Condolences for Ricky Stevens, FIPPA (R.I.P)
We are accepting expressions of condolence via the IPPA website, which will be forwarded to Joan, Sandra and Ricky's family; please feel free to add your message and memories of Ricky below.
"Dear Joan, Sandra and family,
It is with deep, deep regret that I have belatedly learnt of Ricky's death.
With a big lump in my throat and a tear in my eye I remember the many great times spent in his company. A selfless 'gentle'man, it was a privilage to have worked alongside Ricky for 10 years on IPPA council and to have benefited from his wisdom and knowledge, especially during my two years as president.
I trust we will see a fitting IPPA memorial in his name.
Go ndéanfaidh Día trócaire ar"
Tom Meehan (IPPA Past President)
""So sorry to hear of Ricky's passing,I will miss his input having
heard him speak on many a judging night. An absolute gent is the
only way I could describe him.May he rest in peace.
my thoughts are with his family."
Morgan Kilgallen
"My condolences to Ricky's wife and family.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Ricky for his lifetime effort on
behalf of Irish Photographers. It is with sadness I learned of his
death. What an amazing and wonderful man. May he rest in
peace."
Michael O'Farrell
"It was with great sadness and deepest sympathy, to his wife
Joan, and daughter Sandra,& family, on hearing of the passing
of Ricky Stevens. Ricky who worked so tirelessly over so many
years, for the advancement of photographic profession.I say
thanks for everything.
Ricky may you rest in peace."
Des Gaffney
"Mairead & I was very sad when we heard the news that Ricky the gentle giant has left us."
Dominic Lee
"It was with deep sadness that we learned of Ricky's death , he was Mr IPPA and the organisation would not have been what it has become without his hard work over many years.He was one of life's gentlemen and was always welcoming and frendly to all ,he will be sady missed.Our sympathy to all .
Mike ,Roberta and Aaron.."
Mike Roper
"Condolences and sympathy to family and colleagues. I only met Ricky in recent years, but his talent, enthusiasm and especially his helpfulness and kindness were always apparent. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal."
Ger Lawlor
"So sad to hear of Ricky's passing. His bright smile and
generous nature will be sadly missed. Irish photographers owe
a huge depth of gratitude to Ricky for all he has done over the
years. His wife Joan and family should feel justly proud and
know that my thoughts and prayers are with them at this most
difficult time. Rest in peace Ricky."
Mary Croke
"Ricky was a good friend to me when joined the I.P.P.A. The kindness and wisdom he showed me when I was finding my way in Photography I will always remember.A true gentleman and it was a privilege to know him."
Kathryn Cashman
"Ricky was a lovely man and a thorough gent; he believed deeply in the IPPA & worked tirelessly for it. May he rest in peace."
Trish Brennan
"Please accept my sincere condolances on your sad loss."
Michael Bamsey Ashling Photography
"I'm so glad I got to work with Ricky on his final project. I really hope its followed through in his memory."
Sharon Sutton
"It was always to pleasure to be in Ricky's company,a wonderful person so kind to me and my family.
RIP."
Paul Callaghan
"It is with great sadness I heard of Ricky's passing. He was always a gentleman, always helpful and generous with his time and always willing to share his vast knowledge. The world has lost some considerable value with Ricky's death.
I will light a candle. R.I.P."
Kevin Carr
"My thoughts are with Ricky's family at this difficult time. Ricky was always so generous with his time and skills, an inspiration to us all."
Grainne Duggan
"Heaven's League Of Gentlemen has just been joined by a very worthy member. Rest in peace dear friend...."
Jim O'Sullivan
"A gentleman, amazing talent and true giver to all of us. The Irish Photographic industry enjoys the profile,credability as well as high level of skill nationally & globally with great thanks to Ricky Stevens. Thank you Ricky for giving to us all. Rest in Peace."
Mary McCullough
"A huge loss to both Rickys family and the photographic community. Apologies but could not attent funeral. My dad Fr Frank was deeply upset on hearing of Ricky's passing."
Joe Gavin and family
"“As long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the ... memories are still there. You live on—in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here.”
"Death ends a life not a relationship......" Morrie
Sincere sympathy to Joan & family.
Thank you Ricky for touching my life, a true 'gentle'man has entered heaven RIP"
Sinéad Ni Riain
"Sincere sympathy to the Stevens family, relatives and friends on the death of Ricky . . . a true and loyal friend to all of us in the photography profession."
