Richard Moore

About three weeks ago Richard got in touch to ask me for some words I would use to describe him for a business course he was doing.??Within a few seconds I had duly rattled off the following; diligent, adventurous, considerate, philosophical, chaotic, childish, gregarious and I could have gone on and on….accomplished, funny, clever… but frankly I didn’t want to give his ego any more of a boost.

Like everyone who loved him, we are now reeling in the wake of the unbearably tragic news that our friend and former colleague Richard died on Monday at home at age 48.?We are heartbroken for his wife and young son, Maxime, who he doted on.?His brothers and Dad are numb with loss and lives have changed forever. Our much-loved friend was at the height of his career, had settled in France, was fit and healthy and very happy living his best life in rural Picardy.??He’s gone too soon.?

We met in 2000 and within a few years ‘Vern’ had moved into the KDMedia offices as he needed a place to work and write columns for the Scotsman and Business AM. He became part of the team over five happy years ultimately helping us to run the KDMedia PR ‘sports desk’ while drafting his popular freelance work.?

At the Border Reivers he was a trusted rugby writer and a much needed colleague despatched to the dressing room for match reports.??We spent many happy Friday nights at Netherdale among players and fans watching young talent emerge.??He was so well liked by the team and management; a great laugh to be around but was also curious, a deep listener, a thoughtful contributor in conversation and interview.?

Back in the office, his sense of humour and charm compensated for the unbearable mess that followed him everywhere and the fact that he talked about his turn for making the tea far longer than it took to boil the kettle.?

But it wasn’t until he started writing about cycling his true calling and craftsmanship emerged. An early draft of In Search of Robert Miller left me astounded by his forensic detail, his amazing recall for random facts and ability to bash out endless words on a keyboard from little else than a Sony tape recorder.??

Over what felt like a few short years, four books on cycling and athletics poured out of him, seemingly effortlessly.??Three more followed and he was presented numerous awards for his work.?

In the last seven years, his career had reached new levels of success as co-creator and contributor of The Cycling Podcast, a phenomenally successful production with a global following of 10,000 listeners every day. His passion for the pro cycling tours and his encyclopaedic knowledge for the sport, and insightful commentary given with wit and humour, shone brightly through every contribution.???He became known throughout the world of cycling as a highly accomplished author, journalist, broadcaster and presenter.

Forever a supportive friend, even when distance separated our families, we were always in touch and while France and the cycling tours were his new home it always felt as though he had never left Edinburgh.?Now we slowly and very painfully come to terms with life without Vern.??The level of devastation felt across so many friendships in recent days shows that he was loved so deeply and by so many.?

I am heartbroken but we go on and hold on tight to the many happy memories with him over 22 years of work and friendship.??Thank you to everyone who has been in touch and for all your support and love.??Rest In Peace, BV.??