Richard Haddock obituary: Devon farming legend Richard Haddock has tragically died from a shotgun wound and tributes are pouring in for the former councilor and respected farmer.
Richard Haddock Obituary
Devastating news has hit the farming community as Richard Anthony Haddock, respected farmer, farmers’ rights campaigner and former town councillor, has tragically died at his farm shop in Dartmouth Road, Brixham. An inquest heard Mr Haddock, who was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and lived at Devon Hills Holiday Village in Totnes Road, Paignton, suffered a fatal shotgun wound to the head while at work.
The incident came just days after he appeared in court on June 23, where he pleaded guilty to six offenses involving illegal dumping of waste at Churston Court Farm, in a case prosecuted by the Environment Agency.
Police, responding to concerns for his welfare, discovered Mr Haddock in the Churston Ferrers area on Sunday, June 25. Despite the quick reaction of the emergency teams, he could not be saved.
Richard Haddock has left an indelible mark on the agricultural industry, serving in prominent positions within the NFU, including District Chairman in 1999 and South West Regional Committee Chairman in 2006/7. He was also noted for his contributions as Chairman of the Regional Livestock Committee and Chairman of the NFU National Livestock Committee in the early 2000s.
Having chaired Brixham Borough Council until May this year and serving as a Conservative and Senior Councilor on Torbay Council until 2019, Mr Haddock’s commitment to the community was evident. The City Council deeply mourns his death and extends its sincere condolences to his wife Caroline and all his family and friends at this difficult time.
What happened to Richard Haddock?
Tragic news has rocked the farming community in Devon as we have lost Richard Haddock, a well-known farmer, to a shotgun wound. The inquest, held at Plymouth Coroner’s Court on June 29, investigated the circumstances of his departure to Churston Farm Shop in Brixham on June 25.
Assistant Coroner Louise Wiltshire led the hearing, detailing Mr Haddock’s life. Born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, he lived at Moonshadow Rise in Devon Hills Holiday Village, Paignton. At the time of his death, he was a retired farmer and happily married.
Ms Wiltshire confirmed that, based on current medical evidence, the cause of death was attributed to a shotgun wound to the head, with no suspicious circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Just days before his death on June 23, Mr Haddock faced a case at Exeter Crown Court brought by the Environment Agency. He pleaded guilty to six offences, including the illegal dumping of waste at Churston Court Farm.
Police were called to the Churston Ferrers area on Sunday, June 25 due to concerns for the welfare of Mr Haddock. Emergency teams immediately arrived at the scene, but unfortunately they were unable to save him.
Richard Haddock was widely known and respected in the Southwest for his advocacy of farmers and ranchers. He has held prominent positions within the NFU, including Chairman of the County and South West Regional Committees. His dedication to the industry has left a lasting impact and the NFU, together with its members, extends its sincere condolences to his wife Caroline and all his loved ones at this difficult time.
In addition, Mr Haddock’s community involvement extended beyond agriculture, serving as Chairman of Brixham Town Council and as a Conservative and Senior Councilor on Torbay Council until 2019. He was a well-known face in the Brixham area, where he founded Churston Farm Shop.
Brixham Town Council released a statement expressing its deep sadness at the loss of its former councillor, highlighting Richard’s passion and commitment to the town. During the inquest, Ms Wiltshire detailed the circumstances of Mr Haddock’s death, noting that he was at work, carrying out his duties, when the tragic incident occurred.
Who has been honored by former councilor and farmer Richard Haddock?
South Devon Boroughs are mourning the loss of Richard Haddock, former councilor and farmer, who has died aged 66. As a mark of respect for him, flags will be flown at half-mast in Torbay.
Mr Haddock had a deep connection to the land of the Churston and Brixham region, serving passionately on both Brixham Town Council and Torbay Council. His commitment to the community was unwavering, making him a respected figure among his colleagues and friends.
Tragically, Mr Haddock’s body was discovered at his beloved Churston Farm Shop on Sunday, leaving the community heartbroken. Councils have reached out to offer their condolences to his bereaved family and friends, recognizing the huge impact he had on their lives.
During his tenure Mr Haddock has proven himself to be a true supporter of Brixham and the town council. His unwavering dedication and passion for his work was evident in everything he did. Torbay Council, where he served from 2015 to 2019, also paid tribute by lowering the flag at Torquay Town Hall until sunset on the day of his funeral.
In addition to his local involvement, Mr Haddock has made a significant contribution to the National Farmers Union (NFU), earning recognition and admiration across the industry for his tireless campaigning on behalf of farmers and growers. Union President Minette Batters fondly remembered him as a familiar face in the Southwest and a strong advocate for their cause.
In the tragic circumstances, the police confirmed that the death is not considered suspicious, and the coroner’s file is being prepared. In a sad turn of events, Mr Haddock recently admitted six offenses involving illegal dumping, brought by the Environment Agency, during a hearing at Exeter Crown Court. The loss of Richard Haddock has left a void in the hearts of those who knew and admired him, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education