Richard John Atkinson

On 27th June, 2023 suddenly but peacefully in hospital, with his loving family by his side, Richard, aged 69 years of Barnoldswick. The dearly loved and loving partner of Carmel, inspirational and loving dad of Tom, Lucy, Max, Nick and Tim and a most cherished friend of Barnoldswick.

Richard trained and qualified as a physiotherapist. He spent a time working in the Middle East and upon returning opened his own practice, also working at Gisburn Park Hospital. When Richard moved his practice to Skipton Road in Barnoldswick, he quickly gained a reputation for excelling in the world of holistic and energy medicine, acupuncture and all things natural. He never stopped learning and had a natural gift and curiosity to know more. He had the most extensive library and was like a sponge on his quest for wisdom, knowledge and healing. He also had a fascination for the Shamanism and learnings of the bumble bee and built a beautiful bee hotel in his garden. In his younger years, Richard had been a keen traveller throughout Europe and also played Lacrosse for England at International level. He loved his sport, particularly cricket and had played for Oakworth CC. He was also known for his passion for horse racing, each day eagerly purchasing his Racing Post and playing the odds. He had the deepest respect for nature and loved gardening and feeding the birds and hated any form of cruelty. Richard was a very special gentleman loved by all for his compassion, warmth, humility and permanently positive attitude. Dedicated to the things and people he loved, he was inspirational in his devotion and care for his family, teaching them that everything done with love would last. Richard was well loved and respected by so many, and through them his good deeds will live on.

Jillian Parkinson

Very sad news, lovely man.

Judith Brown

So sorry to hear about Richard. I always enjoyed his company. He will be sadly missed . Love to the family.

Rachael Eminson

Deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Richard’s passing. I’ve spent many hours in Richard’s practice and he’s really changed my life. He was a fantastic physiotherapist, it amazed me how passionate and knowledgeable he was. The hospital told me I would never walk properly again let alone run or all the exercise I do. Some of his ideas were definitely out there at times, like wearing flippers at the local pool. He also treated and got me in control of other ailments which has given me years un medicated. I could never of thanked him enough and wish I could one more time. He’s also treated most of my family and lots of friends. He will be missed by many. Love to all the family.

Justine Whitaker

I know from experience that your loss will feel overwhelming, your father Richard was someone who I knew professionally and as a patient… he had helped me so much after my accident last year following a bad dog bite, and for that I will be forever grateful, I will miss our discussions about the lymphatics and research (or lack of good quality) and he will continue to inspire me during the rest of my PhD studies as I reflect on our very interesting chats. Please take into your future your memories of your father knowing he is locked in your hearts forever and what a profound positive impact he had on others, take care of yourselves and allow yourselves your grief. J xxx

Liz Heath

I’m so very sorry for your loss. Richard was a true gentleman who’s knowledge was amazing. He always had a sense of humour and really helped me and my family through various accidents and incidents. He will be missed by lots of people . A true character and unique gentleman. Very sad news.

Dawn Barrett

So shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Richard. I have known Richard for many years, as he has mended my broken body many times. I always told him you have healing hands and xray eyes. I cannot believe he has gone. He was truly inspirational, caring and we had many interesting conversations but most of all I will miss the laughter we shared. How can you walk into a clinic crippled with pain, and come out skipping and aching with laughter. Only YOU could do that Richard. What a magical man you were. You will be so missed but never forgotten. Sending my wholehearted condolences to his family. X

Roy Harvey and family

I have known Richard for over 20 years and in that time he has treated my whole family with back, knee, hip, shoulder, etc. you name it he treated it with amazing success. We have all lost true healer, friend and free spirit. To Richard’s family from our family Roy, Mary, Jenna and Alistair will miss your professionalism support and friendship. Please accept our deepest sympathy at this most shocking and profound loss.

Sheila Stevenson

A remarkable healer and a lovely man. Like so many others I will always be grateful, to him for changing my life, by enabling me to enjoy long pain free walks once again. When the NHS couldn’t help. So sorry for your loss.

Chris and Lisa Derbyshire

Having known Richard for many a year, this is a sad day. Never had the opportunity to benefit from his healing hands but still managed to learn from his wisdom, enjoy the many stories of his travels and share in his love of brandy. Richard always had something interesting to discuss and I’m sure will be missed by a lot of people.

Jeffrey family

We have known Richard for over 30 years as a friend, sporting team mate and physio. He was a most positive, kind and genuine man. His healing hands were a God send to all our family over the years. We have to take the blame for getting Richard into betting as we invited him to Cheltenham races in 2015 and he won over £500 and got the bug. The pile of racing posts in his work room showed the depth of studying he did. We had 8 enjoyable years returning to the Cheltenham festival. We will all miss you.

Alan and Yvonne

Sorry we could not be at Richard’s funeral, we have had no internet connection while away on holiday. We will miss Richard, he always had a smile when he saw us out with Lenny walking past his surgery, he was a very kind man who took great satisfaction from improving my back problem and readily gave advice on exercises to improve my condition, I will miss him for his profesionalism and friendship. Alan.

Deborah and Lee Morton

Richard cared for us both, he told us of this beautiful place called Crammond, today we visited this place in memory of him, a sad loss, RIP Richard.