating Lucas as one of their own; and to sharing their love of their family, their home, and their community with us.  We will surely miss Richard’s calming presence and benefiting from the joy in his smile when we’d say good morning; or afternoon; or did you see the eagles this morning; or Richard, what flower is this?  After reading all of the wonderful things that Diana, Terry, Ian, Graham, and Chris have shared about Richard, we are saddened by his passing but oh-so grateful for the time we shared with him. Love,  Kris, Brenna, and Lucas

I remember one evening in London ON Richard was making something for Diana.  It might have been a frame but I am sure Diana will remember .  Diana was ticked off because she had not heard from him .  It turned out that he had accidently cut the tip off his finger while making this for Diana.  She could not get hold of him because he was in the hospital. Richard also helped me when I was having problems with my husband and ended up staying at their place for a few nights. Richard kindly went over to speak with my husband. He was the one that made me become interested in bird watching.  They were a very special couple that have always mean't a lot to me. Norma