David Farrell
"Ricky was one of a kind. The definition of a 'People Person'. He helped so many photographers in so many ways, including myself. He will be sadly missed."
Mick Quinn
"May we offer our deepest sympathy to John, Sandra and Family on the passing of Ricky. My memories of Ricky go back to the 60's when even then he was way ahead of his time. He was a true gentleman and a wonderful help to so many many in the trade. May he rest in Peace."
Jim Mc Donald & staff at JM Photo Ltd.
"Very sorry to learn of the death of Ricky. Our deepest sympathy to Joan, Sandra, all his family and many close friends.
May he rest in peace."
Brendan, Bernadette and Helena Flynn
"Starting photography in the 60s Ricky was one of the first pro photographers I met. He was always in a good mood and always a pleasure to be around. Joan and Sandra are in our thoughts."
Barry Kinsella, Florida US
"We have known Ricky for many years, without him the IPPA would not have been possible, he will be sadly missed"
Michael Martin, Limerick
"It was great to know a man who was so devoted and passionate about Irish photography, the IPPA was his baby. Respect.
Namaste"
Mark Russell-Hill
"Ricky was a real gentleman who did his best to help us all.
He made me feel welcome in the IPPA. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you."
Alan Hastings
"I met Ricky recently for the fist time to discuss some sponsorship in conjunction with his charity work. I was impressed how passionate he was about his work.
Condolences to his family and friends."
Daniel Rafferty EPSON
"I remember helping Ricky to assemble the IPPA exhibition in Galway many years ago. He was a lovely man who contributed so much of his time to the IPPA. Rest in peace."
Kelvin Gillmor
"Ricky's untiring desire to pass on his vast knowledge will never be forgotten. He taught me to print colour in the early 80's. A true ambassador for Irish photography and a sad loss to family, friends & colleagues. My sympathy to his family. May he rest in peace."
Colm Connaughton
"My deepest sympathy goes to Ricky's family,friends and colleagues at this sad time. He was a true gentleman who welcomed me into the business over 12 years ago. Always full of knowledge and advice.
May he rest in peace"
Robert Seale, Stewart Photo Supplies
"I first met Ricky when I was a 16 year old working for Bobby Howe Studios in Aungier Street. He encouraged me to join the IPPA which I did and attended many of their meetings in the Central Hotel which was in Excequer St off Georges St Dublin.
From then on we would bump into each other as I progressed my career and various enterprises down through the years. His skills and dedication to Photography and the IPPA was boundless and I will miss his laughter every time we reminisced. Slán Ricky.."
Keith Nolan
"I was deeply saddened by the passing of Ricky who was a great support to me when I started my first Studio in Malahide in '83. To dear Joan and family , In this difficult time you can be comforted in the knowledge that he touched and helped so many Photographers in Ireland to learn their trade.
He was an inspiration and world of Knowledge about the creative side of the Photo industry. He introduced me to so many people throughout the world involved in photography.
May he rest in peace"
Gerald MacCann
"Ricky gave me my first job and my love of portraiture. He taught me to print, to light, and to look at assignments with an open mind. He let me, a greenhorn at the time, use his beloved Hasselblad and Sinar.
I don't know what I did to deserve to be taught by him and to work for him, but I have never and will never forget what he did
for me and my career.
Sincere condolences to Joan and Sandra and all his family."
Margaret Moore
"Always on the end of a phone for advice and consultation. He had a spirit of generosity that was second to none and will be sadly missed by his friends and colleagues world wide. A terrific ambassador for he association and photography in general. He put Ireland on the global map! May he rest in peace."
Vinnie O'Byrne
"For all of the years that I have been a member of the IPPA,
Ricky was the IPPA.. .. always welcoming and interested in what
you were doing and as many have already said a real
gentleman... he will be missed..."
Dave Cullen
"The passing of an Icon, I will always remember Ricky for his invaluable help and advice. His life was dedicated to the association,his "other" child."
Jim Sweeney
"Ricky will be sorely missed, he was extreamely helpful to me when I first joined the IPPA and many times after that . May in rest in peace , a true gentleman."
Michael Cotter
"A true gentleman who gave me so much help and advice when I started in this business. Rest in Peace"
Steve Kelly Bramble Photo
"Sorry to hear of your passing,"
Gerard McCarthy
"May I send my sincere sympathy and heartfelt best wishes to Joan and family at this difficult time.
It was a pleasure to have known Ricky who always made me feel so welcome and at home in the IPPA from the day I joined."
Mike Brown
"Joan and Sandra, so sorry to hear of Ricky's passing"
Liam Hogan, Ennis
"As an adopted Irishman by my many friends, I can only begin to realise how you are all feeling at this time, particularly his family.
I can hear and see Ricky smiling as I write this. Ricky was a true statesman for the IPPA and their members, nothingwas too much trouble for him and photography was his passion. Ricky was well known throughout the world, he will be missed by all."
Kevin Wilson, UK
"I just wanted to express my deep sadness to hear of the death of Ricky. He was a great ambassador for the IPPA and worked tirelessly in their interest. I enjoyed the time that I worked with him, particularly on the Masterpiece Awards and always admired his energy and enthusiasm.
My condolences to Joan, Sandra and their extended family."
Jackie Farrell, Promotions Manager, FUJIFILM Ireland
"Dear Joan,Sandra and family, Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I had the privilege of meeting Ricky some time ago in Mayo and he was the one who introduced me to the IPPA back in the early ninety’s when we moved to our family home area in Co Mayo from the UK. I spoke to him many times and he was an inspiration and a tremendous help. I will miss him and his advice, a true gentleman in every way."
Phillip Stratford L.I.P.P.A., , Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo
"Dear Joan and Sandra,
We send our deepest sympathy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time."
Rose Petal Baker, Baker Photography, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick
"Ricky was a true gentleman generous with his time and knowledge, a real loss to the photographic world.RIP(Rest in Pixels)."
Mark Reddy Trinity Digital Ltd
"My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all at this time. Ricky was a legend and will be sadly missed."
Ken Donnelly
"My sympathy to Ricky's family, an enthusiastic ,good humoured man who always had a word for you and will be missed by all who knew him.A lovely man."
Karl Mc Donough
"Witty, avuncular and wise……I’ll miss my old friend."
Robert Mullan
"So very sorry to hear the sad news of Ricky's passing. My symapthy to Joan and Sandra and the rest of his wider family circle and close friends. May he rest in peace."
Suzanne Toal
"Ricky will be sadly missed a true gentleman, with a big heart. Deepest sympathy."
Kevin Wallace
"We were so very sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Ricky. He was a wonderful gentleman always full of kind & helpful advice and information for the new members of the IPPA. He helped me join the IPPA and I last remember speaking with him at the IPPA Dinner Dance in Ballyscanlon Hotel, where we were laughing about being (kind of!) related to each other via my partner John Godsil who is Bula Sargent's brother in law (Arthur Godsil's younger brother). We'll miss his kind and warm presence."
Susan Jefferies & John Godsil of Susan Jefferies Photography
"Sorry for your loss"
Kathryn O'Shea
"Ricky was one of life's true gentlemen. He will be missed greatly by his family and he will be also greatly missed by all who knew him and had the good fortune to be associated with him in any way.
Ricky, from your golden seat in Heaven, comfort and protect your loved ones and look kindly on, and intercede for your friends and colleagues and your beloved industry that you worked so hard for.
Ricky, May you rest in peace and reap the rewards of your harvest. It was a life well lived."
Gerry Costello
"The name Ricky Stevens will be forever linked with Professional Photography in Ireland. He was dedicated to the Profession and to all engaged in it. He had many gifts and talents which he shared with so many throughout his life. Ever available to help fellow Photographers and to organise events, with dedication, enthusiasm and a generosity of spirit that knew humility. I have good reason to be thankful to him, and I will miss him. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. SUAIMHNEAS SÍORRAÍ"
Pádraig Ó Flannabhra
"I will miss Ricky's humor and wit on the occasions I met him.
He helped me through my early stages of membership of the Association. He was a true friend to all members who confided in him. He will be sorely missed.
Go ndéanfaidh Día trócaire ar a anam."
Declan O'Doherty
"I will always remember Ricky's welcoming smile, he was a true gent and helped me greatly when I started on my own.
To Joan and Family our deepest sympathy"
Richie & Sandra Gavin
"Dear Ricky touched my life with his generosity, and good spirit. My favourite memory of him dropping by my humble studio on a whim to offer me advice, brings a smile to my face. I only wished I could have worked alongside him, in the front room looking through his collections, for longer.
The notion of never seeing you again was the furthest from my mind the last time we met. I will miss you Dick and I will be thinking of you.
May God be with you and your family."
Michelle
"Ricky was one of the first people I was introduced to in the IPPA. He always remembered my name and made a point of saying hello which always made me feel welcome. A true gentleman."
Garrett Byrne (Arklow)
"My friendship with Ricky. At times it was turbulent, but you know good debates, lead to informed decisions.He was a visionary,when I worked for him,in the 70s, he never ceased to amaze me, his creativity and out of the box thinking were an inspiration.and under his leadership the IPPA awards were formulated, which has led to producing some of the most progressive and talented photographers in the world. We owe him a great debt. Thank you Ricky"
Derek Fannin
"It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of my great friend and colleague Ricky.He did trojan work for the IPPA and me personally over the years.My deepest sympathy to his wife Joan and his daughter Sandra and family .He will be greatly missed by all."
Eugene Ferris
"Dear Joan,
Ricky was just so helpful to me in 1987 when I was trying to establish myself as a photographer, His dedication to the IPPA and its members will never be repeated."
Kevin Dwyer AIPPA
"Mrs. Stephens and family. My condolences. Ricky was the first face I met through the little window of the old IPPA office and how pleasant that was. He approved my 10 images for LIPPA and said I would have no trouble getting through and then he showed me around the office. I then met him at the Focus event in Birmingham a couple of years later and he remembered my name, I felt so proud. Ricky also dropped photos to my aunts house on Mount Argus, my aunt remarked what a gentleman he was, how right she was."
Eugene T. Hamill
"Ricky always held and demonstrated the best of interests towards both Family and the Photographic Community, right to his last day!
Joan, Sandra and Family, you should be so proud. Best wishes...."
Lorcan & Joan Brereton
"Ricky was very helpful to me when I first arrived in Ireland 14 years ago.
Condolences and a belated thanks."
Paul Sherwood
"Ricky did so much to help fellow photographers both young and old. He was always there to give a word of advice.
Please pass on the condolences of the Maxwell Family - Pat, Marie, Mark and Tony."
Mark Maxwell
"My Condolence to his family members. Ricky was a kind man with the i.p.p.a. at the centre of his daily life, he will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace."
Thomas Sunderland
"Rest in Peace"
Connie Cronin
"Ricky was a champion of us '70s students in Kevin Street. All through my career Ricky and Joan offered kindness, support, and introductions all over Europe and here at home.
A Photographer who gave more than he had to give, I doubt we will ever see his like again. I'll miss him."
Peter Moloney
"To Joan and family, I was so very sad to hear that Ricky passed away.
I would like to say what a fantastic help he was to me over the years with kind words and encouragement of which this alone had helped me succeed.
Thank you Ricky you will be missed."
Cormac Byrne
"So sorry for your loss.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all."
Angela Marini
"I remember first joining the IPPA and receiving such encouragement from Ricky. In recent years it was a pleasure visting Ricky in his home and listening to his advice.His knowledge of the photographic industry was second to none. A true gentleman who will be sadly missed by all who had the honour of knowing him."
Gareth Byrne, Hon Treasurer IPPA
"I was very sorry to hear the bad news. Ricky has been a great supporter of the IPPA for so many years. He will be sadly missed by all the members."
Roslyn Byrne
"My sincere sympathy on the passing of Ricky.RIP."
Richard Browne (formerly FUJIFILM)
"In the words of the Sinatra song, he did it his way. May Ricky rest in peace."
Donagh Glavin
"Since i joined the IPPA Ricky was always there to encourage me and i will dearly miss him not only as a colleague but most of all as a friend.
May he rest in peace"
Paddy Clarke President IPPA
"At a time when I needed advice and help, Ricky provided me with help, advice and encouragement for which I will never forget.
Should there ever be a time that I can help someone, I certainly will, and it will be in memory of Ricky."
Michael Hayes
"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet such a fine gentleman and great contributor to the photographic industry."
Ron Nichols, 2009-2010 President Professional Photographers of America
"I only met Ricky a couple of times, but his enthusiasm for all things photography-related was inspiring. He was a true gentleman and was always willing to chat about things and offer advice and assistance.
May he rest in peace, and my thoughts are with Joan and Sandra at this time."
Liam Byrne, OnSight.ie
"Ricky's passing is a loss to not only his family, friends and colleagues, but also to the photography industry around the world. Those who knew him in America held him in the highest esteem. We join you in mourning his loss."
Ann Monteith
"I met Ricky only 3 times; on each occasion I found that he was the perfect gentleman. He was very helpful.What came across more than anything was his passion for photography.
May he rest in peace."
Maurice Cloake